WHO was Lee Kuan Yew?
Lee Kuan Yew was the founding Prime Minister of Singapore and a visionary leader, the leader of leaders who transformed the country from a struggling post-colonial state into a global economic powerhouse. Known for his pragmatic and results-driven approach, Lee believed in prioritizing performance over promises and adapting strategies to achieve success.
His leadership was shaped by his experiences of war, British colonial rule, and the challenges of building a nation. Lee emphasized realism over ideology, often quoting thinkers like Friedrich Hayek, but focused on practical solutions rather than rigid theories.
He championed permanent transformation, balancing human potential with the reality of inequality, and used observation, discussion, and practical experimentation to guide his governance. Lee Kuan Yew remains a global icon of pragmatic leadership, leaving a legacy of resilience, innovation, and success.
How He Thinks?
Lee Kuan Yew: A Mind Shaped by Realism and Pragmatism
Lee Kuan Yew, the founding Prime Minister of Singapore, was a leader whose thinking was deeply rooted in realism, pragmatism, and a constant pursuit of what works best. His perspective on human nature, governance, and problem-solving was shaped by a combination of personal experiences, historical insights, and his ability to adapt to challenges. This article explores how he thought and approached the world around him.
Equality: A Misconception in Human Nature
One of Lee Kuan Yew’s core beliefs was that humans are not born equal. He argued that equality is an unrealistic concept because individuals differ in potential, behaviors, and competitiveness. Men and women, for example, are inherently different, he noted, and expecting society to operate on the basis of complete equality is to limit growth.
Lee often referenced Friedrich Hayek’s critique of socialism, emphasizing that life itself is unequal. Even identical twins, born with the same genetic makeup, experience differences—one is born first, and this precedence, however small, sets them apart. The same applies to individuals, tribes, and nations. For Lee, governance required accepting this reality and working within it to create opportunities for growth and success, rather than forcing an ideal of equality.
“No society has existed in history where all people were equal and obtained equal rewards.
But it is possible to create a society in which everybody is given not equal rewards, but equal opportunities, and where rewards vary not in accordance with the ownership of property, but with the worth of a person’s contribution to that society”.
Society should make it worth people’s while to give their best to the country. This is the way to progress.
Lee Kuan Yew
Pragmatism Over Ideology
Lee Kuan Yew’s leadership was not guided by rigid philosophies or ideologies but by pragmatism. He consistently asked himself, “What will make this work?” His focus was on solutions that delivered results, rather than promises or abstract ideals.
While Lee read extensively, including works by Friedrich Hayek and other classical liberal thinkers ( IFL-SP - Instituto de Formação de Líderes de São Paulo), he did not adhere dogmatically to any one theory. Instead, he approached problems with an open mind, seeking practical answers that would maximize well-being for the greatest number of people. When he identified a successful solution, he analyzed the principles behind it to understand why it worked.
Learning Through Observation and Discussion
Lee’s approach to governance was deeply influenced by his observations and experiences. When traveling, he studied how societies and administrations functioned, asking, “Why are they so good?” For him, reading alone was not enough; what mattered was the ability to relate lessons to his own context.
He emphasized the value of discussions with knowledgeable individuals over merely reviewing documents. These conversations, combined with his real-world experiences, helped him shape strategies that were grounded in reality. Lee’s leadership style was characterized by his ability to draw practical insights from both observation and dialogue.
A Life Shaped by Experience
Lee’s thinking was profoundly shaped by the events of his life. Having lived through wars and the British colonial era in Singapore, he developed a deep understanding of governance, control, and transformation. He learned from the British Empire’s administrative practices and adapted them to Singapore’s unique needs, creating a model of governance that emphasized permanent transformation.
He believed that success depended not just on the "hardware"—the physical, mental, and emotional capacities—but also on the "software"—the values, responses, and adaptability conditioned by experiences. This balance of capabilities and character enabled him to lead Singapore’s rapid transformation into a thriving global hub.
Strategic Priorities: Performance Over Promises
For Lee, the acid test of leadership was performance, not promises. His approach to governance was guided by results rather than ideology. He focused on solutions with the highest probability of success, always ensuring there were alternatives if one path failed.
This mindset of constant adaptation and learning allowed Lee Kuan Yew to govern with unparalleled effectiveness. By prioritizing what worked and remaining flexible in his methods, he created a legacy of pragmatic leadership that continues to influence policymakers worldwide.
Lee Kuan Yew’s thinking was shaped by his belief in realism, pragmatism, and the relentless pursuit of what works. He accepted the complexities of human nature, avoided rigid ideologies, and relied on experience, observation, and discussion to inform his strategies. His leadership philosophy serves as a powerful example of how a results-driven, adaptable mindset can transform a nation and inspire generations.
The Three Transformational Decisions of Lee Kuan Yew for Singapore
Lee Kuan Yew, the founding father of modern Singapore, made three bold and visionary decisions at the very beginning of his leadership. While these decisions may now seem obvious, they were highly contested and controversial at the time. Each of these choices played a pivotal role in transforming Singapore into the global success story it is today.
1. Adopting English as the National Language
Lee Kuan Yew declared that English would be the primary language of Singapore. While many advocated for preserving local languages to stay true to cultural roots, he saw English as a unifying tool and a gateway to global commerce, diplomacy, and progress. This decision positioned Singapore as an international hub, enabling its citizens to connect seamlessly with the world and access global opportunities.
2. Attracting the World’s Best Talent
Lee emphasized the importance of bringing the best intellectual capital to Singapore, regardless of origin. Despite objections that Singapore should rely solely on local resources or avoid collaborating with former colonial powers, he remained firm. By welcoming global experts and talent, Singapore gained access to cutting-edge knowledge and skills, which accelerated its development and innovation.
3. Zero Tolerance for Corruption
Lee Kuan Yew implemented a strict zero-tolerance policy on corruption, ensuring that political leaders were well-compensated to reduce the temptation for unethical practices. By making Singapore's political leaders some of the highest-paid in the world, he safeguarded integrity and accountability in governance. This commitment to clean and efficient leadership became a cornerstone of Singapore's success and trustworthiness on the global stage.
Conclusion: Lessons for Brazil from Lee Kuan Yew's Strategy
I fully agree with the strategic decisions Lee Kuan Yew implemented in Singapore, and they hold valuable lessons for countries like Brazil. Brazil is a nation with immense potential but has yet to realize that adopting English as a primary second language is essential for global competitiveness. How can Brazil attract tourists or amplify its voice internationally if it relies solely on Portuguese, a language not widely spoken worldwide? While preserving the Portuguese language and cultural identity is vital, implementing English as a mandatory second language in every school would open countless doors for growth and global influence.
On the topic of attracting top talent and paying public officials competitive salaries, Lee Kuan Yew’s approach is exemplary. Many fail to understand that without offering competitive compensation, it is nearly impossible to attract private-sector expertise into the public sector. However, it’s not just about paying high salaries; it’s about holding leaders accountable for delivering outstanding results and achieving meaningful goals. Paying well is justified when tied to excellence and performance, and this strategy simultaneously helps combat corruption.
Lee Kuan Yew’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption, supported by competitive salaries for politicians, created a government of integrity and effectiveness. This is exactly the type of governance Brazil needs: a balance of well-compensated, high-performing leaders with strict accountability and no tolerance for corruption. His model offers a clear path for Brazil to unlock its vast potential and step into a brighter future.
Read more: A estratégia que levou Singapura a uma potência mundial (Lee K Yew)