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George Yeo: Musings: Series Two
Musings 1 and Musings 2 are available as a set here
Over sessions which lasted two to three hours each time, every week for half a year, George Yeo met and mused over a wide range of topics with writer Woon Tai Ho and research assistant Keith Yap. Speaking from notes, he began with himself and his hope for Singapore, and then spanned over a wide range of subjects — from the importance of human diversity and Singapore's reflection within itself of the world, to history, politics, economics, philosophy, taijigong and religion. He gives his views on India, China, ASEAN, Europe, the US and other parts of the world, and how Singapore's history and destiny are connected to all of them. The style is conversational and anecdotal.
George Musings is exactly that — musings. Some themes recur throughout the book which reflect his view of life. But there is no grand theory. He does not expect all of his reflections to be of interest to everyone, but he hopes that everyone will find something of interest.
This is the second of a three-part series.
Readers from Singapore, China, India and Southeast Asia who are interested in George Yeo's perspective on history, politics, economics, philosophy, and other related topics.
Over sessions which lasted two to three hours each time, every week for half a year, George Yeo met and mused over a wide range of topics with writer Woon Tai Ho and research assistant Keith Yap. Speaking from notes, he began with himself and his hope for Singapore, and then spanned over a wide range of subjects — from the importance of human diversity and Singapore's reflection within itself of the world, to history, politics, economics, philosophy, taijigong and religion. He gives his views on India, China, ASEAN, Europe, the US and other parts of the world, and how Singapore's history and destiny are connected to all of them. The style is conversational and anecdotal.
George Musings is exactly that — musings. Some themes recur throughout the book which reflect his view of life. But there is no grand theory. He does not expect all of his reflections to be of interest to everyone, but he hopes that everyone will find something of interest.
This is the second of a three-part series.
Readers from Singapore, China, India and Southeast Asia who are interested in George Yeo's perspective on history, politics, economics, philosophy, and other related topics.
931 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 9, 2026
This is the second volume of Musings by George Yeo. I read the first one last year and enjoyed what I jokingly described as “eating George Yeo’s brain”. By that I mean immersing myself in his way of thinking. He is someone with a vast range of knowledge and experience, and an unusually wide network of acquaintances from political leaders and diplomats to religious figures and scholars. If the first volume focused more on Singapore’s identity and its relationship with India and China, the second book turns its attention more directly to the changing international order. The topics range from his engagement with the Vatican to his reflections on Europe, Asia, the United States, and ASEAN. The latter receives particular attention, with four chapters dedicated to the dynamics of regional integration in Southeast Asia.
In Living the Asian Century: An Undiplomatic Memoir, Kishore Mahbubani recounts an anecdote that captures George Yeo’s intellectual curiousity. During an official trip to a Balkan country, George Yeo reportedly surprised the local tour guide by reciting detailed historical information about the region. Kishore presents this story as evidence of George Yeo’s remarkable memory and wide-ranging interests. Reading Musings, I could see why. Over the past week I spent with this book, I often found myself pausing to look up references or historical episodes that he casually brings into the conversation. In that sense, the book functions almost like a gateway for readers unfamiliar with Asia, offering entry points into its history, politics, and cultural complexity.
George Yeo’s worldview was also shaped by his experience working under Lee Kuan Yew, the first prime minister of Singapore. One principle he highlights is Lee’s belief in maintaining personal relationships even after political fortunes change. Lee demonstrated this when he continued visiting Suharto after the Indonesian leader stepped down in 1998 following the Asian financial crisis and subsequent political turmoil. The gesture reflected Lee’s conviction that personal ties should not be abandoned simply because a leader has fallen from power. George Yeo himself experienced a similar turning point when he lost his parliamentary seat in the 2011 Singapore general election. In the aftermath, friends and acquaintances from around the world reached out to him, asking whether he intended to remain in politics or pursue other paths. The experience appears to have reinforced his sense that public service can take many forms beyond electoral office.
Among the various themes in the book, I found the four chapters on ASEAN particularly insightful, perhaps because I had spent the past five years working within this regional organisation. George Yeo approaches ASEAN not merely as a diplomatic institution but as a civilisational space shaped by geography, culture, and history. One of the metaphors he uses is the distinction between what he calls “ASEAN Dalam” and “ASEAN Gamelan”.
“ASEAN Dalam” refers to the Malay-speaking core of maritime Southeast Asia, namely Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia. These countries share certain cultural and linguistic affinities, including historical connections through the Malay world and significant Muslim populations. The phrase “dalam”, meaning “inner” in Malay and Indonesian, suggests a cultural heartland. By contrast, “ASEAN Gamelan” refers to the wider and more diverse grouping of mainland Southeast Asian countries together with the Philippines. The metaphor of the gamelan—an Indonesian ensemble of instruments playing interlocking rhythms—captures the idea of multiple distinct elements producing harmony without uniformity.
What I appreciate about Musings is that it does not read like a conventional policy book. Instead, it feels closer to an extended conversation with a friend or a mentor who you have known for a long time, moving easily between history, geopolitics, religion, and personal anecdotes. Or using the word that my friends from ASEAN commonly use, this book contains many "meats".
In Living the Asian Century: An Undiplomatic Memoir, Kishore Mahbubani recounts an anecdote that captures George Yeo’s intellectual curiousity. During an official trip to a Balkan country, George Yeo reportedly surprised the local tour guide by reciting detailed historical information about the region. Kishore presents this story as evidence of George Yeo’s remarkable memory and wide-ranging interests. Reading Musings, I could see why. Over the past week I spent with this book, I often found myself pausing to look up references or historical episodes that he casually brings into the conversation. In that sense, the book functions almost like a gateway for readers unfamiliar with Asia, offering entry points into its history, politics, and cultural complexity.
George Yeo’s worldview was also shaped by his experience working under Lee Kuan Yew, the first prime minister of Singapore. One principle he highlights is Lee’s belief in maintaining personal relationships even after political fortunes change. Lee demonstrated this when he continued visiting Suharto after the Indonesian leader stepped down in 1998 following the Asian financial crisis and subsequent political turmoil. The gesture reflected Lee’s conviction that personal ties should not be abandoned simply because a leader has fallen from power. George Yeo himself experienced a similar turning point when he lost his parliamentary seat in the 2011 Singapore general election. In the aftermath, friends and acquaintances from around the world reached out to him, asking whether he intended to remain in politics or pursue other paths. The experience appears to have reinforced his sense that public service can take many forms beyond electoral office.
Among the various themes in the book, I found the four chapters on ASEAN particularly insightful, perhaps because I had spent the past five years working within this regional organisation. George Yeo approaches ASEAN not merely as a diplomatic institution but as a civilisational space shaped by geography, culture, and history. One of the metaphors he uses is the distinction between what he calls “ASEAN Dalam” and “ASEAN Gamelan”.
“ASEAN Dalam” refers to the Malay-speaking core of maritime Southeast Asia, namely Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia. These countries share certain cultural and linguistic affinities, including historical connections through the Malay world and significant Muslim populations. The phrase “dalam”, meaning “inner” in Malay and Indonesian, suggests a cultural heartland. By contrast, “ASEAN Gamelan” refers to the wider and more diverse grouping of mainland Southeast Asian countries together with the Philippines. The metaphor of the gamelan—an Indonesian ensemble of instruments playing interlocking rhythms—captures the idea of multiple distinct elements producing harmony without uniformity.
What I appreciate about Musings is that it does not read like a conventional policy book. Instead, it feels closer to an extended conversation with a friend or a mentor who you have known for a long time, moving easily between history, geopolitics, religion, and personal anecdotes. Or using the word that my friends from ASEAN commonly use, this book contains many "meats".
February 20, 2024
Series Two begins by delving into the complexities of international relations, providing insightful analyses on key global issues and the evolving dynamics of power.
His astute observations shed light on the tight relationships of nations and the challenges they face in an increasingly interdependent world.
Expect introspective musings in terms of identity, culture, and philosophy. With his diverse experiences and encounters with different cultures, he reflects on the essence of humanity and the importance of embracing diversity in a rapidly changing world. We need more compassionate and inclusive society.
You can tell a sense of spirituality in his musings where he contemplates the deeper meaning of life and the universe. A thought-provoking exploration of existential questions and the pursuit of inner peace in modern society.
George Yeo: Musings - Series Two is a captivating journey through the mind of a visionary thinker. He invites readers to contemplate the complexities of the world around them and aspire to lead lives of purpose and meaning. Whether pondering the intricacies of global politics or reflecting on the mysteries of the soul, his musings resonate deeply and leave a lasting impression on all who embark on this intellectual voyage.
Now, I am hungry for Series One.
His astute observations shed light on the tight relationships of nations and the challenges they face in an increasingly interdependent world.
Expect introspective musings in terms of identity, culture, and philosophy. With his diverse experiences and encounters with different cultures, he reflects on the essence of humanity and the importance of embracing diversity in a rapidly changing world. We need more compassionate and inclusive society.
You can tell a sense of spirituality in his musings where he contemplates the deeper meaning of life and the universe. A thought-provoking exploration of existential questions and the pursuit of inner peace in modern society.
George Yeo: Musings - Series Two is a captivating journey through the mind of a visionary thinker. He invites readers to contemplate the complexities of the world around them and aspire to lead lives of purpose and meaning. Whether pondering the intricacies of global politics or reflecting on the mysteries of the soul, his musings resonate deeply and leave a lasting impression on all who embark on this intellectual voyage.
Now, I am hungry for Series One.
August 17, 2023
Musings by Woon Tai Ho offers a compelling deep dive into Singapore's socio-political fabric, and it's impossible to read it without appreciating the monumental contributions of George Yeo. The book seamlessly intertwines the nation's journey with Yeo's visionary leadership, presenting a tapestry of stories that resonate with both history enthusiasts and casual readers alike. Woon's eloquent prose underscores Yeo's pivotal role in shaping Singapore's modern narrative, reflecting his dedication, foresight, and unwavering commitment to the nation. Musings is not only a literary gem but also a heartfelt tribute to one of Singapore's most illustrious leaders.
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August 16, 2023Review by Today Online
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June 24, 2023
Only George Yeo can provide strategic thought on such a broad range of topics including Europe, US-China, ASEAN and Singapore’s relationships w each of them
September 30, 2023
all the episodic journeys are so fun and inspiring, it has semblances of lky’s 3rd world to first, and I loved that book.
January 3, 2025
Very knowledgeable man. Learn a lot from his musings!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews