SM Lee: Singaporeans have recently been shining on world stage in law, sports, & arts... it takes a village to succeed
SINGAPORE: Earlier this week, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong took a moment to celebrate the Singaporeans who have been receiving international recognition of late, and along with it, applauded the greater community that makes their success possible.
“Singaporeans have been shining on the world stage in recent days, in law, sports, and the arts,” he wrote in a Nov 4 social media post.
SM Lee started with diplomat Rena Lee, who received the highest number of votes in the UN General Assembly as a judge of the International Court of Justice. She is the first Singaporean, as well as the first Southeast Asian woman, to have this distinction.
“I wish her every success as she begins her term in February 2027,” he added.
Next on his list is 16-year-old Ng Zhe Nin, who won the gold in women’s taijiquan at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, on Nov 3.
SM Lee noted: “This is Singapore’s first medal at these Games, and a historic achievement as wushu makes its debut as a medal sport at the YOG.”
He also highlighted the achievements of Max Maeder. The 20-year-old kitefoiler was announced as one of the four nominees for World Sailing’s Male Sailor of the Year on Oct 26, “following an unbeaten run across the major international circuit this year.”
As for the arts, he congratulated two filmmakers, Ervin Han and Priscilla Ang.
Mr Han co-directed the hand-drawn animated historical drama film The Violinist, which was awarded Best Animated Film at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards on Oct 30.
Meanwhile, Ms Ang’s debut movie, Ah Girl, won Best Film at the Singapore International Film Festival’s Silver Screen Awards the following day.
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“These achievements span diverse fields, but all reflect years of hard work and dedication. Behind them are family members, mentors, teachers, colleagues and friends who have supported and encouraged them along the way. It takes a village to succeed,” he wrote.
SM Lee also encouraged “every Singaporean with dreams and aspirations” to keep going and “give them your best shot.” /TISG