FOUNDING FATHERS OF SINGAPORE

FOUNDING FATHERS OF SINGAPORE

21.

Mdm Ho Geok Choo asked the Acting Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts (a) what other measures are being taken to honour Singapore's founding fathers and leaders who are still with us; and (b) how can future generations of Singaporeans be reminded of their contributions and sacrifices.

RAdm [NS] Lui Tuck Yew: In his National Day Rally speech, Prime Minister Lee said that it is important that the nation remembers the founding fathers properly. It is not just a matter of gratitude, but to stay true to the ideals that they fought for and to remind ourselves to continue striving to become "one united people, regardless of race, language or religion".

The measures being taken to honour the founding fathers and leaders not only acknowledge their contributions during the early stages of Singapore's development but recognise that these contributions have a transformational role. They serve as the foundations upon which Singapore's success continues to be built.

For example, Dr Goh Keng Swee was instrumental in building up the SAF. He built not just the hardware but a thinking SAF, with capable commanders and staff and soldiers who can outwit and out-manoeuvre the opponent. Dr Goh's emphasis on developing talent

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and on a thinking SAF endures. In recognition of this, the Singapore Command and Staff College, which is the highest institution for training senior officers in the SAF, will be renamed the "Goh Keng Swee Command and Staff College" in Dr Goh's honour. In addition, in recognition of Dr Goh's contributions in developing our education system, a new building which will house the Academy of Singapore Teachers will be named the "Goh Keng Swee Centre for Education".

Other ways in which the contributions of Singapore's founding fathers and leaders are commemorated include exhibitions, publications, videos/ documentaries and other educational programmes to educate younger generations on the contributions of our forefathers and inculcate and strengthen national identity.

The permanent exhibition on Singapore History at the National Museum of Singapore features our founding fathers, leaders and other important historical figures throughout Singapore's history. The National Heritage Board (NHB) also organised travelling exhibitions, such as "Project 3/12: A Nation Remembers" to commemorate 50 years of self-governance. The National Archives of Singapore (NAS) also curated "10 Years That Shaped a Nation: 1965-1975" (launched in 2007) and "The Second Decade – Nation Building In Progress: 1975-1985" (launched in 2009) which features Singapore's 20 years of growth after Independence. The "10 Years That Shaped a Nation" exhibition highlights some of the important contributions made by Members of the First Cabinet to the Republic.

The National Library Board (NLB) also carried out a special project and event on the First Cabinet. To promote a greater understanding of Singapore's Founding Fathers, a publication titled "Singapore: The First Ten Years of Independence 1965-1975" was published in collaboration with NAS in 2008. The publication is a guide to resources available in NAS and NLB on the Members of the First Cabinet during the first decade.

These are just some initiatives which have been implemented to recognise and honour the contributions of Singapore's founding fathers and leaders. More will be implemented. In addition, we also welcome ideas and initiatives from the community and grassroots organisations on how they would like to pay tribute to our pioneers. Ultimately, through these measures, we hope that present and future generations will be inspired by the deeds of these individuals and build on their efforts to make a better Singapore.

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