Businesses and organisations remember Mr Lee Kuan Yew

SINGAPORE — The Singapore business community and local organisations have been paying tribute to Mr Lee Kuan Yew, who passed away earlier this morning (March 23).

Here's a look at the tributes and offers of condolences:

UPDATE: The Institution of Engineers

Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS)

Saachi Singapore and tenants of High Street Centre

A tribute corner by Saachi Singapore and owners of High Street Centre opposite the Parliament House. Photo: Lee Yen Nee

Wildlife Reserves Singapore

Photos: Wildlife Reserves Singapore 

Singapore Islamic Scholars & Religious Teachers Association (PERGAS) 

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National Trades Union Congress President Diana Chia and Secretary-General Lim Swee Say

Dear Brother Hsien Loong,

The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and its affiliated unions share in your family’s grief and extend our deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved father, Mr Lee Kuan Yew.

Mr Lee Kuan Yew was the founding father of independent Singapore, and also a dear brother to all of us in the Labour Movement. His ties with the unionists and workers stretch back to the fractious environment of the 1950s, when he first fought alongside the Postal and Telecommunications Uniformed Staff Union for better pay and terms. In the arc of his life and throughout his accomplishments, the welfare and interests of workers have always been on the top of his mind.

As co-founder of the People’s Action Party, he built a strong, symbiotic relationship with the NTUC. As the first Prime Minister of Singapore, he championed a constructive brand of tripartism. He was not detached from the everyday affairs concerning our workers. Instead, he forged reforms and introduced policies that improved our economy, transformed our nation and gave us hope of a better life. He gained our complete trust with his personal motto that the PAP government would never forget that “it is in the interest of workers and their unions that we must strive for growth and development.”

Mr Lee dedicated his whole life to the workers and people of Singapore. He has left an indelible mark on the lives of us all. Our heavy hearts are filled with sadness, but also gratitude. His selfless leadership and steadfast support to the unions and workers of Singapore will forever remain in our hearts. We will always honour and remember his legacy, lived out in each and every one of our lives.

On behalf of all our sisters and brothers in the Labour Movement, we stand with you and your family during this difficult time.

Qantas Group

Singapore Manufacturing Federation

Google

Arsenal Football Club

Chelsea Football Club

Borussia Dortmund

SATS 

The Board, Management, Unions and Staff of SATS deeply mourn the passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, the founding father of Singapore and our first prime minister.

This extraordinary man led a vulnerable city-state from third world to first world, in just a few short decades under challenging circumstances. We owe the success of Singapore to this great man.  He had a hand in every facet of the fledging nation’s development, including the decision to relocate the country’s airport from Paya Lebar to Changi in the mid-70s amid the oil crisis.

Because of his foresight and strong convictions, Singapore Changi Airport has grown to become a major international gateway. The aviation industry – and the many other industries it supports – has contributed significantly to the country’s economic growth. All of us in the aviation community have much to thank Mr Lee Kuan Yew for. His legacy remains.

We at SATS honour the memory of Mr Lee Kuan Yew and express our deepest condolences to his family during this period of bereavement.

Hong Leong Group Singapore

UPDATE (March 26): Hong Leong Group Singapore announced today (March 26) the postponement and cancellation of events slated to take place in their hotels and other properties, as a mark of respect during this period of national mourning.
In a press statement released, the company said a celebratory event at W Singapore - Sentosa Cove which was to take place today has been postponed until further notice, and a wedding show scheduled for this Sunday has been postponed to May 24. 

Some ‘live’ band performances at the Group’s other hotels have also been cancelled and ambient music toned down. Colourful decorations have also been taken down.

The statement also said that those affected will have any penalty fee waived for postponement of events, adding that so far there have been organisers — mostly organised by foreign embassies and local government agencies — requesting to cancel their events during this period.

Flags in over 120 hotels globally under the the Hong Leong Group banner will be flown at half-mast as “a unified show of grief with Singaporeans” at the passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew. 
Some of the properties under Hong Leong Group Singapore include Sentosa Cove, Orchard Hotel, Grand Copthorne Waterfront and M Hotel.

Other events that have been cancelled or rescheduled can be found here.

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Singapore Exchange

It is with a heavy heart that we mark the passing of Singapore’s first Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew. Mr Lee was a man of great foresight and conviction. He saw way ahead into the future, assembled a solid team and together with them lifted Singapore against great odds to First World status.

We have much to thank him for, not least of which our status as a leading international financial hub.

SGX joins the nation in mourning and expresses our condolences to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, our Board Member Lee Hsien Yang and their families.

Chevron

Singtel Group CEO Chua Sock Koong

On behalf of the board, management and staff of Singtel, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr Lee Kuan Yew on his passing.

The world has lost a great visionary leader. While saddened by the loss of our founding father of modern Singapore, we celebrate his life,achievements and legacy. In the most difficult times during the early days of Singapore, Mr Lee led the people of Singapore to forge ahead and transform the nation into the success it is today.

His courage, conviction and brilliance will continue to inspire future generations.

StarHub CEO Tan Tong Hai

This is a sad day for Singapore as we were all looking forward to celebrate Singapore's 50th birthday with Mr Lee Kuan Yew. He was much loved by all of us and often seen as the father figure of Singapore.

I was born in the sixties and I am two years older than Singapore. During the early formation years, all of us went through a period of hardship and turmoil. Mr Lee Kuan Yew was able to forge a strong team of pioneer leaders and laid a solid foundation for meritocracy, equal opportunities for all, good education, public housing and healthcare. I was one of the beneficiaries of the system and manage to rise through the poverty trap to be where I am today. I am grateful to Mr Lee Kuan Yew and I am sure he will be missed by all of us.

Mr Lee Kuan Yew was a great leader and a strong believer of succession planning. He oversaw the seamless transition of two generations of succession from Mr Goh Chok Tong to our current PM Lee Hsien Loong. The leadership team and policies are very much in place and I am sure there is sufficient momentum to see Singapore into the future.

CapitaLand

“Singapore has lost a unique and exceptional son. All of us at CapitaLand are deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. We share in their loss and extend our deepest condolences to his family.” - CapitaLand Group Chairman Ng Kee Choe

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew. Mr Lee was the master builder of Singapore’s economic and social landscape. A visionary leader, he was instrumental in building Singapore  from a little red dot to become a key economic player and developed country on the international stage. In fact, he has shaped our DNA so well that Singapore, Singaporeans and Singapore companies have become good brand names. Mr Lee has laid a strong foundation for the country. His commitment to Singapore, unyielding spirit and astuteness are indeed qualities to be admired, remembered and embodied.” - CapitaLand Limited President & Group CEO Lim Ming Yan.

Standard Chartered Bank

We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew. In this difficult period, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Lee’s family and loved ones. While we know that Mr. Lee will be missed by many, we believe that he will be remembered by many more for all that he had done for Singapore. We would also like to express our gratitude and respect for Mr. Lee, Founding father and key contributor to today’s Singapore.

He left a very deep impression on me.  In particular, I was struck by his speech at the Business China’s first anniversary dinner in 2008. What he said then has guided me since. He reminded us that we must not let down Singapore’s reputation for reliability and integrity. These core values that have shaped Singapore’s past have also influenced my behaviour. He was truly a visionary leader who will be missed. - Mr Lim Cheng Teck, CEO, ASEAN, Standard Chartered Bank.

AIA Singapore

Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation

ANZ Singapore

ANZ Chief Economist

PwC Singapore

Esplanade Singapore