Ms Jill Wong, who worked in NNI from 2003 to 2005, also described Dr Lee as a good leader.
“She was very nice, very open and (had) good leadership … She’s a very strong person in terms of personality,” said Ms Wong, who now works at a nutrient company.
While she did not interact much with Dr Lee apart from a handful of meetings, she recalled how the former NNI director once attended a staff event despite being on crutches after a fall.
“She still stayed on to inspire the rest of us, giving us an opening speech. It was a very motivational moment.”
Ms Wong added that she “already knew” what was coming when Dr Lee was diagnosed with the brain disease.
“We are all neuro-trained, so we know the timeline. We are all very sad that she’s no longer with us but the legacy she left behind and the passion will continue to live on,” she said.
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his wife Ho Ching were seen entering the Singapore Casket building just before 8.30pm.
Others who were present earlier in the afternoon included Mr Li Yipeng, the oldest son of Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, as well as Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean. Both did not speak to the media.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Christopher de Souza, former member of the opposition Workers’ Party Leon Perera and Professor Paul Tambyah were also seen at the wake.
