“The current anti-immigrant and anti-foreigner sentiment in Singapore is irrational and anti-historical. The truth is that from 1819 until the present, many foreign friends have made enormous contributions, in many fields of endeavour,
to Singapore. This book vindicates that view.”
— Ambassador-at-Large Tommy Koh
It is a truism that the world does not owe Singapore a living. However, many foreigners have helped it, not only to make a living, but also to create the good life for its citizens. This book profiles 50 people who were not born in Singapore but who have contributed substantially to its progress from Third World to First.
This book aims to tell the stories of individuals who have made their mark in the fields of the economy, science and medicine, education and society, the arts, and sports. Their efforts have helped industries and businesses to grow; they have honed and polished the capabilities of Singaporeans in a common enterprise to place Singapore on the global map of success.
The choice of 50 individuals ties in with celebrations of Singapore’s Golden Jubilee. The list is by no means exhaustive. The selection of individuals was based on their meeting three broad criteria. First, they were not born in Singapore but came here for a brief sojourn or to plant roots for the long term. Second, the contributions for which they are recognised were made after Singapore had achieved independence. Third, their accomplishments helped Singapore’s star to shine, burnishing its reputation on the global stage or ensuring international recognition for a uniquely Singapore brand or character.
The 1960s were a time of economic and political uncertainty. Independence brought with it the challenge of providing jobs, housing and education to two million people. Countless individuals and groups played a role in laying the foundation of an economically robust nation with an efficient civil service, a capable workforce and the ability to protect its borders. Among them, G. G. Thomson educated civil servants on world affairs. Brigadier-General Yaakov Elazari helped train the army. The economist Albert Winsemius spent a few months in Singapore in 1960 to assess its economic potential but lived mostly in The Hague during the 23 years he served as an adviser to the Singapore government. The Chinese economist Tang I-Fang came as part of the United Nations Industrial Survey Mission in 1961 to assist with Singapore’s economic development; he became a citizen in 1972. Ian Batey created the iconic Singapore Girl, which till today embodies the personalised service that Singapore Airlines offers passengers. Nobel Prize winner Sydney Brenner was instrumental in the development of biomedical research in Singapore.
Individuals who made Singapore a more cultured and compassionate nation are also featured in this book. Ann Wee raised the public’s perception of social work and fought to introduce an honours year in the Social Work degree programme at the University of Singapore. Artistes like K. P. and Santha Bhaskar, and Kuo Pao Kun and his wife Goh Lay Kuan devoted their lives to the pursuit of their craft, inspiring Singaporeans to expand the aesthetic boundaries of the nation. The architect Krystyn Olszewski was imprisoned in Auschwitz before coming to Singapore to work on the first Concept Plan. Launched in 1971, it envisaged the development of Changi Airport, new public housing townships and a network of expressways. These are just a few of the individuals celebrated in the book.
The book does not include those born in Malaysia. Given the symbiotic ties of history and culture between the two nations, it is difficult to think of them as foreigners. The Malayan-born members of the first generation of Cabinet Ministers provide symbolic proof of this relationship. Other examples would be librarian Hedwig Anuar, author Catherine Lim, economist Lim Chong Yah, theatre practitioner Huzir Sulaiman, and mountaineer Khoo Swee Chiow. Also, in the interests of selectivity, the book leaves out foreign workers who have built the city and who continue to play a crucial role in the construction, service and healthcare sectors. Their absence from these pages is not intended to diminish their everyday contributions to keeping Singapore going.
The content for the 50 profile pieces has been drawn from Internet sources, media archives, material provided by the families of individuals, and interviews where possible. Sources are acknowledged at the end of each profile.
Lynn Lee & Asad Latif
Institute of Policy Studies
October 2015