Singapore lost a special individual.

8 years ago, he sat down for 5 minutes and talked to me. It was a really short conversation but it was very insightful and it was a piece of advice I carried with me for a long time. This special someone told me to dream, reach for your goals and be successful but when you do, be contented and remember to serve your community. I met him at a luncheon at the Singapore Chinese Swimming Club.

I remembered his words and maybe this is the reason why I volunteer so much... Its an subtle and unconscious thing i do.. I love volunteering and I spend too much time volunteering. In Singapore and in Canada... I am still dreaming and I am still reaching for my goals.

This individual displayed a genuine concern for others and a natural warmth, he touched many lives. From humble beginnings, he became a well-loved and respected man in Singapore. He belonged to the generation that witness and Singapore's transformation from a British colonial outpost through war and upheaval to a sovereign nation.

In 1973. Dr Wee was then 58, a veteran newspaperman planning to retire from journalism. The Foreign Minister Mr S Rajaratnam persuaded him to become Singapore's High Commissioner in Kuala Lumpur. In those early years after Separation, relations between Singapore and Malaysia were strained. The task was delicate, it would be to reset the tone of relations. He hesitated because of his lack of diplomatic experience, but eventually agreed.

After Malaysia, he went on to serve as our ambassador to Japan and South Korea. Then as he was about to retire, he was persuaded to chair the board of the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation (SBC).

The third time, he was called upon again, in 1985. He answered yet another a call to serve his nation, the nation at that moment needed someone with his warmth, integrity and grace. He did and happily for Singapore.

I remember his picture hanging in our school hall. I remember watching him on TV. I remember meeting this guy and listening to him. I still clearly remember his words of advice and my heart skipped a beat when I returned from Vancouver and heard the news. We lost a very special individual.

I read a quote that said: On your tombstone, there will be two dates. But the only thing that really matters is the little Dash in between.


November 4, 1915 - May 3, 2005
He was Singapore's 4th president, He served 2 terms of presidency with distinction, from 1985 to 1993
Dr Wee Kim Wee is an extraordinary and inspiring story of humility, humanity, and service - to his family, his friends, his colleagues, and to the nation.

Quoting PM Lee:
"We remember him as the President who restored the dignity and honour of the office, and who touched the lives of the people of Singapore. He was a true Singaporean, who crossed boundaries effortlessly, reaching out to and befriending persons of every creed and colour, the powerful and the ordinary, the rich and the poor, the able and infirm. This was how he had always been, and he was determined that the highest office in the land would not change him.

He continued to serve in charitable organisations, kept up with old friends, and stayed active, mentally and socially. He learnt to use a computer, set to work and wrote his book, leaving something behind for future generations to understand Singapore and life as he saw it, and to know him - a remarkable Singaporean. "

He was the People's President. Our President, my president.