Miles Kupa reflects on Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew and the Singapore he dominated and shaped, building it into a prosperous and disciplined nation admired by many. But even prior to his death in March this year, Singapore was facing new challenges – political, economic and social, and in foreign policy and security too.

Miles Kupa is a former Australian diplomat, with extensive experience both overseas and in Canberra.  He was High Commissioner to Malaysia from 2010-14 and to Singapore from 2005-08. Earlier he was Ambassador to Iraq, the Philippines and Thailand (his third posting there), and also had postings in Egypt, France and Indonesia (as deputy head of mission). In Canberra he held a range of senior positions: as head of the Foreign Affairs Branch in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet; as head of the Foreign Minister’s Office; and in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade including as Deputy Secretary. He concluded his foreign service career in 2014, and is now a part-time consultant.

Interviewer: Cam Hawker

Producer and Editor: Gayan Vithanage and Yang Jie

Producer: Alexander Willox