Commentary: 6 lessons I learnt about dreams and dreaming from Singapore’s journey to independence

What happens when one’s dream is shattered? How can we respond positively amid the struggles? How do we learn to dream again? 
This National Day, I found valuable answers to these questions in the history of Singapore’s independence. 
In an authorised biography of our first foreign affairs minister, S Rajaratnam, writer Irene Ng explains that he and other leaders like Toh Chin Chye were initially against separation. 
Ng quotes Rajaratnam as saying: “Separation, to me, was the crushing of my dreams. I believed in one nation, regardless of race and religion.” 
But their eventual agreement birthed the new dream of an independent Singapore, where all citizens work towards the “happiness, progress and prosperity for our nation” — a phrase from our national pledge, which was co-created by Rajaratnam. 
This showed me that the end of a dream can be deeply painful, but it can potentially open the door to better outcomes. 
More than seven years ago, I joined a company filled with hopes and aspirations, but the difference in values led to a separation after less than four months. 
I was initially disappointed and frustrated, but this separation subsequently led to the joy of working with various local and overseas professionals who shared similar values and purpose.
After the 1964 racial riots, Lee Kuan Yew, then prime minister (PM) of Singapore, shared his views and dreams in a confidential memo to his cabinet colleagues in January 1965. 
Lee examined the possibility of having Singapore “hive off” from Malaya with “autonomy in Singapore without interference from KL (Kuala Lumpur)”. 
He shared his dream with his cabinet colleagues: “The picture of a prosperous and flourishing Singapore doing better than the rest of Malaysia is most attractive.” 
But Lee didn’t stop at just voicing this dream — he went into action. 
He authorised then-finance minister Goh Keng Swee to negotiate with Malaysian ministers about “any proposal for rearrangements of Malaysia”. After Dr Goh’s negotiations began in July 1965, Lee asked law minister Eddie Barker to draft the separation agreement and proclamation of independence. 
This proactive practicality enabled Singapore to smoothly and cleanly break from the Malaysian Federation to embark on a new dream of an independent Singapore. It teaches us that the attainment of dreams requires careful planning and effective action.
In July 1965, these ongoing efforts were still highly confidential. When the time came to persuade ministers Rajaratnam and Toh Chin Chye in Malaysia, Lee noted in his memoirs: “I did not want them to come together because that would arouse speculation that something was up, and also because they would stiffen each other’s resolve to oppose any rearrangements of Malaysia, let alone a clean break.” 
Lee also shrewdly urged Malaysian PM Tunku Abdul Rahman to write to them as well, saying that “they will take your word as final”. After the letter was written and read, Toh and Rajaratnam agreed to the separation, along with ministers such as Ong Pang Boon. 
This shows us that purposeful and hopeful actions are vital to achieve dreams, at personal and professional levels.
Despite their differences, the cabinet team was united in their efforts to ensure the success of Singapore. This is an important lesson that fulfilling dreams often requires the support of good partners or teammates.
This lesson resonates strongly with me: As I reflect on my leadership roles in Singapore and Asia over the last 17 years, I am thankful for my former team members and partners. Without their collaboration and contributions, we would not have been able to fulfil our shared goals and dreams. 
During the historic press conference on Aug 9, 1965 announcing Singapore’s separation from Malaysia, Lee broke down in anguished tears. He explained in his memoirs: “I had let down many people in Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak. They had responded to our call of a Malaysian Malaysia.
“By accepting separation, I had failed them. That sense of guilt made me break down … I was overwrought at the thought of all the shattered hopes of the millions we had aroused.” 
This shows us that having to say goodbye or let go of dreams can be heartbreaking — but while it helps to acknowledge the emotional ache, it doesn’t have to mean concluding on a negative note. We can still look forward in hope.
Lee mourned the loss of an old dream, but ended off by planting the seeds of a new one: “We are going to have a multi-racial nation in Singapore … Everybody will have his place: equal; language, culture, religion.” 
Citizens and leaders alike came together to make the dream of an independent thriving Singapore, a nation we can all call home, a reality.
In 1972, Rajatnam helped to further this dream with a landmark speech about developing Singapore as a “global city”. He articulated: “Once you see Singapore as a global city, the problem of hinterland becomes unimportant because for a global city, the world is its hinterland.” 
Today, the realised dream of Singapore as a global city allows us to reach and sustain high standards of living and economic performance. This teaches us the importance to have bold, visionary dreams and to strive and thrive together.
As Singapore celebrates its 59th year of independence, may we continue to dream purposefully, accept shattered dreams with grace, and aspire towards newer, bolder dreams for ourselves and our nation. 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Edmund Lim has held leadership roles in the public and private sectors in Singapore and overseas. He formerly taught history and social studies at the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University.