| Book Name: | From Third World to First: The Singapore Story: 1965-2000 |
| Category: | Politics Books |
| Language: | English |
| Format: | |
| Free Download: | Available |
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Book Description:
When Singapore gained its independence in 1965, only a few people thought it would last. How is it, then, that the former British colonial trading post is now a thriving Asian metropolis with the world’s best airline, airport, busiest trade port and the world’s fourth-highest real per capita income?
In this book, Lee Kuan Yew, the charismatic and controversial founder of Singapore, tells the story of how the country changed over time. Singapore is now seen as a city of the future, even though it has a history of divisive colonialism, the destruction of the Second World War, and general poverty and chaos after foreign forces left. This remarkable history is told dramatically by the man who not only lived through it all but also took risks and made most of these changes happen.
Lee uses his detailed notes, government papers, and official records that had never been made public to show how hard it was for an island city-state in Southeast Asia to stay alive at that time.
Lee talks about how he and his cabinet members got rid of the communist threat to the security of the new state and started the hard work of building a nation: making primary infrastructure roads through land that was primarily swamped, making an army out of a population that was racially and ideologically divided, getting rid of the last traces of corruption from the colonial era, building a lot of public housing, and starting a national airline and airport.
In this exciting book, Lee tells the truth about how he dealt with political opponents and his often unusual views on human rights, democracy, and inherited intelligence. He always tried to “be correct, not politically correct.” Nothing in Singapore got past his watchful eye, whether it was choosing shrubs to make the country greener, bringing back the romance of the old Raffles Hotel, or convincing young men to marry women with the same education level. Singapore is safe and clean today because of Lee, and he doesn’t apologize for it: “If this is a nanny state, I am proud to have created one.”
Even though Lee’s role in Singapore was small, his energy and skill ensured he would play a more significant role in world affairs. With his own unique style, he brings history to life with precise analyses of some of the most critical strategic issues of the past few decades. He also shows how, over the years, he helped America, China, and Taiwan deal with the changing tides of their relationships by being their confidant, sounding board, and messenger. He also gives honest, sometimes harsh, pen portraits of his political peers, such as Margaret Thatcher, Ronald Reagan, Jiang Zemin, George Bush, and Deng Xiaoping.
Lee also talks about his family life. He writes lovingly about his wife and faithful partner, Kwa Geok Choo, and how proud they are of their three children, especially their oldest son, Hsien Loong, now Singapore’s deputy prime minister.
Lee Kuan Yew has been praised and criticized equally for more than 30 years, and he has become a force in Asian and international politics that can’t be ignored. From Third World to First gives readers an exciting look into this visionary’s heart, soul, and mind.
From Third World to First Summary
“From Third World to First: The Singapore Story: 1965-2000” is a memoir by former Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Kuan Yew. In the book, Lee recounts his experiences leading Singapore from a third-world country to a developed, first-world nation in just a few decades.
The book covers Singapore’s independence from Malaysia from 1965 to the end of the 20th century and Lee’s time as Prime Minister from 1959 to 1990. He discusses his leadership challenges, such as a lack of resources, a hostile neighboring Malaysia, and ethnic tensions within Singapore.
Lee also describes the economic and social policies he implemented to transform Singapore into a thriving nation. These included implementing a solid and efficient government bureaucracy, attracting foreign investment, promoting free trade and entrepreneurship, and investing in education and infrastructure. He also talks about the military’s role in maintaining stability in the country and how he navigated the delicate balancing act of maintaining good relationships with both the United States and China.
Throughout the book, Lee reflects on the lessons he learned as a leader and the values that guided him, such as meritocracy, pragmatism, and a commitment to progress. He also addresses the criticism leveled at him and the government, such as charges of authoritarianism and suppression of dissent.
In conclusion, “From Third World to First” provides insight into the mind of one of the most influential leaders of the 20th century and offers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities of nation-building. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Singapore’s history, economics, and politics and anyone seeking to understand the factors contributing to a country’s success.
Download From Third World to First: The Singapore Story, 1965–2000 PDF
Author(s): Lee Kuan Yew
Publisher: Harper Collins, Year: 2000
ISBN: 0-06-019776-5
