Interview #9: Tan Siok Sun, Biographer of Dr. Goh Keng Swee, Singapore's Founding Economic Architect

Tan Siok Sun is the biographer of Dr. Goh Keng Swee, Singapore's founding Defence and Finance Minister. The biography she authored is entitled "Goh Keng Swee: A Portrait"

Dr. Goh was a founding member of Singapore’s ruling political party, The People's Action Party, and was known as the architect of Singapore's economic miracle.

Siok Sun is also the daughter-in-law of Dr Goh Keng Swee.

In this podcast, we discuss the man behind Singapore's growth miracle, his approach towards politics and his relationship with Lee Kuan Yew.


Off The Record

This is a fun little segment where I ask guests questions that are off the record, which I hope will still be a fun thing you enjoy as readers of the blogposts.

Q: Three Heroes of History You Look Up to?

A:

Mahatma Gandhi for his belief in non-violence and the Salt March campaign.

Qin Shi Huang for uniting China into one language, one culture, one country

Nelson Mandela for his magnificent sense of forgiveness

Q: What books do you recommend to an intellectually curious friend?

A:

Opening The Door of Your Heart by Ajahn Brahm

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

The Boy, the Mole, The Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy


Q: What's the best piece of advice you acted on?

A:

Look after your legs; they will be the first to go.

Choose your doctor and lawyer wisely; these two decisions can make the difference between life and death.

Get good advice

Q: What is your proudest moment so far in your life?

A: To see my sons grow up to be considerate, caring citizens and bringing up their children to be useful citizens.

Q: What is the most difficult decision you had to make? How did that make you a better person in the long run?

A: I learnt to let go of matters beyond my control and what a relief that meant. We mistakenly think we can shoulder everyone’s responsibilities when, in actual fact, this over-burdens us.

Q: A place someone must visit in their lifetime?

A: Find a high ground with a panoramic view of the water, sky, and horizon without any man-made object obstructing that view.


Keith's note: Please go get a copy of Dr Goh's biography or at least read it in a library. This man is a beast and more Singaporeans should know about his life and legacy.

See my notes here.