10 lessons from Dr Goh's life
There's much to learn from his achievements, says diplomat Tommy Koh
Modern Singapore was blessed with an extraordinary team of founding fathers. After Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, Dr Goh Keng Swee made the most important and enduring contributions to the prosperity, security and quality of life of Singapore. Dr Goh's passing is a teachable moment. I would like to deduce 10 lessons from his life and achievements.
1 Courage, optimism and can-do spirit
When Dr Goh became Finance Minister, he faced formidable challenges: widespread poverty, high unemployment, poor resource endowment, a small domestic market and industrial strife. In 1965, when Singapore was asked to leave Malaysia, Singapore lost its hinterland. In the face of such odds, Dr Goh never despaired. He had courage, optimism and a can-do spirit. This is the first lesson.
2 Most problems have solutions
The second lesson he taught us is that, if we think hard enough, there are solutions to most problems. After Singapore exited Malaysia, Dr Goh made the world our hinterland. He swam against the tide by inviting multinational corporations to invest in Singapore. He made 'profit' a good word instead of a bad word. He created a pro-business environment which made Singapore stand out in the Third World.
3 Defy conventional wisdom
We should think for ourselves and not be a slavish follower of conventional wisdom and fashionable theories. Dr Goh was a rebel.
For example, he was not afraid to deviate from Keynesian economics and the Western ideological bias against industrial policy. He would insist on thorough homework and he would study the experiences of others but, in the end, adopt a solution which fitted our circumstances and worked.
4 Build institutions
Institutions matter. Dr Goh built many new institutions. Most have endured and prospered. Many charismatic leaders of the Third World have made the mistake of using their charisma, instead of institutions, to get things done. Dr Goh has left Singapore with a rich legacy of strong institutions.
5 Secure Singapore's prosperity and independence
The people in government - both politicians and civil servants - must be focused, not on their personal agenda but on securing the prosperity of Singapore and protecting her sovereignty and independence. In many countries, both developed and developing, people aspire to public office in order to enrich themselves. Dr Goh once said that taking up public office in Singapore is like joining a holy order.
6 Respect and help the poor
One of the purposes of government is to make the world a little less unfair for the poor, the disabled and the disadvantaged. Perhaps because Dr Goh started his professional life in the social welfare department and he represented Kreta Ayer, one of the poorest constituencies in Singapore, he never looked down upon or ignored the interests of the little people. I recently asked a Latin American friend what is the biggest difference between the politics of Singapore and her country's. She replied that, unlike the case in her country, Singapore's ruling elite respects and cares for its poorer citizens.
7 Ideas are important
Dr Goh respected scholarship, research and ideas. He founded the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, the predecessor of the East Asia Institute of the National University of Singapore, and others. He was well-read and enjoyed meeting and picking the brains of scholars and thinkers.
8 Go beyond material things
Dr Goh was a well-rounded individual. He loved music and founded the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. He created the Chinese and Japanese gardens in Jurong. He was also the founder of the Jurong BirdPark and the Zoo. The eighth lesson is that life is more than making money and eating well. It is also about learning to enjoy music, communing with nature and marvelling at the splendours of the bird and animal kingdoms.
9 Lead a simple and frugal life
Dr Goh's thrift is legendary. Even when he could well afford it, he continued to live a simple and frugal life. He shunned ostentation and consumerism. When I called on him at the Monetary Authority of Singapore, when he was its chairman, he apologised for the size of his office. I do not think Dr Goh would approve of the trend in Singapore where some wealthy citizens flaunt their wealth and lead self-indulgent lives.
10 Never stop being curious
The last lesson is that one should always be curious and never stop thinking of new ideas. Dr Goh's interests spanned an incredible spectrum. When I was serving at the United Nations in New York, I would receive requests from him for papers on such esoteric topics as falconry and Mormonism. Dr Goh had a child-like curiosity about the world and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge.
The writer is the chairman of the National Heritage Board.
He is also Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
with thanks to Sunday Times (http://www.straitstimes.com/)
http://www.straitstimes.com/Think/Story/STIStory_530164.html
Simply Sincere >>
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