Lee Kuan Yew, was undisputedly the most well-known man in Singapore.

He was also probably the most talked about person in Singapore.

Some will talk about him in admiration, while others, with a hint of bitterness.

Full disclaimer: I am the former.

Many question me, asking me what I even know about him and whether I'm just being politically correct. Because by the time I was born, he had already stepped down as Prime Minister for four years, so, how much would I even know about his contributions?

However, being a man of foresight, his policies are so far-reaching and time-proof that even today,

many affect us millennials even though the policies were implemented long before our parents even met.

That is why we have much to be thankful for to Lee, especially for his following seven contributions that have an impact on our lives, even till today.

1. He made us

Sort of.

Without him, many of us might not have been born. This is because, many of our parents speak different dialect. For me, my father is Teochew while my mother is Hokkien. If Mr Lee did not encourage every Chinese to speak in Mandarin, instead of their own dialect, my parents would never have been able to understand each other, fall in love and have me.

2. He gave us the Ah Boys to Men franchise

Had a good laugh during the Chinese New Year while watching Ah Boys to Men 3: Frogmen? Then you have to thank Mr Lee. Because afterall, NS was the brainchild of the early leaders and him.

3. That anyone can be a graduate

Many will argue that meritocracy in Singapore is flawed but to them, I say, at least we have meritocracy.

I have many friends that come from families that are not so well to do. However, today, they are pursuing their degree in local universities. This means, unlike their parents, they have a chance of being a PMET (professionals, managers, executives and technicians) - the top tier of Singapore's workforce.

And their parents are able to afford the school fees because of subsidies and CPF.

This means everyone and anyone have the chance to succeed, as long as you study hard.

4. That we are not North Korea

Watching documentaries on North Korea, many of the youths today are shocked and disgusted.

However, that could have been us because our forefathers almost voted fervour believers of communism into power.

Can you imagine slaving away everyday only to have government-issued rations and a meagre allowance to look forward to?

Instead today, our hard work is rewarded by faster cars, bigger houses, tastier food, exotic vacations and branded goods.

Sure, Mr Lee's method of bringing down the communist may be considered by some as unethical and a convenient excuse for him to remove his potential competitors. However, I would say, judge him kindly and not by today's standards, because when he was prime minister, it was a different time with a different set of challenges.

He did what he had to do and today, time has proven that he had made the right decision.

5. He gave us many memes

Like this one.

And this.

And this is my favourite that I always send to my friends.

6. That we are colourblind.

I could never quite understand the Social Studies chapter on Sri Lanka and Northern Ireland. Why couldn't they get along because of their difference in race and religion?

(But, I studied that chapter anyway because it was easy to score.)

All thanks to Mr Lee who believed in multiculturalism. Growing up in a fragmented and divided Singapore, he made building a multicultural Singapore his primary goals.

And he succeeded, because today, we are colourblind and it allows us (except for the one or two bigots that frequent The Real Singapore) to be accepting of all religions/races, without which, I would never  get to know some of my closest friends.

Also, it brings me back to point one because my half-Malay and half-Chinese, and half-Indian and half-Chinese cousins would never have been born.

7. A roof over everyone's head

Question: How many countries would a widow with five children be able to afford a house?

Not many.

Thankfully, my grandmother is Singaporean. Because of HDB, another brainchild of Mr Lee and the early leaders, she was able to own a house.

I am thankful that my father did not have to grow up with the constant fear of having a place to stay.

Just like how us millennials never have to worry that we won't have a place to stay. Instead, we grow up with the expectation (not dream) of owning our own place next time.

Thank you for everything, Mr Lee.

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