Leaders Of Singapore

Book excerpt: Singapore is a unique city-state, an economic miracle, a political phenomenon. Many marvel at her very existence. How did Singapore survive? Who built this country? What is the secret of her success?Leaders of Singapore is a fascinating account of the history and development of Singapore from 1945 to 1995, narrated in personal, forthright terms by her most prominent citizens. In a series of remarkable and revealing interviews, Singapore's most famous, most powerful and wealthiest men and women reveal the mysteries and intrigues of the past, describe the triumphs and tragedies which shaped their lives, and share their strategies for success and achievement.This is a pioneering work. It goes beyond any other work in exploring and explaining, through the voices of her people, the source of Singapore's achievements: the Leaders of Singapore and their relentless, uncompromising and often brutal fight for survival.Prominent personalities in LEADERS OF SINGAPORE include the founders of the People's Action Party: Lee Kuan Yew, Goh Keng Swee, Toh Chin Chye and S Rajaratnam, Lim Chin Siong, David Marshall, Devan Nair and Ong Pang Boon, who gathered in Lee Kuan Yew's smoke-filled Oxley Road basement, plotting revolution. They appear side-by-side with the original billionaires Lee Kong Chian, Tan Lark Sye, Tan Siak Kew, Runme Shaw, CK Tang, Ko Teck Kin, Kwek Hong Png, Ng Teng Fong, YC Chang, Tan Chin Tuan and Wee Cho Yaw. and a generation of nation-builders, activists, and artists who braved the initial shock of independence in 1966, and worked to ensure that Singapore survived, thrived, and prospered. Singapore's sages — men like Lim Kim San, Michael Wong Pakshong, Wee Chong Jin, Lim Chong Yah, Arthur Lim and Liu Kang — describe their challenges, failures and successes, and share nuggets of wisdom on survival, success, and life.