GEORGE YEO: MUSINGS - SERIES ONE

Over sessions which lasted two to three hours each time, every week for half a year, George Yeo met and mused over a wide range of topics with writer Woon Tai Ho and research assistant Keith Yap. Speaking from notes, he began with himself and his hope for Singapore, and then spanned over a wide range of subjects — from the importance of human diversity and Singapore's reflection within itself of the world, to history, politics, economics, philosophy, taijigong and religion. He gives his views on India, China, ASEAN, Europe, the US and other parts of the world, and how Singapore's history and destiny are connected to all of them. The style is conversational and anecdotal. George Yeo: Musings is exactly that — musings. Some themes recur throughout the book which reflect his view of life. But there is no grand theory. He does not expect all of his reflections to be of interest to everyone, but he hopes that everyone will find something of interest. This is the first of a three-part series. Contents: Foreword Acknowledgements Introduction Identity Early Formation Big Singapore Reflecting the World's Diversity The Eurasian Prawn Paste Passages to India India and Singapore On the Nalanda Trail Revival of Nalanda after 800 Years The Homogeneity of China The People's Republic Singapore's Chineseness Chinese Education Managing Singapore's Political Relations with China Singapore's Economic and Cultural Relations with China Love China, Love Hong Kong Wukong and the Monk Index Readership: Readers from Singapore, China, India and Southeast Asia who are interested in George Yeo's perspective on history, politics, economics, philosophy, and other related topics. 'Musings gives the reader an enthralling lesson in Asian civilization, history, culture, traditions, philosophy, religion and political thought. His musings reflect a brilliant and intellectual mind, always curious and inquisitive. This is the George Yeo I know and admired as a colleague in the Singapore Armed Forces, a boss in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a good friend. A man destined for bigger things. Though not written as a biography, it gives a fascinating insight into his life, especially his Teochew identity and his strong attachment to his ancestral home in China. This book has something for everyone and is a must-read for every Singaporean.' - Winston ChooFormer Chief of Defence Force and Diplomat 'George Yeo is a distinguished public figure of international stature. He is a widely respected thinker with a deep understanding of history. He has a great zest for life. This monumental work is a treasure trove. He shares the rich experiences of his life's journey and discusses a wide range of matters relating to our times and the human condition. His observations are wise and perceptive. His insights are profound and illuminating. Readers will find Musings thought provoking and enriching and will learn a great deal from it.' - The Honourable Andrew Li Kwok-nangFirst Chief Justice of the Hong Kong SAR of the People's Republic of China 'George Yeo is widely read, widely travelled and widely admired, as you will find from this book. I have met few people like him who live and enjoy every moment of life with unflagging intellectual curiosity and interest. His abiding love for China, because of his roots, is understandable but his love affair with India led me to remark once that in his previous birth he must have been an Indian!' - P ChidambaramMember of Parliament, Former Finance Minister of India 'George Yeo writes from both the head and the heart. He is sympathetic with human vulnerability but also champions what the human spirit can achieve. I have known George since I was the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea and the Secretary General of the UN and seen how he has always tried to bring East and West together. His 'Musings are those of a cultural envoy and a peacemaker.' - Ban Ki-moonFormer United Nations Secretary-General 'George Yeo is brilliant....