Many delegates often ask us, “If there is one book about Singapore that best sums up its early governance experiences, which book would you recommend?”. Well, no doubt it has to be this.
The story of Singapore is best told by none other than Mr Lee Kuan Yew himself in his book, ‘From Third World to First: The Singapore Story, 1965-2000’. Considered by many as the founding father of Singapore, Mr Lee Kuan Yew takes great length in this book to detail the key milestones and initiatives that shaped Singapore.
Whilst few would have written Singapore off in the early days of independence, Mr Lee was determined that ‘Singapore Will Survive!’ He began the arduous task of building a nation, clearing swamplands, building public housing, seeking foreign investments, putting in place a defence force, providing education for the children, etc. Mr Lee shares his experience dealing with political leaders and foes, gives his thoughts about handling the media and provides a glimpse into his views on human rights and democracy. In the book, there are also tender moments when he speaks about his family, especially that of his wife.
For those out there hoping to find out what makes Singapore tick and how it has transformed itself over the first forty years of independence, there is no better book than this. It is a compelling read.