GEORGE YEO: MUSINGS - SERIES THREE

George Yeo: Musings (In 3 Volumes) available as a set here

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 third of a three-part series.

Contents:

• Foreword
• Acknowledgements
• Introduction
• Arbitrage
• Singapore in the World Economy
• The World in Singapore's Economy
• To Inform, Educate, Entertain
• The Arts
• Remembering
• Singapore as Medical Hub
• Who Lives? Who Dies?
• National Service
• First and Foremost
• Working with Lee Kuan Yew
• Lee Kuan Yew and Singapore
• Taijigong
• The Qi Field
• The Coding of Life
• Intelligent Life and the Struggle for Monotheism
• The Red Dust
• Finding Meaning
• 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.

'In this third and final instalment of his series, Minister Yeo exhibits his usual sharpness of mind and fearlessness in examining the intricacies of international diplomacy. Here he narrates the complexities of Singapore's relations with its neighbours with the same deftness that allowed him to help craft a delicate equilibrium as when he helped propel his nation forward while fostering harmony within the region. His lens is unique, his observations always insightful, and his understanding of the ever-evolving global landscape always compassionate. These are not mere stories or 'musings,' as he titles it, but a captivating exploration of his experiences on governance, foreign relations, and regional dynamics. This is an enlightening read from a voice that is simultaneously wise, courageous, and unwavering in its belief in governance as an instrument of good. We are blessed to have Minister Yeo's experiences to reflect on as we continue to seek ways forward as a region.' - Manuel Mar A RoxasFormer Philippine Senator and Minister for Trade & Investment

'Time gives sharpness to memory, and wisdom to experience. I am struck by the frankness, humility and humanity in these Musings by George Yeo. He thinks deeply, rationally and strategically. This gives consistency of thought and direction which is not courage or boldness per se, but a tenacious commitment to good sense and responsible behaviour. I have been both friend and colleague with George for many years, since our days in MINDEF in the 1980s. Even so, I have learnt much from these Musings which fill the gaps in my knowledge concerning independent Singapore and smart governance. Read the book not as biographical anecdotes but as insights in the pursuit and creation of opportunity for the survival and success of Singapore in its varied dimensions.' - Lim Siong GuanProfessor of Practice, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public PolicyNational University of SingaporeCo-author with Joanne H Lim of The Leader, The Teacher & You and Winning with Honour

'In this extraordinary culmination of an extraordinary series about tackling the challenges of everyday living, George Yeo ranges far and wide across the human experience, from the importance of spirituality, realism and history to Singapore's place in the world. Every page is full of wisdom, and practical common sense, drawn from the long life of a man whose career and service run like a golden thread through Singapore's remarkable story. In summary, this book is not just a tour d'horizon but also a tour de force. A lesson for us all.' - Mark TuckerGroup Chairman, HSBC Holdings

'Another volume of George Yeo's Musings is an event. Reading it transported me to the days when he strode through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs bestrewing new ideas at a rate that left us scrambling to catch up. Whether you agreed with him or disagreed with him was beside the point. George never took disagreements to heart, and regardless of whether his ideas delighted or infuriated, they were never dull and never failed to stimulate, forcing your own thoughts into new places.' - Bilahari KausikanFormer Second Permanent and subsequently Permanent Secretary MFA2001–2013

'George Yeo's Musings book gives a most readable recollection of his SAF career (1976–1988) and transition to his eventful political career (1988–2011). As RSAF Head Air Plans, George worked closely with me to build up Singapore's Total Air Defence Umbrella. As Minister of Trade & Industry, George provided Total Science & Technology Umbrella to help us build Singapore's Biomedical Science R&D capability at Biopolis (Phase 1 from December 2001) and Engineering Science R&D capability at Fusionopolis (Phase 1 from July 2003). A*STAR's ambitious 10 year plan (2001–2011) to train Singaporean PhD Scientists (to-date 1,700 plus Born Singaporean and New Singaporeans trained) was only realised by George's Protective championing of our Local Talent (Guppies) development effort whilst we kidnapped Foreign Talent (Whales) from abroad. The two chapters on Lee Kuan Yew's personality and impactful influence on George's political career is insightful reading for all Singaporeans.' - Philip YeoFormer Mindef Second Permanent Secretary (1979–85)Chairman of EDB (1986–2000) and A*STAR (2001–2007)Special Adviser for International Economic DevelopmentPrime Minister's Office (2007–2011)

'I first knew George Yeo when he was minister responsible for the arts. I don't know why he took a particular interest in me but I was touched when he bought some of my pottery pieces as state gifts. The chapter on the Arts in Musings Series Three brought back good memories. We renewed our friendship in recent years.' - Iskander JalilCeramicist

'In the third volume of his memoir, George Yeo covers a wide variety of topics — from defence, international relations and the economy, to the arts, health and social harmony. Whatever the topic, he gives highly readable, in-depth accounts of the creative thinking, circumspective considerations and courage behind the impressive milestones and achievements of modern Singapore. He generously gives credit to the many key people he worked with, including Mr Lee Kuan Yew. His philosophical thinking, objectivity and broad-mindedness, combined with a pragmatic approach to tackling issues may offer inspiration and encouragement, especially to younger readers.' - Liu Thai KerChairman, Morrow Planners & ArchitectsFormer CEO of the Housing and Development Board (HDB) andUrban Redevelopment Authority (URA)

'George Yeo's last two volumes of his musings have become highly sought-after reads. The talented ex-army general with his reminiscences, summations as a former foreign minister and now as a successful corporate figure — have become sterling topics in this volume — his third in the Musings series. This book, more apt to be called George's trinity testament, covers a further eighteen that are close to his sharp adaptations. His contrasting glimpses provoke one to be more observant of the world around us. This volume opens up an extra eighteen stories of insights, evaluation and life's attachment to topics of high interest. His past two musings tug at consciousness and happenings hitherto left unattended. I cajole George Yeo — come out with the Fourth Series of Musings before this one is sold out.' - Dr Rais YatimPresident of the Senate Malaysia & Former Foreign Minister of Malaysia

'George Yeo's Musings are memorable reading not just because of his influential involvement in Singapore's modern history but because of his personal intelligence, candor and decency. When we met, he was the Minister of Information enforcing a ban on circulation in Singapore of two Dow Jones publications for which I was responsible. Despite that, we developed great respect for each other and a personal friendship. My admiration grew when I met his wife Jennifer, whose courageous self-sufficiency helped sustain their young family during crucial periods of his government service. Singapore's success is a story worthy of study and there is no wiser guide to Singapore — and to life — than George Yeo.' - Karen Elliott HouseRetired Publisher, The Wall Street Journal

'George Yeo's Series Three of Musings is a must read for people of all generations interested in Singapore as well as in international relations and diplomacy. My dear friend George Yeo shares with us, in a conversational style, his journey from childhood to cabinet minister, a personal story interwoven with national and international politics. George Yeo talked to us as a private person, an academic, an economist, a philosopher and an effective practitioner in Singapore politics and international diplomacy. Readers will get to know many world leaders through George Yeo's inquisitive eyes. In Series Three, George Yeo continued to discuss subjects of great importance. What made Singapore's economic strategy a world-class success? Is Singapore's commitment to ASEAN a short-term expediency? He talked about his unique relationship with Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, offering rare personal insights into Lee Kuan Yew's mind and philosophy. Did Lee Kuan Yew keep his private promises? Did Lee Kuan Yew practice what he preached? They first met in 1973 when Lee Kuan Yew told him intelligence was 'unevenly distributed' among people. He said Lee Kuan Yew understood 'relative power' and 'knew how to use it.' Lee Kuan Yew can be tough and intimidating, he can also be sensitive and caring. Lee Kuan Yew even mentioned to him that 'public offence could not be made up for by a private apology.' George Yeo enabled me to understand Lee Kuan Yew as a human being more comprehensively. George Yeo's series of Musings is fun to read. Readers will walk away with an enhanced understanding of our period in history.' - Professor Kantathi Suphamongkhon39th Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand

'George Yeo has the world to teach us. He has held an array of high offices in Singapore: Brigadier General, Chief of Staff of the Air Staff, a minister in-charge of several ministries, including Foreign Affairs, and much else. His counsel is sought by the Vatican, by governments, by businesses. As is his acute and firsthand knowledge sought by academics. More than all this, having cared for those dearest to him with immense empathy and fortitude, he knows deeply the vicissitudes of life, not just public life. Musings 3 is full of sagacious insights into, and the primary observations of a participant about politics as well as leaders — including Mr Lee Kuan Yew. A book for everyone interested in China, Southeast Asia, public life, in life itself.' - Arun ShourieAuthor, former Minister, Editor of The Indian Express

'From a single drop of rain...' the great detective Sherlock Holmes advised his companion and foil, Dr Watson, '... one can infer the presence of oceans'. At one level, the Singapore/NZ FTA (Free Trade Agreement) made no sense at all. Why would two small economies with virtually no tariffs or other forms of frontier protection bother to negotiate a comprehensive FTA? That was certainly what some critics said. Yet that FTA was the first building block of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement, and explicitly designed as such by Singapore and NZ. The strategy paper referred to in George Yeo's important book (and which was the basis for both Governments' commitments to negotiate) said '... the case for such an FTA is almost wholly strategic'. The original agreement has gone through multiple name changes as its membership has grown and is now the 'Comprehensive and Progressive TPP'. Consistent with Sherlock Holmes' point, it has expanded from its two original participants to the point where it plays a central role in global trade strategy — and the world's second largest economy (China), fifth (UK) are all lined up to join in the wake of President Trump's decision to withdraw. Small economies, it seems, can on occasions influence larger agendas. Ultimately, it is about the power of ideas.' - The Hon Tim Groser10th Minister of Trade of New Zealand, Former PrincipalEconomic Adviser to the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign AffairsChief Negotiator of New Zealand–Singapore FTA

'George Yeo is a scholar, philosopher and a seasoned politician. While he served as Cabinet Minister, he took charge of a wide range of portfolios, demonstrating his ability as a government minister who could be skilful and persuasive, yet pragmatic. He distinguished himself as our Foreign Minister. Aspiring leaders will find in George an outstanding model of public service and dedication for one's people.I enjoyed reading the Musings series and have been educated through them. I greatly value George's observations and profound insights. The breadth and depth of his Musings 1, 2, 3 attest to his person and character. He is a giant amongst his peers. Serious students of contemporary world affairs, and practitioners of politics and diplomacy will certainly benefit from reading all three volumes of George Yeo's Musings.' - Dr Loo Choon YongExecutive Chairman, Raffles Medical Group

'In George Yeo's Musings, he reflects on the rise of China and its intense competition with the USA. He also talks about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and how it marks the end of 30 years of global integration and growth through trade liberalisation. In Series Three of Musings, George recalls negotiations for the launch of the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) in 2001. He and I were participants. In spite of the lack of progress made with the DDA, the WTO rules-based system is important for both developed and developing countries alike. Many countries like Singapore and Australia, not satisfied with the glacial pace of change in the multilateral system opted to pursue bilateral and regional FTAs to create more opportunities in a much shorter timeframe for their exporters and investors. This was frowned upon then by trade policy purists. It was out of frustration with the failure of the Seattle WTO Ministerial meeting in 1999 to launch a new round of trade liberalization that a group of like-minded Ministers (Yeo from Singapore, Vaile from Australia, Supachai Panitchpakdi from Thailand, Richard Fisher from the USA) met on the sidelines of the 2000 APEC Ministerial in Darwin which I hosted. We agreed some of us could move faster by negotiating bilateral FTAs which were compliant with WTO rules and spur the DDA on. George and I immediately began the process to launch bilateral negotiations! Our bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) was among the first to be concluded. I still remember how we closed negotiations between the two of us. George agreed with my proposal to call it SAFTA. SAFTA set high standards and led to both Singapore and Australia successfully concluding FTAs with the USA and other countries. Musings Series Three covers other subjects which I also read with interest. He has a positive spirit which shows in every chapter. George did much for Singapore's bilateral relationship with Australia during his long years in government. I was delighted when he was made an Honorary Member of the Order of Australia in 2013 and proud to have him as a good mate.' - Mark VaileFormer Deputy Prime Minister and Trade Minister of Australia

'Congratulations to George Yeo on the release of Musings III. It has brought back many memories for those of us who have been around long enough. Time has flown by, and over twenty years have passed. I truly miss his contributions to the local film industry during his time as the Minister of Information and the Arts, especially when the regulations on dialects had not been lifted yet. We firmly believe that you shared the same vision as us for the local film industry at that time. He overcame numerous obstacles and took the risk to navigate through the strict censorship standards for dialects in films. As a result of his courage, our first local blockbuster film could be released, breathing new life into the local film industry. This marked a milestone in the journey of Singaporean cinema that we could have never dreamed of. Once again, thank you, George.' - Jack NeoFilm Director

'I first met George when he was an SAF officer. We were at a dinner in Jakarta; he was in Goh Chok Tong's delegation on an official visit to Indonesia, and I was covering the trip for The Straits Times. He had the full attention of those at the table when he gave a spontaneous mini-lesson on Javanese history. His mastery of detail left a deep impression on me. The next time we met was over lunch he was hosting for editors of the Singapore media, as Minister for Information and the Arts. It was a regular affair, which I enjoyed because he was always worth listening to. His deep knowledge of Asian and European civilisations, and his grasp of the geopolitics of the day were an education for me. Lunch was also an opportunity to tackle spiky media issues. As MITA minister, he had to walk a tightrope, managing a government-media relationship prone to disagreements, which were not infrequent. He had to contend with pressure from his colleagues who were unhappy with the way their policies were reported. But he was also sensitive to the needs of the media, which had to have its fingers on the pulse of the people, or it would lose readership, an empathy the editors appreciated. George pulled off the balancing act with great skill. In the third part of Musings, he writes about this tightrope and his nine years at MITA, which he considers the most challenging of all the many ministries he helmed. Musings part three is full of revealing 'war stories' of his time in Cabinet — what it was like working with Lee Kuan Yew, his contributions to Singapore's long-term economic future, and his time at the Health Ministry with its neverending challenges from rising health costs. It is a fascinating journal of his personal and public life, the work of a brilliant mind, and a worthy contribution to the Singapore story.' - Yip Seng CheongFormer Editor-In-Chief of The Straits Times (1987–2006)

'It would be a mistake to read George Yeo's Musings too quickly, especially this final instalment. Yes, the words flow easily, spelling out, as he says in his foreword, much of what has been swirling in his mind all these years. And the delightful vignettes of how the wheels of government turned and the sharp pen sketches of some of Singapore's most consequential public figures cannot but tempt most readers to flip the page eagerly for more. But a hasty reading might result in missing the rich but veiled meanings and nuances of what George Yeo, the deep thinker and master of words, has chosen to say about a particular event or person. Or not to say more. Or why he has surfaced that episode at all. The two chapters on his relationship with Singapore's first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew are a case in point. Anyone with more than a cursory interest in Singapore's recent political history would gladly chew over every word George Yeo has put down for posterity. For example, recalling how Lee Kuan Yew had treated him like an apprentice and made it a point to take him along on overseas visits in his first seven years in government, he says this had stirred quite some jealousy, with snide remarks being made behind his back even in Cabinet meetings. He adds: 'Watching the publicity I was getting, my mother, before she died, told me that while Lee Kuan Yew had an affection for me, I should never compete with his son.' Wow! Similar pithy words abound in every of the 18 chapters in Series Three, which range over such diverse weighty subjects as monotheism, censorship, coding of life, finding meaning in existence, Singapore's place in the world, and the need for political leaders, and missionaries, to retreat periodically in order to re-think and re-centre themselves. Even the most dismissive of his detractors cannot but marvel at how widely he has read and remembered, and how deeply he has thought. He ends Series Three on an inspiring note, with a beautiful prayer of St Francis, which he learned when he was in primary five. Read and savour it for yourself; it is good for your soul.' - Leslie FongFormer Editor of The Straits Times

'George Yeo is an old friend and colleague from whom I learnt (and keep learning) a lot, and whose perspective from the East I have always highly valued. Over the years, we have worked together on EU–Singapore relations, WTO trade negotiations, the improvement of the international trading system and in the private sector. I resonate to many of his musings because they touch on our lives and common endeavours.' - Pascal LamyVice Chair, Paris Peace Forum

'I have known George Yeo over some thirty years. In our years in government, our paths crossed on many occasions. Both of us served our respective governments in multiple responsibilities. We met in various functions not always related to our posts. One occasion that I still remember was when we both participated in the Pacific Dialogue in Kuala Lumpur in 1996 organized among others by Dato' Anwar Ibrahim and attended by renown figures from both sides of the Pacific. Aside from professional encounters I regard George Yeo as a personal friend. At one time our families celebrated New Year's Eve together in Singapore. Later after both of us retired from public service we joined the International Advisory Board of National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies, a highly reputable graduate school and think tank in Tokyo. I have always found him honest, sincere and interesting and I see him not only as a personal friend but a good friend of Indonesia. He had a keen interest in Indonesia, perhaps more than what his professional work required to have. Scattered through George Yeo's Musings Series are references to Indonesia which recalled the places he visited, the people he met and the events he witnessed. He wrote about his personal experiences which were often set against a historical perspective. Not only are his reflections insightful, they show a certain affection for Indonesia and its people. In Musings Series Three, George Yeo talks about his work in different ministries. The chapters cover a wide range of subjects. I could relate to his experiences in the military, as both of us served in our countries' Air Force. His chapters on Lee Kuan Yew are fascinating. In the last few chapters, he reveals deeper aspects of himself including his philosophy of life and his approach to spirituality. I recommend George Yeo's Musings to all who want to know more about Singapore and its place in the region and the world, including Indonesian leaders, politicians, researchers and students of regional studies and Indonesian readers in general.' - Ginandjar KartasasmitaIndonesia's Former Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry

'荣文兄是我二十多年的老朋友，他是杰出的政治家更是当代最优秀的社会思想家。他不仅对新加坡的现代化与国际化贡献卓著，更对亚太及世界局势的走向有其真知灼见。凝思集是继「榕树下的沉思」后，荣文兄对其身分认同、中印课题、中美关系到亚洲问题均提出独特及深刻的观察与见解。第三辑也加入了新加坡建国总理李光耀的章节，分享荣文兄与李总理共同的智慧结晶。 记得二十年前我第一次与李光耀先生见面，李先生当时就提出有关台湾的各项政策议题的担忧与预言，如今在台湾都逐渐呈现。李光耀先生的确是一位坚毅及有远见的伟大政治家。 荣文兄的凝思集第三辑，高度深度广度兼有的内容，必将带给读者们更多的省思与启发！' - 朱立伦国民党主席

'George has been a good friend of mine for more than 20 years. He is an outstanding statesman and one of the best social thinkers of our time. He has not only contributed significantly to the modernization and internationalization of Singapore, but also has insightful views on the direction of the Asia-Pacific region and the world situation. Following George Yeo on Bonsai, Banyan and the Tao 《榕树下的沉思》, George offers unique and insightful observations on identity, China–India issues, Sino-American relations, and Asian issues in the Musings series. I recall my first meeting with Mr. Lee Kuan Yew 20 years ago, when he raised concerns and predictions about various policy issues regarding Taiwan, which are now becoming apparent in Taiwan. Mr. Lee is indeed a great statesman with determination and vision. George's Musings Series Three with altitude, depth and breadth will definitely bring readers more introspection and inspiration!' - Eric ChuChairman, KMT

'George Yeo is a singularly gifted leader and shaper of modern Singapore's most consequential moments and events. For decades, he has been a critical part of his nation's vision, strategy and global influence — which in turn have been key to Asia's rise. His musings, now in its third and final volume capture an extraordinary tapestry of insights behind one of history's most remarkable political, social and economic transformations. Imbedded in these pages are rich reflections of the people, motivations, struggles and successes that will continue to spark debate for generations. But rarely is there such a detailed first person account, shared by one who possesses the ability to bring to life the cultural and regional complexities that animate the Singapore story and give context to its remarkable journey.' - Jon HuntsmanFormer Governor of UtahUS Ambassador to Singapore, China and Russia (ret)

'Over the decades in which I have known George, including the years when he lived in Hong Kong and served on the Economic Development Commission which I chaired, I had always quietly marvelled at his breadth of knowledge. His accomplishments in politics and public service I knew. But his experiences in life, particularly his outlook on the more philosophical and spiritual aspects? The third and final in the series of Musings by George explains it. My preview of the book was a privilege. In this book, George recounts his vast experience in the various government and political positions, and further fascinates readers with his infinite understanding of and insightful views on the different cultures. I am particularly drawn to his practice of qigong and taijigong, his interpretation of Yi Jing, and how these were woven into the execution of his unfailing duties to Singapore. Having read this book, I now know that my conversations with George will be even more thought-provoking.' - Leung Chun-YingVice Chairman, National CommitteeThe Chinese People's Consultative ConferenceFormer Chief Executive, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

'Musings 3 reads to me like a series of short stories and George Yeo is a wonderful storyteller. His narratives move laterally as well as linearly, forming subtle connections in all directions. He sees meaning in things that most of us miss. His breadth of knowledge, powers of observation and insight are obviously amazing. But even more than those are his magnanimity of spirit and humble wisdom — to the people, societies and topics that he ruminates on — that greets me from every page. For me, it is this magnanimous spirit and humble wisdom that connects all the stories into a much bigger tale of one person's encounter with the world. At the heart of this encounter is his concern for the relationships between people — and peoples. So when he writes about leaders or movers sometimes he talks about them as spouses, parents and friends. When he discusses ideas or cultures he reflects through the people that carry those ideas or cultures in them, and how they interact. Even arbitrage becomes about relationships. This is rare food for heart as well as thought.' - Sim Pern YiauHolistic health teacherFounder of A Holistic Practice and Senior Master of Wu Tu Nan Taijigong

Key Features:

• Tells George Yeo's story in a casual format
• Includes personal anecdotes from his childhood, his hobbies, and talks about his schizophrenic eldest brother for the first time
• Includes George Yeo's thoughts on his parents, on suffering and God, and his latest insights about China, India, Southeast Asia, China, Europe and the US