"This clothes are so beautiful!"
In 2000, then the then Singapore Ambassador to China, Chen Yirong, wore a suit tailored by the Beijing Shunmei Clothing Factory operated by Singaporeans. Mr. Li Guangyao, the cabinet administrator, saw it on the spot and sent out such admiration on the spot.He also hopes to customize a set.
That was the first time I saw Mr. Li Guangyao, and he just visited China with his wife Ke Yuzhi.When I came over, I was arranged to see him in Beijing China Hotel.The friendship between Mr. Li and I started from a suit.Because of the family textile business, I was sent to China in 1994 and began the business of Beijing Shunmei clothing.
China Hotel is located outside Jianguo Gate.I set off from Shunyi, an hour's drive, thinking of seeing the former Prime Minister of Singapore, and seeing my "mother family" abroad, the feeling is particularly excited!Because I want to tailor the suit for him, I also brought the designer and the technical team.
I introduced Mr. Li and his wife to Shunmei's suit and shirt fabrics.Mrs. Li carefully selected the fabric, and she seemed to prefer pink.At that time, Mr. Li was 77 years old. How to "dress" her husband, his wife naturally had the most right to speak.After that, the wife explained her choice with her husband.I observed their interaction, and my heart was full of admiration.I can feel their love and respect for each other.Mr. Li trusted his wife's eyes very much, and completely handed the decision right of fabrics and design to his loved wife.
The suit was ready soon.When I returned from Beijing to Singapore, I brought it back.I called Mr. Li's personal assistant and visited the appointment time. I want to send his suit over to ensure fit.I remember that the appointment time was 6 pm, and I arrived at the Presidential Palace half an hour in advance.
At 5:45 pm, his personal assistant called and told me that Mr. Li contacted him deliberately and informed that he would be late for about 10 minutes. Because of the traffic jam on the road, he would arrive at 6:10 pm.The assistant notified my tone, which impressed me: people like Mr. Li who have power and status will even let his assistant apologize because he is late for 10 minutes!This is a respect!In contrast, my late -meeting employees will not give me such a respect because of guilt.
At 6:10, Mr. Li and his wife arrived on time.He put on a suit and tried to wear a shirt.He is satisfied with the fit, workmanship and quality of the suit.He is particularly like the telescopic design on the waist of the trouser, which allows him to relax or tighten his waist freely.
After Mr. Li's trial, I proposed to take a group photo.He had taken off the tried clothes, and did not expect to turn around and put on to take pictures with me.I feel troublesome, and I can't go.Suddenly, his figure suddenly became extremely tall, which was unable to measure the ruler.
Soon after, I received many orders from Mr. Li.He not only gave himself, but also customized Chinese clothing for the two sons.Sometimes he also asked to do some repairs on his clothes, or embroidered his name to avoid being lost.
Every time I send his clothing to the office.After frequent entry and leaving the presidential palace, I am called "tailor from China."Perhaps it is because I come from Beijing every time, and these clothes are made in "Chinese"!
I am very happy and proud, I have the opportunity to have such close contact with the founding Prime Minister of Singapore.He is one of the most influential political leaders in the 20th century. He has successfully transformed Singapore from the Third World State to an advanced and developed country, allowing Singapore to win the world's respect, and a prosperous modern city -state.
When talking, Mr. Li will care about my experience in China.When he succeeded in operating companies in a challenging market like China, and praised my courage and determination, I felt flattered.He mentioned China many times, hoping that Singaporeans can learn more about China.
Mr. Li's learning spirit admires me.When I visited him, I learned that he was taking Chinese class.He introduced me to his Chinese teacher, a young lady from Jiangsu, China.
Another thing makes me unforgettable.One night, my family and I were eating dinner, and suddenly received a call from the assistant, saying that Mr. Li was going to see me.At that time, my eldest daughter Yuexiang was six months pregnant, and I drove me to the Presidential Palace. When I introduced Yuexiang to Mr. Li, I saw my daughter pregnant.Answer "Yes".Then, he said with interest: "Hurry up to the third child, I want to reward you in person!"
When I heard this, I suddenly ignited a trace of warmth. It was not because of rewards, but because he no longer had to work for Singapore, but he was still very concerned about the low birth rate. His heart never left the country and the people.
In 2002, with the encouragement and support of Ambassador Chen Yirong, China Singcham was established in Beijing. I am one of the founding members and was elected as the chairman. This is 17 years.During this period, the interaction between Singapore and China has become more and more frequent, and friendship has been deepened.I have developed steadily in China, leading the team as many as 3,000 people to develop Shundimei clothing into Beijing well -known trademarks.
In May 2010, I invited Mr. Li to Beijing to support the activities hosted by the Singapore Chamber of Commerce in China.He agreed without hesitation.On May 16th, the Singapore Chamber of Commerce in China held the "China Singapore Chamber of Commerce -Cabinet Government Lee Kuan Yew Enrollment" in Beijing. Members of the Chamber of Commerce flew from Singapore and all parts of China to meet Mr. Li and ask him hello.Most people have never had, and never have the opportunity to have such close contact with him.Of course, this is a great encouragement to the Chamber of Commerce to achieve the mission of promoting the economic and trade development of new Chinese enterprises.I feel extremely honored, proud and excited.
Later, I still had a chance to see Mr. Li.As time goes by, every time I visit him, I find that as he is getting older, the traces of years on him are becoming more and more clear.Especially after the death of his wife in October 2010, the glory on his face was no longer obvious, and his weight was reduced.
Once I went to visit him, he complained: "They don't let me eat food I like." Hearing him, seeing his increasingly old face, I was powerless and sad.
Although Mr. Li Guangyao has left us, he has left a generous legacy for us and his descendants.Under his leadership, Singapore is famous for its efficient and clean government and strict legal governance.He always emphasizes the importance of social stability, racial harmony, religious tolerance, and the creation of a diverse race and a multi -cultural society.
I always remember the red and black Chinese top he often worn, and he said it was his favorite.The "double -sided" Chinese silk jacket I designed for him, that was it -it was still -the pride of my life!
The books he signed to me are all treasured; I also collect almost all books related to Mr. Li.This year is the century -old birthday of his old man. His wisdom and leadership will always be engraved in history and people's hearts.
The author is the president of the China Chamber of Commerce in Singapore