How Lee Kuan Yew nurtured the "child" Singapore into an Asian dragon

On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the birth of the late Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew (September 16, 1923 - September 16, 2023) and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Singapore, Omega+ republishes the book series Lee Kuan Yew's Memoirs .

The book series includes a paperback edition, biographical supplement, famous questions, compliments, an introduction to Lee Kuan Yew and 10 postcards about Singapore from colonial times to modern times.

Lee Kuan Yew's memoirs include two volumes: The Singapore Story and From Third World to First World.

The book series tells the story of Singapore's development - from a third world country with poor resources, a weak economy and a backward society, under the leadership of the Government led by the late Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew - to a leading position in the world.

Cách ông Lý Quang Diệu nuôi dưỡng đứa trẻ Singapore thành con rồng châu Á - 1 — The book series "Lee Kuan Yew's Memoirs" (Photo: Omega+).

The Singapore Story (Translated by Pham Vien Phuong and Huynh Van Thanh)

The Singapore Story was written in 1994 and first published in 1998, recounting the proud memories of the excellent student Lee Kuan Yew during his days studying abroad in England.

From his touching love story with his wife, to the ambitions of a young man: Making friends, gradually entering politics, learning how to behave, building the Party and steering the country through difficulties.

The Singapore story ends with Singapore's declaration of independence in 1965, after separating from the Federation of Malaysia. This also marked an important milestone in the formation of Mr. Lee's thinking and personality.

The "struggles" of a dynamic leader described in the book have helped readers gain more perspective on the world situation during the Cold War, the Non-Aligned Movement, the US, UK, Russia, China and other powers at the time when they were still "hidden" between the two sides of the Iron Curtain; on the European Union during its formation period, the Commonwealth and other alliances and treaties.

Cách ông Lý Quang Diệu nuôi dưỡng đứa trẻ Singapore thành con rồng châu Á - 2 — The book series is reprinted in a paperback version, with a biographical supplement... (Photo: Omega+).

From Third World to First (Saigonbook Translation Group)

In volume 2, author Lee Kuan Yew recounts Singapore's transformation from a poor country to an "Asian dragon". He outlines the extraordinary efforts to turn the small island nation in Southeast Asia into a powerful nation in just 30 years.

Started building roads and infrastructure on mostly swampy land; built an army from a small population, widespread racism, and ideological divisions; eliminated corruption that had persisted since colonial times…

"If Singapore were a child, I would be proud to have cared for and nurtured that child," Lee Kuan Yew wrote in his memoirs.

Also in the book, he meticulously recounts his experiences and feelings over a long period of contact with other countries (including Vietnam) that Vietnamese readers will probably be interested in.

The Lee Kuan Yew Memoirs is based on the author's notes, as well as unpublished government papers and official records of the former government.

This is a valuable source of information for readers to learn about a small but highly developed country in the region.

Mr. Kofi A. Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations, commented that the title of volume 2 - From Third World to First represents the aspiration of all developing countries, but so far very few countries have succeeded.

"The story is told frankly in a very clear and interesting style. The book has a strange appeal," said Mr. Kofi A. Annan.

Mr. Lee Kuan Yew (September 16, 1923 - March 23, 2015) was the first Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, holding this position from 1959 to 1990.

Although he has stepped down as Prime Minister, he is still considered one of the most influential politicians in Singapore. He continues to serve in the Government of Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong as a Senior Minister.

After Mr. Goh Chok Tong withdrew, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew assumed the new position of Minister Mentor, under the leadership of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong - his son.

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