Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of the Republic of Singapore and Patron of Singapore University of Social Sciences
Ms Jane Ittogi
Mr JY Pillay
Professor Tan Tai Yong, President of SUSS
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
1. It is both a joy and a privilege to stand before you today as we inaugurate the JY Pillay Lecture Series, a tribute to a man who has been a pillar of integrity, wisdom, and vision for Singapore.
2. Many of you here may know Mr. Pillay through his groundbreaking work, whether it was shaping Singapore Airlines into a global icon of excellence or steering our financial sector into the global powerhouse it is today. There are many friends from SGX, past and present, among us today. But, for those of us who have had the privilege to work alongside him, there’s so much more to the story. Mr. Pillay is someone who has always preferred to stay behind the scenes, quietly and humbly leading by example, and showing us all that true strength doesn’t need fanfare.
3. I first met Mr. Pillay in the early 2000s when my team and I led a restructuring project at SGX. Even then he was already a titan in the industry and revered by many. I was awestruck like a teenager meeting a famous celebrity and there was Mr. Pillay with the gentlest voice beckoning me to come forward. Immediately, I was at ease – making it much so like I was having a conversation with a friend, seeking to call out insights and deepen the discussion. It was interesting, and fascinating really that when I finished my presentation, I felt I had learned more from him than I had come prepared to share. He is truly a remarkable gentleman.
4. Reflecting on that experience, I’m reminded of the letters he wrote to his grandchildren. Instead of offering directives, he shared personal reflections and stories, seeking to connect with the younger generation through the warmth of his experiences. He knew that these heartfelt glimpses would resonate far more than simple advice that he could have given, in the same way he impacted me that day. He created lasting, cherished memories for his family—insights that would be revisited and appreciated in the years to come.
5. The JY Pillay Lecture Series is our way of celebrating his profound influence on our society and ensuring that the principles he exemplifies continue to inspire us all in every endeavour. It feels especially meaningful to begin this series with a lecture on governance, which after all, has been the foundation of Mr. Pillay’s work and his belief in the power of well-led institutions to create positive, lasting change.
6. Good governance isn’t just about systems or structures; it’s about principles. It’s about ensuring fairness, building trust, and making decisions that place the well-being of people at the centre. Mr. Pillay has shown us that a society built on strong governance is one that thrives, and he has dedicated his life to fostering just that.
7. To deliver this first lecture, we are incredibly honoured to have President Tharman Shanmugaratnam with us—a leader who, like Mr. Pillay, embodies the values of clear vision, integrity, and dedication to public service. President Tharman has walked a path of public service that resonates deeply with Mr. Pillay’s values.
8. And none of this would have been possible without the strong endorsement and commitment of Mr. Hsieh Fu Hua. We are deeply grateful to Mr. Hsieh, his supporters, and friends of Mr. Pillay, whose unwavering support and commitment have made this vision a reality.
9. As we begin this journey with the JY Pillay Lecture Series, let us remember that it stands as a living tribute to Mr. Pillay’s values, his focus, and his commitment to Singapore. Let us carry forward his legacy by continuing to ask the right questions, to value each perspective, and to lead with the quiet strength that he has taught us.
10. Please join me in honouring Mr. JY Pillay as we welcome President Tharman to deliver the first lecture, inspired by this incredible legacy, Mr. Pillay.