Writing this while listening to a beautiful performance of Majula Singapura by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.

It might be slightly controversial to say this, and I am still unprepared for a titan such as Lee Kuan Yew to go, Singapore's 50th birthday seems to be an apt time for him to.

He is the politician I respect the most. Not because of his tenacity or grit even when all seemed to go wrong, or even his charismatic speeches, but his willingness to change policy direction to suit the changing political and economic climate of the time.

It may seem oxymoronic to respect a politician for his changing views over the years, when most win votes by strongly campaigning for the relatively unchanging views of their supporters. But that is precisely why I think he is different from most. He knew that his own view, or even that of his core supporters sometimes didn't matter. What did was what was best for the country, to which he devoted his life too.

As we commemorate his life though, we cannot forget the team that has backed him all this while. Most of our founding fathers have passed away too, and LKY's death can almost be seen as the passing away of a generation that guided Singapore through its toughest times.

Being born in the mid 90s, into relative wealth, I cannot profess to understand all the past struggles that have in some ways defined our national psyche and mentality. That being said, I think we are in a much better position today to think about who we are and where we want to go.

When independence was thrust upon us, the main narrative was one of survival. While we are still extremely vulnerable in certain ways, it is a fact that we now have the opportunity to focus on the deeper questions.

I would hate for Singapore to decline in my generation. Something that my forefathers built will not be squandered away.

Is it too grand a dream for me to want to make Singapore the best place one can live in? Not just in terms of opulence, but vibrancy, comfort and safety. Maybe, but I think we have proven to the world we can achieve what everyone says we can't. We just have to prove them wrong once again. Just like he did.

I think that would be the ultimate tribute to him. RIP Mr Lee, and thank you for everything.

I'm learning so much here, but it's just so emotionally and mentally draining. It's as if they are trying to tell me to run a full marathon when all I've ever run are sprints.