In this deeply personal and historically significant memoir, Pridi Banomyong, former regent and prime minister of Siam (Thailand), takes readers on a journey through one of the most turbulent periods in modern Southeast Asian history. Forced into exile in the People's Republic of China, Pridi reflects on his life's work as a democratic leader, his ......
How Shifting Urban-Rural Dynamics Shaped Thailand's 2023 General Election
Thailand's 2023 general election reveals a political landscape undergoing significant transformation, where the traditional Bangkok-versus-countryside political dichotomy has given way to more nuanced urban-rural electoral dynamics unfolding within individual provinces and constituencies.
For the first ten years of the history of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), one soldier dominated its build-up. Mobilized by Defence Minister Dr Goh Keng Swee after Singapore's expulsion from Malaysia on 9 August 1965, Kirpa Ram Vij, then a captain in the Singapore Volunteer Artillery, established the Singapore Armed Forces Training Institute ......
From Pioneering Gynaecologist to Singapore President
"My mum was told to abort the foetus after doctors told her the baby was stillborn. She refused to accept the opinions of three doctors consulted... (and) made the trip to Singapore where she consulted a doctor named Benjamin Sheares. He examined her, then reassured her with a smile: 'Madam, your baby is alive, and fine.' I would like to remember ......
A Memoir of My Time in the Singapore Armed Forces (1967-1982)
"A Matter of Duty needs to be required reading for all SAF officers and MINDEF professional staff. It is a lively, candid, engaging and, at times, surprising memoir that explains how the formative years were used to turn bits and pieces into a comprehensive and organised armed forces that are now a core institution of the country in an ......
The Covid-19 pandemic was unprecedented in its impact and repercussions which are still being felt today. The Southeast Asian region is no exception with the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives, economic contraction, and increased poverty. The impact varied across the region. Some countries were more effective than others at implementing ......
President, Diplomat, Journalist and a True Singaporean
Dr Wee Kim Wee was a pioneering Singaporean journalist and diplomat with a most improbable rise and rise in life. Among his many other accomplishments, he helped end a regional war; kept one of the world's oldest newspapers alive till today; and rescued the presidency of the Republic of Singapore from a spell in the gutter. Just as water softens ......
India and ASEAN After a Decade of the Act East Policy
"This book captures the essence of India-ASEAN partnership and reflects the values Ambassador Singh has long championed-dialogue, mutual respect and a commitment to peace and shared prosperity. I am confident that readers will find valuable insights and enduring lessons from one of India's foremost diplomatic voices in these pages." -Dato ......
The rise of Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to the presidency in 2014 marked an optimistic turn in Indonesia. At a time when politics were dominated by oligarchs, New Order-era holdovers and corrupt politicians, Jokowi's populist style and humble origins embodied the change that many Indonesians desired. He promised the public a cleaner style of government ......
