Mr. Lee Kuan Yew: An Entrepreneurial Culture for Singapore

• Main Author: Singapore Management University
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 2002
• Subjects: Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/ho_rih_hwa/3; http://youtu.be/s351dXCAdBw

Speaking at the inaugural Ho Rih Hwa Leadership in Asia Public Lecture Series, former Singapore Minister Mentor Mr Lee Kuan Yew, alluded to the four salient features of America’s entrepreneurial culture: a national emphasis on personal independence and self-reliance, respect for those starting new businesses, acceptance of failure in entrepreneurial efforts and tolerance for a high degree of income disparity. He called for a change of culture, values and mindset towards encouraging more entrepreneurs. Mr Lee believed that while entrepreneurship is latent in Singapore society, it is not extinct, and the key to unlocking this latent potential lies in the education and inspiration of the youth.