A reflection on the achievements of the two founders

I think both of them are good role models for us, their contributions to Singapore should be carved in one's mind. Actually, I do not really understand what their achievements are. Are their contributions that help in the development of Singapore counted as their achievements or are their academics and awards counted as their achievements? What I think are their achievements is things that they should be proud of, things they made them proud about.

My Reflection

I think Dr. Goh Keng Swee creation of Jurong as an industrial hub is simply fantastic. From a swampy and wasteland to industrial hub, he must be very determined. Yet problems that arise bring out even more of his creativity. I think that the Economic Development Board (EBD) was a very clever idea. The EBD, created with the purpose of furthering the economic development of Singapore by attracting foreign investments. Also, the idea of forming Singapore Armed Force (SAF) is amazing. As Singapore population is not as much as other country, our soldiers are limited, therefore making national service compulsory for all male Singaporeans above the age of 18 ir brilliant. If we do not protect our own country, who will? I think that we should learn from him his perseverance, intelligence and his other good characteristics. Mr. S Rajaratnam had overcome or erase the doubts at first about the legitimacy of Singapore’s birth prove me that he has strong leadership which came from his ability to make other believe him and his confidence. I think we should learn from him his leadership and his other good characteristics.


In your opinion, who contribute more to Singapore’s progress, explain your answer.

I think both of them contributed greatly in the development of Singapore. But if I really had to choose, I think Dr. Goh Keng Swee contributed more to Singapore’s progress compared to Mr. S Rajaratnam. Dr. Goh Keng Swee , being the First Finance Minister and later as the First Defence Minister had put in a lot of effort in shaping the development of Singapore into a prosperous nation. Among his most notable contributions was the creation of Jurong as an industrial hub when at that time, Jurong was just a swampy wasteland. The formation of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) was also one of the most notable contributions and so were the Economic Development Board (EDB), the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), and the Government Investment Corporation (GIC). All these key pillars of Singapore’s success bear the imprint of Dr. Goh Keng Swee.