Goh Chok Tong was an improbable Prime Minister for an unlikely country. Not by the norms and logic of most developing Asian countries. He had neither the connections nor the cunning to rise to the top, and was even once famously derided by his mentor Lee Kuan Yew for being "wooden" in his communication skills. Except for an imposing height most unusual in this part of the world, he was an ordinary man. He lost his father at a young age, lived in a two-bedroom public flat with his mother and four siblings and needed a government bursary to complete university.
Panjang is the tallest kid around. He hates standing out, but little does he know, he's on his way to greater heights...Panjang tells the story of the childhood of Singapore's second prime minister, Goh Chok Tong, and how he conquered his self-consciousness to become a leader. This 'tall' tale inspires children to embrace the things that make them different.
The Goh Chok Tong Story -- now in its entirety. This riveting duology spans the colourful years through Goh Chok Tong's humble beginnings working at a container shipping company to his political ascension through the ranks of the People's Action Party, and his indispensable tenure as the second Prime Minister of Singapore. A must-read for all interested in extraordinary stories of ordinary men, the Goh Chok Tong years, and the history of Singapore's biggest political and economic stories come to life on these pages. Volume 1: Tall Order As Singapore faces another generational political transition, the story of Goh Chok Tong is perhaps more relevant than ever. At heart of this volume is the relationship between Goh Chok Tong and Singapore's founding father Lee Kuan Yew, and their private deliberations before Singapore's maiden handover. Offering a rare look into both the man and the politician, Tall Order charts the early career and ascendency of an inspiring Singaporean statesman. Volume 2: Standing Tall In the face of private doubts and public naysayers, Goh Chok Tong led Singapore through 14 years of his premiership. With shrewdness and diligence, Goh helmed the country through obstacles, including terrorism, electoral setbacks and a global recession, while championing welcomed innovations like MediFund and Edusave. Standing Tall captures the growth and evolution of a modern political leader whose strengths and values cemented the identity of a country confident in its future and ascendent on the global stage.
"In 2017, Malaysia sprang a surprise on Singapore by filing two applications for revision and interpretation of the International Court of Justice's judgment of 2008, which awarded Singapore sovereignty over the island of Pedra Branca. However, just two weeks before the scheduled oral hearings for the cases, the newly-elected Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad decided to discontinue the cases. This book explains succinctly the arguments of both countries. The authors recount how the Singapore team prepared for the written pleadings and oral hearings for both cases. They also reveal interesting behind the scenes accounts of these "unheard cases". This book will be of great interest to both non-lawyers and lawyers, as well as students who are interested in international law, international relations and territorial disputes, and in how countries which are parties to a case before an international tribunal embark on their preparations"--Back cover
Some did not expect him to last long as Prime Minister. Few predicted he would succeed in the footsteps of Lee Kuan Yew. When Goh Chok Tong took over as the second Prime Minister of Singapore in 1990, many — from within and without the country — wondered aloud if the young country would survive Lee Kuan Yew.But Goh would confound the naysayers, leading Singapore for 14 years through recessions, terrorist attacks, electoral setbacks and even a mysterious virus. Standing Tall captures the transformation of a political leader, evolving from a Prime Minister with a touch of naïvety to a hard-nosed strategist. He would introduce some of the country's most controversial policies, including the foreign talent scheme and formula for ministerial salaries, while advancing a kinder and gentler Singapore with the likes of MediFund and Edusave.The unchartered post-Cold War world which Goh stepped into posed challenges to the new leader, yet he not only cemented but also expanded Singapore's global space and stature. Along the way, he overcame hurdles from Bill Clinton's administration, exchanged quips with Nelson Mandela, and even saved Li Peng from a possibly severe heart attack.This sequel is written by author and journalist Peh Shing Huei, who also penned . Through interviews and access to People's Action Party documents and Goh's notes, this authorised biography uncovers rare insights into Singapore politics. Standing Tall tells the untold story of the Goh Chok Tong years, as he continues with Singapore's transformation into a global city.Bundle set: The Goh Chok Tong Story (Volumes 1 & 2)Chinese Version:登高望远：吴作栋传 (第二辑)吴作栋传 (两册)Some snippets of the book reviews and articles on Standing Tall: The Goh Chok Tong Years (Volume 2).
Singapore underwent substantial changes during the 14-year tenure of the country's second Prime Minister, Goh Chok Tong (1990-2004). Includes 45 essays that review a range of issues from domestic politics and foreign policy to economic development, society, culture, the arts and media, and assess the legacy of Tong's premiership.
Singapore, a small country with limited resources, has nevertheless played a significant role in regional and global trade negotiations. Its negotiators possess a wealth of knowledge and experiences and yet few have told their story. This book is a collection of sixteen essays by authors who have been closely involved in trade negotiations including GATT/WTO and bilateral free trade agreements. They share their experiences in such negotiations, how they promoted national interests and advanced the global trade agenda. It will appeal to readers who are interested in how international economic diplomacy is conducted, and Singapore's role and perspective as an open trading nation.
Soul of Ink: Lim Tze Peng at 100 pays tribute to the remarkable achievement of artistic renaissance at 100. It traces the lean beginnings of Lim Tze Peng's early years, relives the times of controversy over the artist's innovations in Chinese calligraphy, and celebrates his breakthroughs. Throughout the book, attention is paid to Lim Tze Peng the man, the foundation of everything that is admirable about Lim Tze Peng the artist. It looks at the man behind the art, and how art has given life to him and his family.Farmer, teacher, principal, and artist, Lim Tze Peng counts Lee Man Fong, Cheong Soo Pieng, and Liu Kang as his mentors. These men, like the others from the pioneering generation of Nanyang artists, are no longer around. Lim Tze Peng remains standing, a witness to and player in Singapore's art history since the 1940s.His life started late; everything got going only after the ripe old age of 80. A Cultural Medallion winner at 82 and a Meritorious Service recipient at 95, Lim Tze Peng is used to the twists and turns of life and has been trained by experience to endure the vagaries of fate. You could describe his art as the art of perseverance. The works he produces these days need to be seen to be believed. Bigger, bolder, and boasting far more colour than ever before, his art is as invigorating as that of a young man, whilst embodying the soul of a sage.At the heart of this book is the word 'soul'. What pushes a man at the age of 100 to continue breaking new ground in his life's work? How has he been able to surprise not just the art community but himself?This is Woon Tai Ho's second book on a Singaporean artist. His first, To Paint a Smile, is about the artist Tan Swie Hian.
Until very recently it was assumed that the Asian miracle of prodigious economic growth would continue indefinitely. Europe and America, it seemed, were being left behind. The recent financial crisis in Asia has now changed all that. François Godement provides a broad-ranging survey of the regions economies since 1993 and explains the main reasons behind the recent financial crisis. He also examines important factors such as demography, Asian values, crony capitalism, industrial groupings and the wane of political authority. The Asian miracle has not come to an end, but the author makes clear that improved self-regulation and discipline within the financial sector will be crucial if the economies of the region are to weather the uncertainties of the marketplace in the future and realize their full potential.
