New book charts Lee Hsien Loong’s two decades of steering Singapore through change
The 440-page publication brings together 23 essays from Singapore’s leading thinkers and policy practitioners.
In the span of two decades leading Singapore from 2004 to 2024, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong guided the city-state through various challenges and transformations. The new book "Lee Hsien Loong And Singapore" published by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) captures 23 essays from prominent Singaporean thinkers and policy experts, edited by Gillian Koh, Chua Mui Hoong, and Terence Ho.
The book highlights Lee's pivotal role in strengthening Singapore's social safety net, making it more comprehensive and accessible for families with children, the elderly, and the sick. Lee's adaptive leadership was evident in implementing new social policy measures such as the Workfare Income Supplement, Silver Support, GST Voucher, universal health and long-term care insurance, and the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme.
Lee's ability to adapt to changing circumstances was also seen in his handling of bilateral relations with neighbors Indonesia and Malaysia, where he pursued win-win solutions through negotiation and international law. Lee's legacy also includes his attempts to address key issues such as Singapore's low total fertility rate, artificial intelligence's impact on jobs and social mobility, and wealth inequality.
While acknowledging Lee's significant accomplishments, the editors urge the current administration to address emerging challenges like online social harms, scams, and the implications of AI on jobs and wealth inequality. The publication aims to stimulate further research and debate on the legacy of Lee Hsien Loong's leadership.
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