50 Years of Singapore-Europe Relations

As Singapore enters its 50th year of independence, it is a good time to reflect on its past as well as look to the future. 50 Years of Singapore-Europe Relations: Celebrating Singapore's Connections with Europe is one such contribution to the wide collection of books commemorating Singapore's 50th birthday. The essays and articles in this edited volume capture historical moments, reveal the heartfelt wishes and thoughtful comments of Europeans who have made Singapore their home, chronicle some of the long-standing partnerships and ponder the future challenges of Singapore. This unique book contains a wide range of essays and articles reflecting on the strong connections that Singapore enjoys with Europe, not only at the official level, but also through the contributions that Europeans and European companies have made — and continue to make — which enrich Singaporean society. These essays provide a kaleidoscope of views on Singapore — they explore how close ties and partnerships are forged between nations, how businesses see Singapore as a trustworthy partner and place to invest and establish roots, and, at a more personal level, the articles also present different perspectives on the strengths, and at times, the weaknesses of Singapore as viewed through the eyes of Europeans who live and work in Singapore and consider it as their home. In commemorating Singapore's 50th birthday, this book will add to the understanding of the richness and diversity of Singapore society, and help readers appreciate and reflect on how openness and connectivity have contributed to the success of Singapore in its first 50 years.Contents: Introduction: Celebrating Singapore's Connections with Europe — 50 Years and More (Yeo Lay Hwee) Connections and Reflections — Multi-dimensional Facets of Singapore-Europe Relations: Singapore and Europe: 50 Years of Relations (K Shanmugam) Europe's Contributions to Singapore's Contemporary Culture (Michael Pulch) Reflectiing on Singapore's Contributions to Europe (Yeo Lay Hwee) 1965 and 2015, Europe and Singapore: Some Changes and Constants in a Cultural Geography Perspective (Barnard Turner) Debunking Some "Euromyths" — Understanding the European Union (EU) and Its Connections to Singapore (Loke Hoe Yeong) The Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM): A Bridge between East and West (Goh Chok Tong) Singapore and the Asia Europe Foundation (ASEF) (Tommy Koh and Peggy Kek) Singapore, Germany and the European Union — Political Dialogue for Closer Cooperation and Mutual Understanding (Wilhelm Hofmeister) Enduring Bilateral Ties: Belgians in Singapore: Helping to Write the City-State's (Hi)story (Gerard Cockx) The Mermaid and the Merlion — 50 Years with Denmark and Singapore (Written by Mathilde Moyell Juul (commissioned by Royal Danish Embassy) Preserving the Excellent Connection between Finland and Singapore through the Young Generation (Tuukka Väisänen) Cultural and Scientific Cooperation between Italy and Singapore (Contribution from the Embassy of Italy and Italian Cultural Institute) Singapore and Luxembourg: Small Partners, Big Visions! (Contribution from the Luxembourg Embassy) Singapore and the Netherlands: Building the Future Together (Katrijn de Ronde, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands) Polish People in Singapore: The Foundation of Strong Singapore-Poland Relations (Zenon Kosiniak-Kamysz and Katarzyna Kryczka) Singapore and Slovakia — Friendly Countries with a Strong Story (Michal Slivovič) From Commerce and Industry to Education and Science: From Central Europe to Singapore: Bata and Bat'a (Tomáš Smetánka) From Palm Oil to Consumer Goods' Giant (Benjamin Felix van Roij) Jebsen & Jessen (SEA) — A Singapore Story with European Roots (Benjamin Felix van Roij) Siemens in Singapore — Building Partnerships (Contribution from Siemens and Excel Marco) Science and Research Collaboration between Singapore and Europe (Bertil Andersson and Tony Mayer) Engineering the Future: Academic Excellence between Germany and...