Books from Singapore Publishers

If you're intrigued by the interplay of politics and personal narrative, "Conversations With Thaksin" offers a front-row seat to the controversial life of Thailand's former Prime Minister. It's a tale that weaves through the complexities of power, the dichotomy of rich and poor, and a glimpse into the future of democracy in Asia, all through Thaksin's own words. You'll find yourself in the depths of Asian political intrigue, as if you're piecing together a puzzle of a man's legacy and a country's path forward.

"Bite Harder" offers a raw and reflective journey beyond mere autobiography. The crux of this book lies in the blend of personal tales and literary analysis, which isn't common. Your curiosity will be piqued as Koh navigates both the intellectual landscapes of New York and the emotional terrain of leaving one’s comfort zone. If you're intrigued by a voice that’s both an engaged citizen and a critical poet, this collection of essays might just redefine your understanding of cultural and self-discovery.

If you're drawn to untold stories of real-world idealism and human dedication, "A Far Better Thing I Do" offers a captivating look into a unique historical moment. Diving into the lives of 2000 Italian workers who chose to leave their homes to literally build a new vision of society, this book is a treasure for anyone fascinated by the intersection of political hope and personal sacrifice.

This book is a must-read for anyone grappling with the complex challenges of our rapidly changing world. Brett King and Dr. Richard Petty delve deep into the intersection of technology, inequality, and climate change, offering thought-provoking insights that will challenge your preconceived notions and open your mind to new possibilities. With a clear-eyed analysis and a compelling narrative, they examine the disruptive forces that will shape our future, forcing us to redefine our political, economic, and social systems. Prepare to be both enlightened and inspired as you navigate the uncharted territory of a technosocialist society.

The urban legend goes that Morgan Chua’s first political cartoon of Lee Kuan Yew in the Singapore Herald led to the newspaper’s closure in 1971. Undeterred by this, Lee’s near mythic status became fodder for Morgan’s creative imagination and incisive pen as he continued his satirical sketches of the prime minister in the Far Eastern Economic Review.For the first time, over 100 of Morgan’s LKY cartoons—along with new ones—have been collected, covering Lee’s pioneering years up to the present day. In LKY: Political Cartoons, the fearless Morgan meets the fearsome Harry.Praise:“I really like the bulge Morgan gives [LKY] around his eyebrows, beneath which his eyes are sometimes two slits, sometimes small buttons and rarely open. I’ve never read a biography of someone in the form of political cartoons, but this one works pretty well...There is a delightful section where [LKY] meets foreign leaders.”—V Sudarshan, The New Indian Express“If you have always wondered what the epic, unexpurgated life of Singapore's founding prime minister would look like as comic strips, this book by [Morgan] Chua is for you.”—Corrie Tan and Nabilah Said, The Sunday Times“A very interesting collection.”—TJS George, author of Lee Kuan Yew's Singapore“For those who don't know, Morgan Chua is one our country's rare political cartoonist—hilariously biting when at the top of his game...how often do we get to see LKY satirised in comics? Only Morgan is crazy enough to do it.”—Justin Zhuang, author of Independence: The History Of Graphic Design in Singapore Since The 1960sAbout the Creator:Morgan Chua is a Singapore-born cartoonist who started drawing for the Singapore Herald in 1970. When the paper was closed down by the government in 1971, Chua moved to Hong Kong and joined The Asian for nine months.He then joined the prestigious Far Eastern Economic Review, where he started as an editorial artist and over 24 years rose to creative director. At the Review, he was known for his incisive single-panel political cartoons and for arresting and provocative magazine cover choices. He has also drawn cartoons for Hong Kong’s Next Magazine and Apple Daily. Chua has published Tiananmen (1989, 2014), My Singapore (2000, 2008), Divercity Singapore: A Cartoon History of Immigration (2010), In Memory of Madam Kwa Geok Choo 1920-2010 (2011) and illustrated former Singapore President S R Nathan’s 50 Stories from My Life (2013). Most recently, Chua released LKY: Political Cartoons (2014).

If you enjoy a good chuckle blended with some thought-provoking commentary on society, "Singapore Siu Dai 2" might just be your cup of tea. Felix Cheong's sharp wit cuts through the fabric of Singaporean life, questioning and spoofing with a light-hearted touch that's sure to entertain while also making you ponder. The bite-sized stories are perfect for a quick read on the go, whether you're familiar with Singaporean culture or simply appreciate satire that's both smart and accessible.

Let Tan Tarn How, one of Singapore’s most controversial playwrights, take you on a journey that confronts the social and political issues facing Singaporeans today. With his signature wit and unflinching candour, he puts the spotlight on issues of life and death, sex and love, government, national identity and racism. This collection contains six award-winning plays and an introduction by Dr. K. K. Seet.Reviews:On The Lady of Soul and Her Ultimate “S” Machine“…the most important thing about Tan Tarn How’s play is its marking of a watershed in Singapore theatre: it is arguably the first English play to present the country critically and artistically, without hiding behind coy allegory.”—Hannah Pandian, The Straits TimesOn Undercover“The play, a farce about the goings-on in an internal security department, takes Singapore theatre into uncharted territory.”—Koh Buck Song, The Straits TimesOn Six of the Best“Six of the Best, in dealing with such an explosive topic, will hopefully get under the skin to the heart of racism in Singapore.”—Phua Mei Pin, The Straits TimesOn The First Emperor’s Last Days“With The First Emperor’s Last Days, playwright Tan Tarn How continues to stake out a unique place for himself in Singapore theatre, as a creator of topical, political plays.”—Cherian George, The Straits TimesOn Machine“Tan’s sensitivity and genius is obvious throughout: the dialogue is light but loaded. In the exchanges, there are just the right doses of surprise to compliment, of feigned ignorance to encourage and of coyness to intrigue, as both the man and woman manoeuvre expertly towards their ultimate goal—the bed, after which the relationship ceases to be.”—Suhaila Sulaiman, The Straits Times

A Nation Awakes is an eye-opening account of Singapore's journey from a one-party dominant system to a diverse and competitive political landscape. The book features first-hand narratives from Singaporeans of all walks of life who participated in the country's 2011 General Election and Presidential Election. These intimate stories reveal the courage and conviction of ordinary citizens who fought for change. If you want to understand the political dynamics of contemporary Singapore, this is the book for you.

Highly recommended for readers interested in Southeast Asian history and politics, this biography provides a fascinating insight into the life of Hun Sen, from his traumatic experiences under the Khmer Rouge regime to his emergence as the longest-serving leader in Southeast Asia. The book is based on recently declassified archival documents and interviews with Hun Sen and his family members, providing a unique and comprehensive perspective on his life and political career.

If you're captivated by real-life political dramas and legal battles, this recounting of Anwar Ibrahim’s controversial case will keep your pages turning. It’s for those interested in the intricacies of law and politics, infused with the tension of a final, decisive appeal. You’ll find yourself in the heart of Malaysia's judiciary system, witnessing a personal and political saga that will challenge your perceptions of justice.

"You need a very small space to have sex.""The co-driver is there to slap the driver when he drives off course.""You talk about bak chor mee. I will say mee siam mai hum."Mee Siam Mai Hum is the first-ever published compilation of the most memorable quotes uttered by Singapore's politicians. Collected over several years, the quotes accompany witty illustrations by Jackie Goh of The Fingersmith Letterpress.You will find verbal gaffes, stretched analogies, shockers and mind-bogglers that have created news headlines and stirred up the cybersphere.

The maestro of political plays is back and his latest offering in a decade, Fear of Writing, is a groundbreaking commentary with its finger on the political pulse of Singapore today, first staged by Theatreworks in 2011 to critical acclaim.In Fear of Writing, a playwright struggles with writer’s block, a director and producer bemoan their failure to get a government license to stage their play, and a father writes to his daughter overseas. Seemingly disparate elements are woven together, while the line between art, performance and reality begin to blur dramatically as the play reaches its chilling conclusion.Fear of Writing is a play that will haunt you while compelling you to decide where you stand on the issues of control and censorship.“[A]n important summation work at Tan's mid-point career. More than any other work in the Singapore canon, it questions the point and purpose of making theatre in Singapore.” —Helmi Yusof, "The finest plays in 50 years", The Business Times“Fear of Writing is an urgent and courageous piece of work.” —Adeline Chia, The Straits Times“A scathing indictment. It analyses the very act of writing itself and its limits.” —Mayo Martin, TODAY“One of the most intelligent and scathing dramas ever written about the machinery of Singapore politics and the individual capacity to be a force for change. Tan has produced the gravest and most compelling work of his 20-year playwriting career.” —Clarissa Oon, The Straits Times

If you're intrigued by the complexities of Singapore's political scene, "Voting In Change" offers a deep dive into its electoral changes and implications. Kevin Y.L. Tan provides a clear analysis that's both accessible and thought-proving, perfect for anyone interested in the nuances of governance and citizen participation in Singapore. It's a read that's bound to leave you with a richer understanding of democracy in a rapidly evolving city-state.

If you're in for a chuckle over local political humor, "Mee Siam Mai Hum" offers a candid collection of Singaporean political slips-of-the-tongue. Accompanied by lighthearted illustrations, this book isn't just about reading; it's an experience that tickles the funny bone and offers insight into the lighter side of Singapore's public discourse. It's a great conversation starter and an amusing archive that proves politics can be entertaining too.

Recommended because the author, Morgan Chua, is a renowned political cartoonist who has been involved in many notable political events. LKY: Political Cartoons is a funny, visually engaging collection that provides a unique insight into Singapore's political landscape. This book would be ideal for anyone interested in Singaporean politics or a fan of political cartoons as a form of satire.

For anyone fascinated by the intersection of personal transformation and literary expression, "Bite Harder" is a compelling read. Jee Leong Koh's journey from Singapore to New York, interwoven with thoughtful essays on poetry and freedom of expression, offers a rich insight into a poet's mind and the cultural shifts that shape it. This collection could be especially resonant for readers interested in the nuances of cultural criticism and those who value the power of literature to challenge and transform.

As World War II came to an end, a period of distrust settled over the world. Southeast Asia was no different. The spectre of Communism stalked the stage. The threat of a global nuclear war hung thick in the air. The struggle for domination between the Americans and the Russians came up against the burgeoning nationalism of the liberated states. In this highly combustible climate, what was to emerge This book reveals in fascinating detail, country by country, how the Cold War shaped the destiny of Southeast Asia. The competition among the world powers the USA, USSR, Britain, China led to dramatically differing fates for the region. Vietnam was to be the worst affected, effectively destroyed in the clash between superpowers, at tremendous cost to all sides. In Malaya and Singapore, the British fought a long-drawn-out Communist insurgency that broke out in 1948 an insurgency they saw as part of a consolidated Cold War movement inspired by Moscow or Beijing. But was it As this volume shows, the states of Southeast Asia were never mere pawns in an international war of ideology. Many local players in fact strategically manipulated Cold War doctrines to their own political advantage chief among them Indonesia s Suharto, who played the anti-Communist card with aplomb. Till now, no book has examined this watershed era across the entire region. Cold War Southeast Asia in doing so not only offers a panoramic account of a turning point in SEA history, but also illuminates the global ramifications of the Cold War, and the makings of the world order as we know it today.

If you're keen on understanding the broader geopolitical maneuvers and their impacts on a personal and national identity, "China is Messing with Your Mind" could intrigue you. Kausikan's experience as a diplomat enriches this book with authenticity and provides a non-conventional perspective on the tensions between global powers and their subtle cultural influences, particularly for Singapore. It's an especially relevant read if you're interested in international affairs, identity politics, or the dynamics of Asian geopolitics.