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Articles 1 - 30 of 46

Full-Text Articles in Asian Studies

Tony Tan [Singapore, President, Minister For Defence, Education], Tony Tan Oct 2017

Tony Tan [Singapore, President, Minister For Defence, Education], Tony Tan

Digital Narratives of Asia

Tony Tan Keng Yam, the seventh President of Singapore and Commander-in-Chief of Singapore Armed Forces, tells DNA about his most satisfying aspect of work with the army, and the most challenging portfolio in education. He describes the impact of the changing media environment and citizens' aspirations, disclosing the rationales of some policies he had implemented.


Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono [Indonesia, President], Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono Aug 2017

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono [Indonesia, President], Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono

Digital Narratives of Asia

The sixth President of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, tells DNA about how he handled the three economic crises and two political challenges during his two-term presidency. He stresses the importance of maintaining good personal relationships with international leaders, especially among ASEAN countries, highlighting three success factors and his hope for ASEAN.


George Yeo [Singapore, Minister Of Foreign Affairs], George Yeo Aug 2017

George Yeo [Singapore, Minister Of Foreign Affairs], George Yeo

Digital Narratives of Asia

George Yeo, former Minister of Foreign Affairs who became a business leader, speaks to DNA about his philosophical Taoist worldview, the impact of the rise of China, and the challenges facing ASEAN at its 50th year. He talks on how the soft power of ASEAN's policy of non-interference has yield some successes.


Goh Chok Tong [Singapore, Prime Minister], Chok Tong Goh May 2017

Goh Chok Tong [Singapore, Prime Minister], Chok Tong Goh

Digital Narratives of Asia

ESM Goh Chok Tong tells DNA how he overcame his reluctance and became the second Prime Minister of Singapore. He believes in consultative, participative decision-making approach, which differs from his political mentor, Mr Lee Kuan Yew. He dealt with leaders of regional countries in his adaptive and pragmatic style.


Delia Albert [Philippines, Secretary Of Foreign Affairs], Delia Albert May 2017

Delia Albert [Philippines, Secretary Of Foreign Affairs], Delia Albert

Digital Narratives of Asia

Former Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs and a respected champion on women’s issues, Delia Albert, tells of how she got her big break entering the foreign services, and set a precedent for gender equality. She also presents the Asian style of leadership, ASEAN way of mitigating conflicts, and describes a highly stressful case of saving a Filipino man in Iraq.


Vu Khoan [Vietnam, Deputy Prime Minister], Vu Khoan Feb 2017

Vu Khoan [Vietnam, Deputy Prime Minister], Vu Khoan

Digital Narratives of Asia

Vu Khoan, former Deputy Prime Minister for Vietnam, shares with DNA how he joined the foreign services, and then took charge of economic reform, where every assignment was a challenge that caused him to grow. He led Vietnam from political isolation to normalizing her international relations, especially with ASEAN countries. Interview and transcript in English and Vietnamese.


Ajit Singh [Malyasia, Asean Secretary-General, Diplomat], Ajit Singh Dec 2016

Ajit Singh [Malyasia, Asean Secretary-General, Diplomat], Ajit Singh

Digital Narratives of Asia

After thirty years as a career diplomat, Malaysia's first ASEAN Secretary-General Ajit Singh, sees his five-year term as the most productive, golden years of his life. He speaks to DNA about the challenges he faced with admitting Myanmar to ASEAN, and the visionary ASEAN leadership. He also expounds on the differences in impacts of work between an ambassador and a bureaucrat.


Joseph Conceicao [Singapore, Diplomat, Member Of Parliament], Joseph Conceicao Jun 2016

Joseph Conceicao [Singapore, Diplomat, Member Of Parliament], Joseph Conceicao

Digital Narratives of Asia

Joseph Conceicao was a diplomat and served as Member of Parliament for Katong for 16 years. He shares with DNA what it was like working with Singapore's founding leaders, as well as how he manoeuvred through the tricky situations in his career.


Kwa Chong Guan [Singapore, Chairman Of National Archives Board, Historian], Kwa Chong Guan Feb 2016

Kwa Chong Guan [Singapore, Chairman Of National Archives Board, Historian], Kwa Chong Guan

Digital Narratives of Asia

Kwa Chong Guan is a Senior Fellow of S Rajaratnam School of International Studies and was the man who recognised the importance of Oral History Centre and the National Museum. In 1980s, he led the expansion of the old National Museum to its current three museums and their consolidation under the National Heritage Board. He shares with DNA, ISL the importance and functions of archives and offers a glimpse into his career in the public service and Singapore’s history before the era of Sir Stamford Raffles.


Saravanan Gopinathan [Singapore, Dean Of National Institute Of Education], Saravanan Gopinathan Feb 2016

Saravanan Gopinathan [Singapore, Dean Of National Institute Of Education], Saravanan Gopinathan

Digital Narratives of Asia

Former Dean of National Institute of Education, Saravanan Gopinathan, sees his decades of contribution to education as a unique journey closely linked with the development of the Singapore state. He discusses the need to re-mould the current schooling for the new economic environment, and presents his critiques on some aspects of the system.


Marina Mahathir [Malaysia, Activist], Marina Mahathir Feb 2016

Marina Mahathir [Malaysia, Activist], Marina Mahathir

Digital Narratives of Asia

Daughter of Malaysian Prime Minister and socio-political activist Marina Mahathir, shares with DNA on her schooling days, her views on censorship, education system, leadership crisis, and religious movements. Her work in helping HIV-infected women has led her to seek larger democratic space for everyone.


Zainul Abidin Rasheed [Malaysia, Minister Of State For Foreign Affairs], Zainul Abidin Rasheed Jan 2016

Zainul Abidin Rasheed [Malaysia, Minister Of State For Foreign Affairs], Zainul Abidin Rasheed

Digital Narratives of Asia

Former editor of Berita Harian, who rose to become head of Mendaki, and then Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Zainul Abidin Rasheed, tells DNA how his experiences during the 1964 racial riots had shaped his political views. He recalls how Lee Kuan Yew retracted from closing down Nanyang University, and Mr Goh Chok Tong's consensual style that welcomes the contributions of the Association of Muslim Professionals.


Ong Keng Yong [Singapore, Ministry Of Foreign Affairs, Civil Service], Keng Yong Ong Jan 2016

Ong Keng Yong [Singapore, Ministry Of Foreign Affairs, Civil Service], Keng Yong Ong

Digital Narratives of Asia

Ong Keng Yong, a law graduate who worked in MFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) specialising in Middle East, recalls his initial years working under S. Rajaratnam, and SR Nathan. Having served as the Secretary General of ASEAN, he shares with DNA the strategic contributions of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and AEC (ASEAN Economic Community) to Singapore, highlighting the uniqueness of ASEAN socialisation at the leadership level.


Tan Cheng Bock [Singapore, Member Of Parliament], Cheng Bock Tan Dec 2015

Tan Cheng Bock [Singapore, Member Of Parliament], Cheng Bock Tan

Digital Narratives of Asia

Former veteran People's Action Party Member of Parliament, presidential candidate Dr Tan Cheng Bock speaks his mind with DNA on his struggles during his school days, National Service, and what had motivated him to enter politics. He reveals his take on Foreign Talent, the Feedback Unit, and shares on the kind of society he hopes Singapore will become.


Harry Susilo [Indonesia, Founder Sekar Group], Harry Susilo Dec 2015

Harry Susilo [Indonesia, Founder Sekar Group], Harry Susilo

Digital Narratives of Asia

Harry Susilo, founder and chairman of Sekar Group, shares with DNA how he had started as the first entreprenuer in Indonesia to export prawns and seafood products. He talks about the values of "Susilo Institute of Ethics in the Global Economy", qualities of a good leader, and business succession. Interview in English and Mandarin. Transcript in English.


Kishore Mahbubani [Singapore, Diplomat, Dean Of Lee Kuan Yew School Of Public Policy], Kishore Mahbubani Nov 2015

Kishore Mahbubani [Singapore, Diplomat, Dean Of Lee Kuan Yew School Of Public Policy], Kishore Mahbubani

Digital Narratives of Asia

Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Kishore Mahbubhani is a retired diplomat and respected author. He shares with DNA his 5C theory of leadership, as well as his thoughts on working with Singapore’s founding leaders.


Surakiart Sathirathai [Thailand, Deputy Prime Minister], Surakiart Sathirathai Nov 2015

Surakiart Sathirathai [Thailand, Deputy Prime Minister], Surakiart Sathirathai

Digital Narratives of Asia

A former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Surakiart Sathirathai is a long-time academic and who has also sat on many boards of companies. He shares with DNA his thoughts on the qualities that make a good leader, as well as what is lacking in leaders today – the ability to communicate to their followers.


Mahathir Bin Mohamad [Malaysia, Prime Minister], Mahathir Bin Mohamad Nov 2015

Mahathir Bin Mohamad [Malaysia, Prime Minister], Mahathir Bin Mohamad

Digital Narratives of Asia

Malaysia's longest-serving Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad, who was a practising medical doctor, believes in confronting problems in order to overcome them. He enjoys job satisfaction first as a doctor, later as a politician. He shares with DNA about managing the Financial Crisis, party betrayal, and the origin of ASEAN and its challenges. He also reveals his take on a good leader, and his outspoken daughter.


Hanif Omar [Malaysia, Inspector General Of Police], Hanif Omar Sep 2015

Hanif Omar [Malaysia, Inspector General Of Police], Hanif Omar

Digital Narratives of Asia

DNA finds out from former Malaysia Inspector General of Police, Tun Hanif Omar, what shaped his values, how he joined the Government, also his insights on the independent era and the Communist threat. He also reveals his take on Singapore's expulsion, and the leaders involved.


José Ramos-Horta [Indonesia, President Of East Timor], José Ramos-Horta Sep 2015

José Ramos-Horta [Indonesia, President Of East Timor], José Ramos-Horta

Digital Narratives of Asia

Having sent to the UN (United Nations) to advocate for independence of Timor-Leste as a young man, José Ramos-Horta have learned much about international hypocrisy. The 1996 Nobel Peace Prize recipient and former President recalled the helpful lessons he acquired from Singapore, his pursuit of peace with Indonesia after the collapse of the Suharto regime, and his take on moral leadership.


J. Y. Pillay [Singapore, Civil Service], Joseph Yuvaraj Pillay Jun 2015

J. Y. Pillay [Singapore, Civil Service], Joseph Yuvaraj Pillay

Digital Narratives of Asia

In this DNA interview, Chancellor of Singapore Management University and former top Singapore civil servant, J.Y. Pillay, tells of qualities of good leaders, and the leadership styles of his former bosses Hon Sui Sen and Goh Keng Swee. Known for being a leader who listens and focuses well, he reveals his process of making controversial decisions in the past.


Anan Kalinta [Thailand, Royal Thai Airforce], Anan Kalinta Jun 2015

Anan Kalinta [Thailand, Royal Thai Airforce], Anan Kalinta

Digital Narratives of Asia

Anan Kalinta was the Deputy Commander-in-Chief for the Royal Thai Airforce as well as Minister of the Interior in 1991-1992. He shares with DNA his thoughts about what it takes to be a leader in the military, as well as military intervention in politics.


Kaset Rojananil [Thailand, Royal Thai Armed Forces], Kaset Rojananil Jun 2015

Kaset Rojananil [Thailand, Royal Thai Armed Forces], Kaset Rojananil

Digital Narratives of Asia

Kaset Rojananil was the Supreme Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces during the Black May riots of 1992 and was involved in the 1991 coup to overthrow the government of Chatichai Choonhavan. He gives DNA his take on those events as well as what it takes to be a leader in the military.


Wang Gungwu [Hong Kong, Vice-Chancellor Hku, Historian], Wang Gungwu Jun 2015

Wang Gungwu [Hong Kong, Vice-Chancellor Hku, Historian], Wang Gungwu

Digital Narratives of Asia

Renown historian Wang Gungwu has helmed several academic institutions, including the University of Hong Kong (HKU) as Vice-Chancellor from 1986-1995. In this DNA interview, he tells of how he worked to help HKU manage the historic transition from colonial British rule to the Chinese "One-country-two-systems" rule, and along the way, grow the university's research side of the house as well.


Pung Chhiv Kek [Cambodia, Activist], Pung Chhiv Kek May 2015

Pung Chhiv Kek [Cambodia, Activist], Pung Chhiv Kek

Digital Narratives of Asia

Dr Pung Chhiv Kek is the Founder and President of the Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO) and was nominated in 2005 for the Nobel Peace Prize as part of the 1000 Women for the Nobel Peace Prize project. Apart from her work to improve the rights and lives of Cambodians, she talks to DNA about her efforts to bring Hun Sen and Sihanouk together for talks, which later led to the Peace Accords of 1991.


Washington Sycip [Philippines, Founder Of Sgv Group], Washington Sycip May 2015

Washington Sycip [Philippines, Founder Of Sgv Group], Washington Sycip

Digital Narratives of Asia

Washington SyCip is the founder of SGV Group, a premier audit firm in the Philippines. He shares with DNA how he built up the firm despite tremendous odds, and what drives him to do good as a business leader.


Somsavat Lengsavad [Laos, Deputy Prime Minister], Somsavat Lengsavad May 2015

Somsavat Lengsavad [Laos, Deputy Prime Minister], Somsavat Lengsavad

Digital Narratives of Asia

Somsavat Lengsavad is Deputy Prime Minister of Laos. He joined the People's Revolutionary Movement as a combatant in 1961 and his efforts to liberate and unite Laos found him in government decades later. He speaks to DNA about his time in combat, as well as the lessons he learnt from his role model, former President Kaysone Phomvihane.


Mochtar Riady [Indonesia, Banker], Mochtar Riady May 2015

Mochtar Riady [Indonesia, Banker], Mochtar Riady

Digital Narratives of Asia

Founder and Chairman of Lippo Group, Mochtar Riady gained the moniker "Magic Man of Banking" because of his ability to turn around and grow several of Indonesia's private banks, the most notable being Bank Central Asia (BCA). But his 15 years in BCA wasn't all smooth sailing. He speaks to DNA about his challenges in BCA, which saw him dealing with sensitive relationships with the Suharto government, as well as the firing of his own son for Forex speculation.


Michael Wong Pakshong [Singapore, Managing Director Of Mas], Michael Wong Pakshong Apr 2015

Michael Wong Pakshong [Singapore, Managing Director Of Mas], Michael Wong Pakshong

Digital Narratives of Asia

Michael Wong Pakshong was the first Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore. He shares with DNA the challenges of building up a new institution in a newly independent country, as well as the obstacles he faced when the government's vision for MAS changed.


Freddie Aguilar [Philippines, Musician, Political Leader], Freddie Aguilar Apr 2015

Freddie Aguilar [Philippines, Musician, Political Leader], Freddie Aguilar

Digital Narratives of Asia

Freddie Aguilar is not just a Filipino musical icon but a political icon. Influencing people through his music, Freddie shares his frank take on political leadership in the Philippines and what he thinks leaders should do to move the country forward.