Lee Kuan Yew’s Educational Legacy: The Challenges of Success

by Oon Seng Tan (Editor), Ee Ling Low (Editor), David Hung (Editor)

The late Mr Lee Kuan Yew (1923–2015) laid the foundations for the creation of a first-world education system in Singapore. Like many other issues concerning the country, his ideas for education were transported in a red box, which he took with him wherever he went, even up to his last days. Inside it was always something designed to help create a better life for all Singaporeans. The editors of this volume were inspired by the idea of Mr Lee’s red box and by the Founding Father’s selfless drive to continuously improve the country he loved. As such, the book explores in detail Mr Lee’s plans, including chapters on The Man and His Ideas; Foundational Pillars of Singapore’s Education; Education for Nationhood and Nation-Building; and 21st Century Readiness and Adaptability. The chapters also include the authors’ visions, no matter how great or small, for the future of education in Singapore. They explore how Mr Lee’s educational policies resulted in a system that attracts the right and best candidates to become teachers; that forms them into effective teachers, specialists and leaders; that ensures they and the education system are able to deliver the best possible learning for every child; and that establishes a legacy that has allowed the education system to continue to move forward while tackling the challenges of its success.
From the little red box came the ideas that led to the country’s meteoric rise. Likewise, the editors hope this book will lead to a brighter future in education.

185 pages, Hardcover

Published March 3, 2017

Reviews

[Josué Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a very important message, not only for the development of countries, but for personal development too. What makes countries great is the investment in its human capital, especially education. Albeit foray his time, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew succesfully converted Singapore into the country it is today, not through implementation of ideoligies, but through pragmatic measures and intelligent investment in Singapore's human capital. Instead of being grudgy to former invaders, as many countries usually are, and being stuck in the past, Lee Kuan Yew foresaw Singapore's future in free market and education that a highly developed country requires to keep this model afloat. Singapore is the best example that a resource-poor country can become one the richest countries in the world, if the correct measure are applied.

[Akhil · Rating 2 out of 5]

A waste of time, It is merely a collection of tributes sewn together in a haphazard manner. Repetitive and dreary, adds no value.

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting, but there was - in my view - too much of a eulogy to Lee Kuan Yew and too little of the details of his Educational legacy.