The founding of a school of international studies bearing Mr S. Rajaramam's at the Nanyang Technological University is a significant milestone in our nation's history. It is a fitting tribute to one of the most remarkable personalities in our nation's history.

Mr Rajaratnam, who served in the Singapore Cabinet for 29 years. Was an articulate spokesman for a multicultural Singapore and thought-leader and problem-solver in foreign affairs. He had a deep understanding of Singapore's predicament as a small nation without natural resources which had to survive in a difficult, sometimes hostile world. Never a starry-eyed idealists, his realism and pragmatism served Singapore exceptionally well in dealing with our neighbours and in positioning Singapore in an increasingly globalised world.

Mr Rajaratnam led our foreign policy making through a combination of ideas, oratory and negotiating skills which made a deep impression on his interlocutors. He was a humble man with a passion for the intellectual debate which left deep impressions with his audience. His contribution to the founding and making of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was immense.

His foreign policy combined multicultural nationalism, regionalism and globalism, all three of which have served Singapore extremely well. He will always be remembered for his wit, his entertaining writing style which communicated his ideas succinctly.

Mr 0thman Wok is the Chairman, Mindsets
(Pte) Ltd and was a former Minister for Social
Affairs in the Singapore Cabinet

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