SINGAPORE - A steady stream of people filed into the community tribute site at Jurong on Tuesday to pay tribute to former prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.

Some brought flowers and cards to place at the site, and many viewed the photo exhibits and penned messages to Singapore's founding father.

Located at the the Canopy@JLink next to JCube Shopping Centre, the tribute centre opened on Tuesday - a day after Mr Lee died at the Singapore General Hospital where he had been hospitalised since Feb 5 with severe pneumonia.

Mr Yan Ye Long, a 64-year-old People's Association Volunteer, said he remembered Mr Lee in his younger years, having met him on two occasions.

"The first time I saw him, I was a secondary one student in Serangoon Garden Technical Secondary," said the former businessman. "LKY attended the school's opening ceremony in 1964, and I remember he was young, but his actions were very powerful and forceful."

Mr Yan's second meeting with Mr Lee came when the Macpherson Branch of the People's Action Party was opened in 1969. A volunteer at the branch, Mr Yan said he was fortunate enough to meet and shake hands with Mr Lee, and even take a photo together with him.

"Ever since I met him so long ago, I've been in awe of him," Mr Yan said. "I would keep close watch of all his actions, because his good policies really should be taken note of."

He was saddened after reading about Mr Lee's passing early on Monday morning via social media, but said he had prepared himself for the news.

The volunteer plans to continue helping out at the tribute centre for the rest of the week as a mark of respect to Mr Lee.