WASHINGTON - A STAR-STUDDED cast of the US capital's political and business elites turned up to honour Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew on Tuesday night (Wednesday morning Singapore time) as he was awarded a lifetime achievement award for his contributions towards United States-Asean ties.

Three US Presidents - Mr Barack Obama, Mr Bill Clinton, and Mr George H W Bush - sent congratulations via letters and tape-recorded messages, while two elder statesmen - former Secretaries of States Dr Henry Kissinger and Dr George Shultz - were on hand to help Mr Lee celebrate the occassion.

The Minister Mentor is the first recipient of the lifetime achievement award, which the US-Asean Business Council created in conjunction with its 25th anniversary.

About 450 people, decked out in tuxedos and glamorous evening dresses, attended the glamourous event at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

Among those who paid tribute to Mr Lee were Dr Kissinger, Dr Shultz, Senator Jim Webb, and Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell.

In a statement to The Straits Times, Dr Shultz said: 'Ideas, information, clarity of mind, integrity of purpose. Mr Lee Kuan Yew has all of these characteristics and many more. He is a truly great man who has been a wonderful friend over many years.'