This book takes its title from a thought-provoking question posed by Lee Kuan Yew during his visit to Australia in 1998: “Will Singapore still exist 100 years from now?”

It is built around the 15 fundamental principles—what he called “hard truths”—that he tirelessly upheld throughout his tenure, and the achievements that followed when these truths were translated into policies. Readers will find both answers and insights within these pages.

The answers may differ, shaped by each individual’s experiences and cultural background. Yet the insights may converge, for Lee Kuan Yew’s hard truths are universal, applicable across cultures and contexts—to individuals, businesses, organizations, and nations alike. The key factors are integrity and kindness in character, noble mission in business, strict discipline in organizations, and sound rule of law in governance. None can be dispensed with.