Transition to 4G leadership

Transition to 4G leadership: Knowing when and how much to let go

All eyes will be on PM Lee and the 4G team as new phase of leadership transition starts in May

Mr Goh Chok Tong (left) being sworn in as Singapore's second prime minister in 1990. Mr Lee Hsien Loong (right) being sworn in as Singapore's third prime minister in an outdoor ceremony at the Istana on Aug 12, 2004. PHOTOS: ST FILE
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Years ago, Education Minister (Higher Education and Skills) Ong Ye Kung learnt a lesson when he was teaching his daughter how to ride a bicycle. As an overprotective father, he wanted to hold on to the back of the bicycle in case she fell - but she could not find her balance if he continued doing so.

He concluded: The young are often better at keeping up with the fast-changing world than those who are older - and as parents, sometimes the best thing that can be done for them is to "know when to let go, and what to let go of".

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on April 08, 2018, with the headline Transition to 4G leadership: Knowing when and how much to let go. Subscribe