The book honours the memory of the founding father of modern Singapore and reflects students’ and teachers’ adoration and reverence for the departed leader

The book is a showcase of tributary events which took place across all three campuses in Singapore

Global Schools Foundation (GSF) launched a tribute book on the first Prime Minister of Singapore, Late Mr Lee Kuan Yew on Friday, 25 September 2015. The 50-page book, titled Remembering Late Mr Lee Kuan Yew 1923-2015, documents heartfelt tributes for the departed Mr Lee through photos, artworks and messages that pay respect and exhibit adoration.

Mr Baey Yam Keng, Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community, and Youth, presided as the guest of honour to launch this special book. During the event Mr Baey said, “It is commendable that as an international school, Global Indian International School (GIIS) is making such a special effort to remember the founding father of modern Singapore. I hope that many students will read it and gain a better understanding of Singapore.”

For Mr Baey, Minister Mentor Mr Lee inspired the way he viewed life, and the perspective he donned in his work and personal regime. Students present during the launch interacted with Mr Baey who had worked with Mr Lee when he served in the Tanjong Pagar GRC earlier.

Mr Baey interacted with students and shared memories of late Mr Lee Kuan Yew

This curated collection contains messages, photo spreads, and tributes paid by students during the mourning period for Mr Lee from 23 March to 29 March 2015. According to Mr Atul Temurnikar, Chairman and Co-founder of GSF, “The desire to pay tribute to Mr Lee through a book on behalf of the students, faculty members of GIIS and Board members aroused to keepsake collection and messages for the departed leader, which is imprinted on our memories forever. This book is a testament to how he (Mr Lee) influenced all of us. More than that, it gives GSF a poignant insight into how we all remembered Mr Lee since his passing away. We pay tribute to a great man and salute him for his deeds.”

The values and legacy of Mr Lee are deeply inscribed into GIIS, as during 2009, Mr Lee visited GIIS Queenstown Campus for the launch of Infosys founder, Mr N R Narayana Murthy’s book - A Better India A Better World. This book also has a collection of some of the iconic photographs and interviews of the late former prime minister during his visit to GIIS. Remembering Late Mr Lee Kuan Yew 1923-2015 comprises four main sections and covers various memorial and tributary activities organised by all GIIS campuses in Singapore.

Varsha Menghani, student of IB Year 1 from GIIS Queenstown Campus met Mr Baey along with other students. According to Varsha, “On the event of unveiling the book Mr Baey shared several fond memories regarding Mr Lee, and the bond both men shared was evident enough in Mr Baey’s words, helping me understand the depth of the situation. Singapore has lost its father, its guiding light, and leader. However, the notion that the students of GIIS have kept the legend of Mr Lee alive, even if it is through a book, makes me proud of my school.”

S Yogarajan, another student of IB Year 1 from GIIS Queenstown Campus asserted, “During the book launch, my inquisitiveness was also reflected in the form of a question about Tampines GRC to Mr Baey. I asked him, what are your plans for improving Tampines GRC, to which he responded with a smile sharing his vision, where there was a hint of Mr Lee@aps@s planning skills and intelligence. There were lots to learn from him (Mr Baey) and I realised to what extent people would give respect for a person who makes a difference in the way he lives, but I also got inspired to deliver my full potential in whatever I do.”

• To view more images: https://goo.gl/xHsDnI
• To watch event highlights: https://youtu.be/WeINuB_FoC8