Tributes for Lee Kuan Yew pour in from local institutions and figures

FORMER prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, a co-founder of the People's Action Party, has died at the age of 91.

A period of National Mourning from Monday, March 23, to Sunday, March 29, has been declared by the government. As a mark of respect, the State flags on all government buildings will be flown at half-mast from Monday till Sunday, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.

Here are more tributes:

- The Board of the National Arts Council offers its deepest condolences to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his family on the loss of his father, former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. This is a sad day for Singapore, as we mourn the passing of our founding father, a peerless statesman who has left an indelible mark on Singapore, the region and the world stage. Even as all Singaporeans weigh the profound loss of Mr Lee's passing, the impact he has made on modern Singapore is enduring and will continue to inspire many. This is testimony to his visionary leadership, his moral courage and strength of his convictions. As we mark Singapore's 50th birthday as an independent state this year, it will be especially painful and poignant that Mr Lee will not attend this year's National Day celebrations. To Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and members of his family, we hope you find strength and fortitude at this difficult time, and that you draw comfort from the Singapore your father has left behind - a dynamic, cosmopolitan, culturally vibrant city-state we are proud to call home. - Chan Heng Chee, chairman, National Arts Council

- It is with deep sadness that the management and staff of National Arts Council join the nation and all Singaporeans in mourning the loss of our founding Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew. As we pay tribute to the man who fought for and forged Singapore's independence, we also reflect on how Mr Lee shaped this little red dot, and inspired its people. His extraordinary commitment to building a nation and his sense of purpose have created a city-state renowned globally for its distinctive multi-ethnic fabric, its social harmony and safety, and its high standard of living - all of which have laid a strong foundation for the thriving arts and cultural scene today. Mr Lee will be undoubtedly missed but we are sure his leadership will be remembered and his legacy honoured in the years to come. To Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his family, we offer our heartfelt sympathies, and express gratitude for your father's vision, his tremendous foresight and his devotion to duty. - Kathy Lai, chief executive officer, National Arts Council

- The Chair, Board and staff of the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre are deeply saddened and mourn the loss of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, founding Prime Minister of Singapore who gave his life to build a successful Singapore. His presence and leadership made Singapore a better home for us, and he touched many lives through his commitment to creating a prosperous, peaceful and beautiful country. We remember what our founding father has stood for, his morals and values, his dedication towards the improvement of all our lives...Our deepest sympathy and condolences remain with the Prime Minister and his family. We remain indebted to you for all you have done and achieved for us. - Mildred Tan, Chair, and Melissa Kwee, Chief Executive, National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre

- On behalf of staff, faculty and students, the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKY School), NUS, wishes to convey its deepest condolences to the family of Mr Lee Kuan Yew on his passing. The LKY School is proud to have been the first institution to be named after Mr Lee. His name has been an enormous blessing to our School. It has enabled us to rise rapidly in global rankings and to fulfil our mission of inspiring leaders, improving lives and transforming Asia. - Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy

- Mr Lee was a true fighter for our workers. From the time he fought alongside the Postal and Telecommunications Uniformed Staff Union for better pay and terms, he has always had the welfare and interests of workers at heart and in mind. As the co-founder of the People's Action Party (PAP), he forged a strong symbiotic relationship with the NTUC. As the first Prime Minister of Singapore, he championed a strong spirit of tripartism, bringing labour, management and government together. Because of his care and concern for the people, countless workers have benefitted from fair treatment, higher wages and better conditions at the workplace. It is because of him that we, as a people, can lay claim to better jobs, better lives and brighter futures ahead. - National Trades Union Congress

- Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Cabinet colleagues send our deepest condolences to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and the family of our Founding Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew. We will always remember his sound guidance, his constant questioning, and his fatherly care for Singapore and for all of us. Let us dedicate ourselves to Singapore and Singaporeans, in the way that Mr Lee showed us. - The Cabinet Office

- Founding Secretary General Lee Kuan Yew has devoted his whole life to Singapore. Millions of Singaporeans have improved their lives because of his dedication and sacrifice. As we mourn his passing, let's also re-dedicate ourselves to building on his legacy for the Party and for Singapore - The People's Action Party Central Executive Committee

- I extend my deepest condolences to the Lee family and the people of Singapore on the death of founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. Lee Kuan Yew's leadership transformed Singapore into one of the most successful and dynamic countries in the region, serving as an inspiration and a model for others in Southeast Asia and beyond. At the same time, he was instrumental in facilitating the United States' multi-faceted presence in Asia and spurring the rapid evolution of our expanding relationship with ASEAN. Generations of U.S. leaders have benefited from his insights and he leaves as part of his lasting legacy a strong and enduring U.S.-Singapore partnership. I join with everyone in Singapore in honoring the life and memory of Lee Kuan Yew. - Ambassador of the United States to the Republic of Singapore, Kirk Wagar - To say that Mr Lee served Singapore and Singaporeans for almost all of his adult life would be understating his extraordinary contributions. Mr Lee and his Old Guard colleagues played indispensable roles in transforming Singapore from a Third World country into a First World country that is peaceful, cohesive and prosperous.. Mr Lee Kuan Yew was also singularly instrumental in creating the Public Service ethos that we have today-clean, efficient, effective and indeed exceptional. As a young civil servant, Mr Lee's leadership left a deep impression on me and I had the great privilege of watching,from close up, the way he handled many important issues...Those of our colleagues who have worked closely with him speak of his legendary attention to detail, his exacting performance standards and the clarity of purpose he applied to every problem. They also found the side of him that was a caring boss. - Peter Ong, head of Civil Service

- We are deeply saddened by the news of Mr Lee Kuan Yew's passing. Mr Lee was a globally respected statesman, a visionary leader, and a much admired alumnus of the National University of Singapore. He was a giant of a man who was passionate about education, and a fearless pioneer who made it possible for Singaporeans to have a standard of living today that is admired by many. NUS mourns the loss of one of our own, and sends our heartfelt condolences to PM and Mrs Lee, and the Lee family. - Wong Ngit Liong, NUS chairman

- The President and Members of ESS Council acknowledge the significant achievements of the founding leader and Prime Minister, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew in building a great Singapore, a modern metropolis and an economic powerhouse that is today. While we express our deep sorrow in Mr Lee's passing, we also rejoice in Mr Lee's immense contributions to Singapore which will be remembered for all time. - Economic Society of Singapore For full coverage, visit bt.sg/lky2015