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Ho Kwon Ping critiques meritocracy’s hidden flaws, calls for reforms in Singapore

In a wide-ranging interview with Viswa Sadasivan, founding executive chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings, Ho Kwon Ping discussed the insidious side of meritocracy, the importance of diversity in Singapore, and his reflections on being detained under the Internal Security Act.

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Founding executive chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings, Ho Kwon Ping

In a thought-provoking interview with Viswa Sadasivan, the founding executive chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings and former political detainee, Ho Kwon Ping, offered his insights on Singapore’s meritocracy, diversity, and his detention under the Internal Security Act.

During the discussion on Inconvenient Questions, hosted by Viswa, a former Nominated Member of Parliament, Ho explored key issues that continue to shape Singapore’s development and societal landscape.

Ho began by dissecting Singapore’s meritocratic system, critiquing both its strengths and its darker side.

He acknowledged that while Singapore’s meritocracy was intended to be fair and largely functions without corruption, it has also created unintended consequences.

Ho argued that the system promotes a false sense of entitlement for the successful and self-blame for the unsuccessful, leading to societal stagnation. “The insidiousness of meritocracy,” Ho said, “is that both those who succeed and those who don’t, believe they deserve it.” He attributed the success of many not just to merit but to factors such as connections, educational background, and sheer luck.

Reflecting on a book that influenced his thinking, The Tyranny of Meritocracy by Michael Sandel, Ho likened meritocracy to capitalism and democracy—flawed but with no better alternatives.

He stressed, however, that while meritocracy should not be discarded, it needs reform to prevent the entrenchment of privilege.

“The majority of university graduates have parents who are university graduates; the majority of doctors have parents who are doctors,” he said, citing structural issues that limit social mobility despite the appearance of fairness.

Ho also shared a critical analysis of how Singapore’s society, in its current form, is shaped by meritocracy.

He argued that the psychological toll on those who fail within such a system leads to passivity and resignation.

“If you are in a meritocracy and you fail, you don’t rebel because you think it’s your fault,” Ho explained. He warned that this mindset, if left unchecked, could lead to a society where the majority accepts mediocrity rather than striving for systemic change or greater personal achievement.

The conversation then turned to Ho’s personal experience as a political detainee under the Internal Security Act in 1977.

Viswa referenced a government press release from the time, accusing Ho of promoting Marxist, pro-communist ideas through his work at the Far Eastern Economic Review.

In response, Ho addressed the complexities of his detention and the emotional toll of being imprisoned at a young age. While he refrained from confirming whether his televised confession of being a communist sympathizer was coerced, he described the immense mental pressure of solitary confinement.

Ho acknowledged that he did what he needed to do to secure his release, stating: “I wasn’t willing to sacrifice my freedom forever.” He contrasted his own experience with political prisoners like Nelson Mandela and others who were willing to give up their lives for their cause.

Ho spoke candidly about the realization that his earlier idealism, while deeply believed, could not withstand the harsh realities of long-term incarceration.

“I was a rebel without a cause,” Ho said, admitting that his privileged background allowed him to engage in activism without fully understanding the consequences.

He recalled telling late founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew directly that he believed his detention had been a mistake, although he harbored no resentment. Ho expressed respect for Lee’s willingness to place national security above personal grievances, recognizing that his own detention had likely been motivated by what the government believed was necessary for Singapore’s stability at the time.

The conversation shifted to diversity—a topic Ho has frequently discussed in public speeches, including his Nathan Lectures at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.

He highlighted the importance of “dynamic meritocracy,” linking diversity to the resilience and survival of societies. “Diversity strengthens the system,” he remarked, comparing it to biodiversity in the natural world.

However, Ho pointed out that Singapore’s diversity often remains limited to traditional markers such as race and religion. He argued for a broader understanding of diversity that includes socio-economic backgrounds and life experiences, stating that this type of diversity is critical for Singapore to remain competitive and innovative in the global economy.

Viswa prompted Ho to elaborate on how diversity can be fostered in Singapore’s education system.

Ho expressed pride in his role as founding chairman of Singapore Management University (SMU), which he described as an experiment aimed at breaking the mold of the traditional Singaporean education system.

“We created a generation of young people who are articulate, who can stand up for themselves,” Ho said, emphasizing that education should focus not only on academic success but also on developing well-rounded, independent thinkers.

He called for continued reforms in the education system to promote greater creativity and to reduce the current emphasis on academic achievement as the sole measure of success.

Ho further advocated for the dismantling of elite schools or at least reforming the selection process. He argued against perpetuating an “aristocracy of schools,” where the top 1% of students are funneled into prestigious institutions such as Raffles Institution, based solely on academic performance.

Instead, Ho proposed that every school should be encouraged to develop its own areas of excellence, allowing for a more diversified education system where students’ unique talents are nurtured, whether in the arts, sports, or other fields.

Reflecting on his broader vision for Singapore, Ho urged for a “deeper, more comprehensive” understanding of diversity. He warned that the kind of diversity that has led to fragmentation in the West—defined by political, ethnic, and sexual identity subgroups—should be avoided.

Ho emphasized that Singapore must find a balance between maintaining social harmony and fostering greater inclusivity in leadership, education, and corporate boardrooms.

The interview concluded with Ho reaffirming his belief in the importance of diversity and meritocracy working hand in hand. “Diversity can be divisive if not handled correctly, but it can also be the key to Singapore’s resilience and future success,” he said.

Ho expressed optimism that with careful management, Singapore could continue to evolve and thrive without falling into mediocrity or passivity.

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MMA fighter Angela Lee unveils 2017 car crash was a suicide attempt, discloses sister Victoria took her own life

In a heartfelt revelation, ONE Championship’s Angela Lee opens up about her car accident, revealing it was a suicide attempt, and shares her sister Victoria Lee’s tragic story. Angela’s journey from crisis to courage and her mental health advocacy.

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1 year ago

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20 September 2023

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HAWAII: In a heartfelt revelation on Tuesday (19 Sept), ONE Championship’s atomweight champion, Angela Lee, shared a deeply personal and emotional journey via a video uploaded on ONE Championship’s YouTube channel.

She disclosed that her car accident in 2017 was not an accident, but a suicide attempt.

Angela Lee also made the first public acknowledgment of her 18-year-old younger sister, Victoria Lee, tragically taking her own life on Boxing Day the previous year.

Victoria Lee, affectionately known as “The Prodigy,” had garnered a 3-0 record as a fighter within the ONE martial arts organisation.

Her untimely passing was confirmed by Angela Lee on 7 January, though the family initially chose to keep the cause of death private.

This tragedy left Angela in a state of profound grief, causing her to step away from competition.

Contemplating retirement, Angela Lee will soon make a significant announcement about her future during ONE Fight Night 14 next week in Singapore.

From crisis to courage: Angela Lee’s inspiring tale

Angela Lee found the courage to reveal her truth through an article she penned for The Players Tribune.

She wrote, “It’s taken me a long time to get to this place, but I’ve now reached a point where I am comfortable and confident enough to speak the full truth.”

She went on to share that six years ago, at the age of 21, she attempted to end her own life.

Her life-changing moment occurred when she was preparing for a title defense against Mei Yamaguchi in Singapore.

A few weeks before the fight, a car crash in Hawaii left Angela with a concussion, minor burns, and a back injury.

Initially, Angela had claimed she had “fell asleep at the wheel,” as reported by South China Morning Post.

However, in her recent article, she acknowledged it as a suicide attempt.

She confessed, “For the longest time, I blocked that reality out of my mind in order to ‘protect myself’ – I put up barriers as a defense mechanism, to try and protect my mind and my heart from what had actually happened.”

Even after years of healing, it remained a painful and challenging topic for her to confront.

At the time of the incident, Angela Lee had already become the youngest female world champion in MMA at the age of 20, defending her title successfully multiple times in ONE Championship.

Yet, the mounting pressure, stress, and expectations, combined with struggles related to her weight cut for the Yamaguchi fight, pushed her to a breaking point.

Angela wrote, “In the weeks leading up to the crash, I was convinced that I couldn’t tell anyone what I was feeling, about all the thoughts I was having.

“I didn’t want to let my family down.

So I was going to do everything in my power to make sure that wouldn’t happen.

That’s what I told myself,” she added.

Angela shared, “Everything came crashing down on November 6, the longest night of my life.

That evening, I was trying to drop a few more pounds.

I went to my room, and I broke down crying.

I remember pacing through my room and walking over to the scale,” she said.

As she stepped on it, she still had to shed 12 pounds (5.44 kilograms).

ONE Championship employs a hydration testing system designed to encourage fighters to achieve their weight goals gradually through dietary adjustments, rather than resorting to dehydrating methods.

This system was put in place as a response to the tragic loss of Chinese flyweight Yang Jian Bing, who passed away at the age of 21 in December 2015 due to complications stemming from extreme weight-cutting practices.

Lee penned, “At one point, when everyone else in my house was asleep, I went to the bathroom and literally tried to break my own arm. Then I tried to give myself a concussion.”

She explored every possible avenue to free herself from the challenging circumstances and avoid the impending fight.

When none of her attempts bore fruit, she made the choice to enter her car, surrendering the outcome to fate.

Additionally, she clarified her desire to put an end to the overwhelming emotions she was experiencing, perceiving it as her sole recourse.

She went on to admit that her fear of divulging her inner turmoil, coupled with concerns about her family’s and the world’s perception of her, kept her from voicing her struggles.

“I didn’t want to be a disappointment to anyone,” Lee stated.

Lee recounted how she pressed the accelerator to its limits near her residence, precisely at a location where a gulch steeply descended from the highway.

She recalled turning the steering wheel abruptly, causing the car to swerve and ultimately collide with an object, setting off a relentless series of rolls.

After her car finally came to a halt, she remained inside it, suspended upside down, attempting to come to terms with the overwhelming situation for a considerable period.

“To tell you the truth, I didn’t care if I lived or died at that moment. So surviving, trying to live, after all that had happened was extremely difficult.

Adding to the difficulty was the fact that nobody was aware of the true nature of the events that had unfolded.

Victoria’s legacy and Angela Lee’s journey to mental health advocacy

After the loss of her sister, Lee made the decision to share her story with the world.

This profound experience motivated her to establish the non-profit mental health organization, Fightstory.

Fightstory was born out of Victoria’s inspiring life, cut tragically short at just 18 years old.

Lee explained, “Fightstory is just as much hers as it is mine. It’s something we created together, to save lives and to try and make the world a better place.

We want people to know that although you may feel lonely in your fight with mental health, you are not alone.”

In light of these developments, Lee’s father and coach, Ken Lee, has retired from coaching altogether.

He had coached not only Victoria Lee but also his two sons: Christian Lee, the reigning lightweight and welterweight MMA champion in ONE, and 17-year-old amateur fighter Adrian Lee.

(From left to right) Christian Lee, Victoria Lee, Adrian Lee, and Angela Lee. Photo: Instagram/angelaleemma

Following the closure of the family’s United MMA Hawaii gym after Victoria’s passing, it has now reopened.

Christian Lee is poised to make a comeback in ONE Championship next year.

Furthermore, chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong expressed his anticipation, telling Adrian Lee, “I can’t wait to see your debut” in ONE Championship.

If you or someone you know is grappling with suicidal thoughts, assistance and support are accessible.

Samaritans of Singapore Hotline: 1767

Institute of Mental Health’s Helpline: 6389 2222

Singapore Association for Mental Health Helpline: 1800 283 7019

You can discover a directory of global helplines on this page.

In case someone you are aware of is facing an imminent threat, please dial 24-hour emergency services.

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People

Honoring Mrs Leaena Tambyah: A Legacy of Compassion and Advocacy

Mrs Leaena Tambyah’s unparalleled dedication transformed the lives of many with disabilities in Singapore. As the founder of the nation’s first school for children with multiple disabilities, her enduring legacy stands as a beacon of hope and progress.

Those wishing to pay their final respects may do so at her funeral service on Monday, 1.30 pm, at 85 University Road.

Published

1 year ago

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11 September 2023

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Singapore mourns the passing of Mrs Leaena Tambyah on Friday (8 Sep), a luminary in the realm of social service.

At the age of 86, she left behind an unmatched legacy as a pioneering advocate for persons with disabilities, having founded Singapore’s first school for children with multiple disabilities.

Born in Penang in 1937, Mrs Tambyah’s journey to Singapore started when her father became the headmaster of St Andrew’s School in 1940.

The ethos of service was ingrained in her from an early age, inspired by her parents’ association with St Andrew’s Mission Hospital. This foundation would shape her life’s work, ensuring that those marginalized and often overlooked found a voice and place in society.

A graduate of Raffles Girls’ School, she furthered her education at the University of Birmingham, earning an honors degree in social science.

Upon her return, she served at the social affairs ministry before starting a family with her childhood sweetheart, Dr John Tambyah. Though she prioritized raising their two children, her drive to serve never diminished.

Her commitment was actualized in 1979 when she founded the Handicapped Children’s Playgroup in the Church of St Ignatius.

Starting with just seven children, this initiative blossomed into the AWWA School, an institution now nurturing nearly 400 students with special needs.

Her son, Professor Paul Tambyah, not only excelled in the medical field but also absorbed his mother’s spirit of service and compassion. He fondly recalled how Mrs Tambyah’s influence shaped his and his sister Malini’s worldview, introducing them to voluntary work from a young age.

Mrs Tambyah was not just a compassionate soul but also a tenacious advocate. She spearheaded numerous efforts to ensure children with disabilities were integrated into the Compulsory Education Act. Furthermore, she championed the introduction of mobile therapy vans, deftly navigating bureaucratic obstacles.

Her efforts garnered national and international recognition. Notably, the Handicapped Children’s Playgroup received the United Nations Community Excellence Award in 1983. In 1994, her widespread contributions were celebrated when she was named Her World Woman of the Year.

This acknowledgment only scratched the surface of her enduring commitment. She also initiated AWWA’s Therapy and Educational Assistance for Children in Mainstream Education, further underlining her vision of an inclusive society.

Professor Paul Tambyah, chairman of the Singapore Democratic Party, and a prominent infectious diseases expert, recalled his mother’s influence.

He and his sister, Malini, were introduced to voluntary work from an early age. This early exposure profoundly affected their outlook on life.

Mrs Tambyah faced health challenges in recent months, shared Dr Tambyah. He mentioned that his mother was diagnosed with a blood disorder in March and had a stroke the previous week. She was firm about not being kept alive through artificial means.

His sister, who lives in Britain, returned home on Tuesday, and they transitioned their mother into palliative care. She passed away at about 1pm on Friday.

Prof Tambyah expressed, “She was in church three weeks ago and took communion. But she was getting weaker and weaker. She was suffering. So, in a way, this is a blessing.”

Mrs Tambyah’s funeral service will be held at 1.30 pm on Monday (11 Sep) at 85 University Road (S297893). The cortège will leave at 2.30 pm for Mandai Crematorium, Hall 4, where the cremation is scheduled at 3.30 pm.

Prominent figures, including Minister for Social and Family Development, Masagos Zulkifli, and Education Minister Chan Chun Sing, paid tribute to her monumental impact on Singapore’s social service sector.

Mrs Tambyah’s departure marks the end of an era. However, her legacy will continue to inspire countless others, reminding us of the boundless change a single individual can bring about through dedication, compassion, and advocacy.

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