Singapore and China: Neighbours to Friends, Friends to Partners

This book is jointly edited by Professor Tommy Koh, Singapore’s Ambassador-at-Large, and Ms Lee Huay Leng, Editor-in-Chief of SPH Chinese Media Group. It brings together contributions from 35 thought leaders across various disciplines.

Many of them are Singaporeans who have worked in China or whose professional roles involve close engagement with the country. Contributors include experts in trade, scientific research, the arts, and diplomacy, as well as diplomatic envoys and pioneering business leaders who have played pivotal roles in key bilateral initiatives such as the Suzhou Industrial Park, Tianjin Eco-City, Chongqing Connectivity Initiative, Guangzhou Knowledge City, and the Shenzhen Smart City project.

Through their analyses and personal reflections, these contributors offer insights not only into the evolution of Singapore-China relations and China’s transformation over time, but also into broader questions of how small states like Singapore can be relevant and useful to a big country like China.

About the Co-Editors

Professor Tommy Koh is a Singaporean diplomat, academic, and lawyer. He served as Singapore's chief negotiator for establishing diplomatic relations with China and for the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement. He has also held ambassadorships to the United Nations, the United States, and Canada.

Lee Huay Leng is Editor-in-Chief of SPH Media's Chinese Media Group. She has held various roles at Lianhe Zaobao, including Hong Kong Correspondent, Beijing Bureau Chief, China Editor and Deputy Editor; as well as the Editor of Lianhe Wanbao.