Nathan a man of action and humility who spurred others on

To the masses, Mr S R Nathan represented the servant leader, whose career trajectory was influenced by the trials of the initial phases of his life.

To our politicians, he was a key member of our Pioneer Generation of leaders, who ploughed the ground and laid the foundations for Singapore’s prosperity.

To his friends and relatives, he was humble, compassionate and down-to-earth as much as he was the President, often sending handwritten letters to thank his friends for their friendship.

While we grieve the loss of an immense servant leader, we should also derive lessons from his life and emulate him in our own capacity.

For instance, he held his own and showed pluck in defending Singapore’s stance on caning Michael Fay in 1994.

He demonstrated that the Republic would not relent simply because the United States was a superpower.

Mr Nathan’s resolve during his interview with CNN cemented our legitimacy and the kind of leadership ethos that should guide our country: Composure even in the face of external forces and even when the odds are seemingly against us.

In a similar vein, he also displayed servant leadership in 1974 by risking his life with the Laju hijackers, which showed another dimension of leadership that is still needed today: The greater good of the country takes priority over one’s life.

Beyond the political sphere, we should remember that Mr Nathan was heavily involved in charitable activities such as the President’s Challenge and attended many charity events.

His commitment to social causes while maintaining a taciturn life after retirement showed a desire to attain recognition only for raising awareness of those various causes, to engender societal progress.

Therefore, as the flags fly at half-mast in reverence for Mr Nathan’s values, let us not forget the essence of his being: Reticence amid concrete actions, humility amid his various duties to Singapore and spurring others to better themselves.

As he had remarked: “From the adversities of childhood and youth, I learnt never to shun the rough and tumble of life ... I learnt to look at life in the face.” Rest in peace, sir.