By Dorothy Seet, Honorary Chairperson of SingCham
He commented: “That’s a very nice suit!”
When Mr Chin Siat Yoon, the Ambassador of Singapore to China replied that the suit he was wearing was tailored by Beijing Smart Garments, an entity operated by a Singaporean, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Senior Minister of Singapore at that point asked to have one made for himself, and I was contacted to see him at China World Hotel in Beijing. That was the start of my friendship with Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.
The first time I met Mr Lee Kuan Yew was when he was visiting China with his wife, Mdm Kwa Geok Choo in 2000. As the purpose of the call on him was to take his measurement and make him a suit, I brought with me a team of designer and technical staff.
I introduced a very wide comprehensive range of fabrics for suits and shirts. Mrs Lee Kuan Yew went through the selection carefully, selected a range of fabrics, and lovingly checked with Mr Lee on her choices. I was filled with admiration as I observed the way both of them responded to each other. I could sense the deep love and respect they had for each other. Mr. Lee left the final decision on the choices of fabric and design, completely to his loving wife.
When the merchandise was ready, I brought them back with me on my trip back home. I called his personal assistant to make an appointment to see Mr Lee to deliver his suit and to ensure that the fit of the suit was satisfactory. I arrived at the Istana where Mr. Lee still had his office, at about 5:30pm. Although the appointment was at 6:00pm, and was ushered to a waiting room. At 5:45pm, his PA (personal assistant) called and told me that Mr Lee had deliberately contacted him to inform that he will be about 10 minutes late, arriving at 6:10pm instead of 6:00pm due to heavy traffic on the road. I was most impressed! A person of his status and achievement had bothered to get his assistant to apologise for being 10 minutes late. To think that I had not had that same respect from some of my staff who were late for meetings!
Mr Lee and Mrs Lee arrived at the Istana punctually at 6:10pm. I had him put on the suit and also tried on the shirts. He was happy with the fit and the quality of the finishing of the suit. In particular, he was fascinated by the adjusters on the trousers which allowed him to loosen or tighten the waist freely.
Subsequently, there were many other orders made, and after frequent visits to the Istana, I became known as “the tailor from China” as the security guards would inform his office each time I sent his merchandise over.
Indeed, I was honored and pleased that I had the opportunity to have such close encounters with the founding Prime Minister of Singapore who was one of the most influential political leaders of the 20th Century, and had been credited with transforming Singapore from a third world country into a prosperous and modern city-state, and with creating the foundation for its economic success and political stability.
During our conversations, Mr Lee would sometimes ask me about my experience in China. I was much flattered when he exclaimed that he admired my courage and determination to make the business a success in a challenging market like China.
On the other hand, I was most impressed to learn that he was taking Chinese lessons. On one occasion, he introduced his Chinese teacher to me. She was a young lady from Jiangsu, China.
One evening. I was having dinner with my family, and suddenly received a call from his assistant saying that Mr Lee wanted to see me. My elder daughter Vivien who was about six months pregnant then drove me to the Istana, and I introduced Vivien to Mr Lee. On seeing that she was pregnant, he asked if it was her first pregnancy. She said “yes.” Then he replied: “Quickly get to the third pregnancy and I will personally reward you!”
I was most touched on hearing that, not because of the reward but because I felt that although he was not governing Singapore anymore, he was still very much concerned about the low birth rate.
In 2002, the Singapore Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China (SingCham) was formed with the encouragement and support of Ambassador Chin Siat Yoon. I was one of the founding members and was elected as Chairperson for 17 years.
In May 2010, I requested for Mr Lee to support SingCham with his presence in Beijing. Without hesitation, he agreed. I felt honored, proud and awesome that our SingCham members in Beijing or rather China would have a chance to meet and shake hands with Singapore’s founding Prime Minister!
True enough, on 16 May 2010 at the event organised by Sing Cham in China – “The SingCham Connection – Reception with Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew “. Members flew in specially from Singapore, as well as other parts of China just to meet and say hello to Mr Lee Kuan Yew. Most never had, and never would, had an opportunity to have that close contact with him.
As years went by, I could see Mr Lee aging more with each visit, especially after the death of Mrs Lee in October 2010. The glow of on his face was no longer apparent and he was losing weight. On one occasion when I visited him, he complained: “They do not allow me to get some of the food I like! ” It really saddened me to hear that, and to see what aging can do to us!
Although Mr Lee Kuan Yew is no longer with us, his legacy lives on. Under his leadership, Singapore became known for its efficient government, anti-corruption and strict laws. He always emphasized the importance of social harmony and racial and religious tolerance to create a diverse and multi- cultural society.
I will always remember him in that red/black Chinese styled top that he wore so often and claimed that it was his favourite! That ‘reversible’ Chinese-styled silk jacket that I designed and made for him was, and still is the pride of my life!
