{
  "id": 6398646,
  "title": "Transformative during time of major change & crisis: New book examines Lee Hsien Loong's 20 years as PM",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/transformative-during-time-of-major-change-crisis-new-book-examines",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-09T08:50:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Mothership",
    "slug": "mothership",
    "url": "https://mothership.sg/2026/09/lee-hsien-loong-book-launch/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "New book explores Lee Hsien Loong's two decades as Singapore's Prime Minister, spanning transformative changes and global crises from 2004 to 2024. The collection, published by the Institute of Policy Studies, features insightful essays from experts, diplomats, and journalists, including Tommy Koh, Bilahari Kausikan, and Ravi Menon. Chua Mui Hoong, former Straits Times opinion editor, noted that Lee led a government navigating geopolitical shifts, economic disruptions, and social transformation during the global financial crisis and Covid-19 pandemic. The book highlights his leadership in reassessing policies, maintaining Singapore's sovereignty, and promoting a meritocratic society. Centennial Asia CEO Manu Bhaskaran called Lee's tenure \"transformative,\" while SMU professor Paulin Straughan emphasized his compassion and the Pioneer Generation Package's exceptional social policy. Former Foreign Affairs Ambassador-at-Large Chan Heng Chee responded to a question about Lee regretting not pursuing a mathematical career, stating he would have been \"not that good or reliable\" and there was no room for regret in politics. The book is available at Kinokuniya, Popular, and major bookstores across Singapore.",
  "summary": "His tenure, lasting from 2004 to 2024, saw multiple global crises including the Covid-19 pandemic.",
  "key_points": [
    "Lee Hsien Loong led Singapore for 20 years (2004-2024)",
    "Book examines his leadership during major changes & crises",
    "Experts praise his compassion & social policies"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The new book on Lee Hsien Loong's 20-year tenure as PM shows his leadership helped Singapore navigate crises and transformations while maintaining sovereignty and promoting a meritocratic society.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}