The words of wisdom and legacy of founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew are significant, not just on the anniversary of his death on March 23, but always ("Singapore's future according to LKY"; last Sunday).

His books and books about him should be recommended reading for the young and for future generations, and should be included in the school syllabus.

There is no denying the impact of Mr Lee's efforts in painstakingly creating this nation.

A memorial to recognise our founders and their values will act as a reminder to current and future generations of what is expected of us to sustain and build on their efforts as we move towards SG100 and beyond.

Singaporeans showed their gratitude to Mr Lee when he died last year. But it is now important for us to ensure that his work was not in vain. We must remain above sentiment and push on with what needs to be done in the continued pursuit of all that is good for our little island-nation.

Just as Mr Lee thought about us all the time, making sure we survived, we must now pull together to keep the institutions and systems that he put in place working. In doing so, we also pay tribute to all that he taught us.

Mr Lee's achievements at home were legendary, and he also made a name for himself abroad, ensuring Singapore's place on the world map.

Now, other visionary Singaporeans must step forward to assume that role on the world stage and into the future.

This will be possible only if we turn back every now and then, and consider the words of this resolute man who led us from Third World obscurity to First World status in just 50 years.

Manoraj Rajathurai