From Third World To First

A well-produced book that reached me in good condition. Bought it as a gift for my son.

I am absolutely spell bound by the intuition and the will power of Lee Kuan Yew in making Singapore what it is today. The book is divided into various chapters some of which looks into various sectors of the country and some which relates to his country's relations with other countries. Each chapter is separate from the other. So chronological order does not exist between chapters and is present only in the chapters. He beautifully explains the past, the changes made to reach the present state and his hopes for the future.Comparisons with India are spread out throughout the book. India and Singapore had the same economic and social conditions at the time of independence. But the decisions of the political leaders changed the course of our nation which could have become a geopolitical superpower in the Asian, which it failed to achieve in spite of being blessed with all the necessary resources, whereas Singapore achieved it with nothing.One point which hit me hard was where he mentioned that he had requested the Indian governments help to build the Singapore city right after it's independence. But the then prime minister did not even acknowledge his request. Now the irony. Some 50 years later, we are using Singaporean help in building the capital of a newly formed state.

This is an amazing book with insights on building systems that last. The book talks of various undertakings by the Govt led by LKY to make Singapore industrialized, a global financial hub and a preferred choice for reasearch and innovation.

This is fantastic book written by a leader of a state! Especially since he was at the helm for a considerable amount of time compared to the avg time of others. In-depth details of history of this country, how it managed its relationships with its neighbours and how it developed relevant policies to benefit its countrymen. If you do not have an interest is south-east Asia and its geo-politics you may find some sections too detailed. Overall a very good read indeed.

I always found Lee Kuan Yew to be an intriguing and one of the most fascinating figure of 20th/21st Century. Arguably one of the greatest Statesman in the 20th century and the founding father of Singapore Inc after its separation from Malaysia. Sadly, Mr. Lee passed away this year and I wanted to learn more about Mr. Lee Kuan Yew through his memoirs. I'm glad that I read this memoir. The book consist of three parts. 1.) Getting the Basics right (administration of Singapore), 2.) In Search of space - Regional and International (International affairs and diplomacy) 3.) Winding up (Family life)Lee is a Free-market supporter, Social Darwinist, Anti-communist and supports some limitation on individual freedom for the greater good of the society. I found his administrative capabilities quite remarkable especially how he was able to make 90% of Singaporeans to own property. The success of Singapore is a result of series of meticulously planning and implementation. Some might raise eye brows about his believes in democracy. He believes democracy doesn't necessarily a great thing for a developing nation. According to Lee, despite the fact that almost all former colonies embraced their colonisers style of democratic government they were unsuccessful in economic and social front because democracy doesn't work without a growing middle class, educated and hard-working population and meritocracy. In some ways, his critique of Democracy is similar to Plato's critique.His erudite understanding of the International affairs and political acumen is quite extra-ordinary. Some of his views might make few uncomfortable like when he is talking about "National Character" and other generalisation. Overall, we get a good glimpse of his sound analysis on world affairs. The book was originally written in 2000 and many of his analysis is quite right especially his views on Knowledge based economy. In his words, "Countries that make themselves relevant will be better off than countries that don't"I'm really glad that I read this book.

Being a city state - Singapore has been vulnerable for external threats, given that, it hasn't had any natural/self sufficient resources. So, Mr. Lee's contributions in turning Singapore to First world state from third world state highly commendable & inspirational.Excellent book with timeline of events/issues Mr. Lee had encountered & the way he has dealt & resolved those events/issues during his lifetime.

It’s a great book from one of the greatest founding father of a nation. The more you read the more you realise how tough it was for Mr Lee Kuan Yew not to fall in the pitfalls so many Asian countries fell post independence. Anytime you visit Singapore and wonder how did a country like Singapore become so beautiful, rich and an oasis you will have the answers.