In his introductory remarks, Mr Obama described Mr Lee as ‘one of the legendary figures of Asia in the 20th and 21st centuries, somebody who helped to trigger the Asian economic miracle’.

The US leader added: ‘Singapore has been an outstanding friend and ally of the United States for many, many years, and so I am very much looking forward to the opportunity of hearing from the Minister Mentor his views on the evolving situation in Asia, as I prepare for my upcoming trip both to Singapore and to other key nations in the region.’

In about two weeks, Mr Obama will embark on his first major visit to Asia as President, stopping in major cities like Tokyo, Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai and Seoul.

In Singapore, he will attend the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit as well as the inaugural US-Asean summit.

LEE KUAN YEW, ALL THE WAY!!!!!! By the way, obama called lee kuan yew his excellency which means that lee kuan yew is the best in the world. Pacquiao should also pay tribute to HIS EXCELLENCY….