Living the Asian Century: An Undiplomatic Memoir

by Kishore Mahbubani

In this stirring memoir, a preeminent politician and diplomat traces the transformation of the Republic of Singapore from a poor colony into an Asian powerhouse

Growing up in poverty in the 1950s, Kishore Mahbubani expected to become a common textile salesman after finishing high school. Instead, a government scholarship sent him to the University of Singapore, and four years later he found himself in the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Meanwhile, almost none of Mahbubani’s cousins, scattered around the world after India’s brutal partition, from Guyana to Hong Kong, would complete university.
 
During this same period, Singapore itself was undergoing a metamorphosis. Granted internal self-governance in 1959 and achieving full independence six years later, the country came of age alongside Mahbubani. And as his star rose, so did the nation’s.
 
In Living the Asian Century , Mahbubani vividly chronicles his own life going from a poor childhood in a multiethnic neighborhood to an illustrious diplomatic career that led him far from Singapore, from Cambodia to Australia, Malaysia to the United States and the UN—including the pinnacle of influence, the Security Council.
 
Along the way Mahbubani has become one of Asia’s most widely known commentators and spokespeople, with a unique perspective that straddles India, China, and the West.

Genres: Politics, Memoir, History, Asia, Nonfiction, Biography, China

336 pages, Paperback

Published August 13, 2024

About the author

Kishore Mahbubani (born 24 October 1948) is a Singaporean academic and former diplomat. He is currently Professor in the Practice of Public Policy at Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore.

From 1971 to 2004 he served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was Singapore's Permanent Representative to the United Nations. In that role, he served as President of the United Nations Security Council in January 2001 and May 2002.

On 6 November 2017, Mahbubani announced that he would retire from the position as Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School at the end of 2017.

Reviews

[Bagus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Living the Asian Century feels to me like catching up with a mentor over coffee, a mentor who has seen it all, from the grittiest corners of geopolitics to the most polished conference rooms at ASEAN or the UN. Kishore Mahbubani, a veteran diplomat and one of Asia’s sharpest thinkers, takes us on a journey through his life and Singapore’s meteoric rise from a Third World country into a First. If you’ve spent any time in the diplomatic or political world, you’ll appreciate not just his insights but also his ability to connect the dots between personal struggles, institutional growth and Asia’s quiet but determined climb to global prominence.

Mahbubani, born in 1948, grew up in a Singapore most of us can barely imagine, one far removed from the gleaming city-state we know today, thanks to the Partition of India that forced his parents to migrate from the traditional Sindhi land in today's Pakistan. He doesn’t sugarcoat his humble beginnings: a poor kid with limited prospects who expected to settle for an ordinary life. His sisters didn't go to university and he could easily end up leading a similar life. That he ended up not only attending university on a government scholarship but also serving at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and later as the Ambassador/Permanent Representative of Singapore to the UN at the young age of 35 is a testament to both personal resilience and the opportunities Singapore’s growth created for its people thanks to its good governance.

What I found most compelling, though, is how Mahbubani makes his career milestones more than just a highlight reel. Whether navigating Cambodia’s political realities, working in Australia, or observing the East-West divide from his perch in New York, he uses each moment to reflect on the larger picture. It’s not a memoir drenched in nostalgia. There’s always a lesson, an idea, or a challenge for those of us in international affairs to chew on.

But this isn’t just Mahbubani’s story. It’s Singapore’s story too. The country’s rise is often presented as a miracle, but through Mahbubani’s eyes, it’s clear that Singapore’s transformation required grit, pragmatism and a bit of audacity from the country's founding fathers like Lee Kuan Yew, Goh Keng Swee, or S. Rajaratnam, qualities that seem to have defined Kishore's own life. He also threads in a deeply personal angle, comparing his path to that of his cousins scattered across the globe after India’s partition. This makes the narrative more relatable and human, reminding us of the opportunities we sometimes take for granted.

For those of us working in diplomacy, Mahbubani’s unique vantage point is particularly insightful. He’s a bridge between Asia and the West, and his reflections highlight both the progress Asia has made and the gaps that still need closing. Living the Asian Century isn’t just about looking back. The memoir is also a quiet call to action for how we, as professionals in this field, can better understand Asia’s growing role on the global stage.

[maxyeote · Rating 2 out of 5]

a few fun insider stories from the authors long and illustrious diplomatic career, but the book is let down by his love of self-congratulation and self-pity in equal measure.

something like 50% of the book is either humblebragging about all the famous/important people he's "good friends" with or complaining about how he was moderately slighted by an acquaintance 30 years ago.

not much in the way of novel or insightful comments about diplomacy or geopolitics, but this is ostensibly a memoir so maybe he gets a pass. mahbubani is ironically most interesting when talking about his childhood and youth, and his early days in the MFA, not so much when he goes on about how successful his career was and how people are so impressed by him.

[x · Rating 1 out of 5]

Some interesting insights and anecdotes, a whole lot of Kishore’s insecurity manifesting in him trying over and over again to tell you how clever, how popular, how successful he’s been, what a renegade, what a maverick! Friends with Jokowi, visited Mandela yada yada. Kishore also insinuates LKY was jelly of his being listed as a public intellect in magazines — one of which he’s like the FIRST Singaporean to write for and till now is one of the few Asians publishing there 🙄

If Kishore needs validation, Kishore should go to his wife or idk look at his childhood trophies or something. Wanted to stop reading the book 1/3 through because of all the not-so-humble bragging. But book was a bit expensive at $38.70 so i ploughed on

Also, love how he lauded meritocracy but told us he had gotten GIC boss Ng Kok Song to write to friends in NYC to help his sons get into some fancy private school.

[Daniel Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most enjoyable books I’ve read.

Kishore provided a hilarious yet deep and intellectually stimulating take on Singapore’s foreign policies. For 4 afternoons, it felt like I was a diplomat in the formative years of Singapore.

His insights on diplomacy and the geopolitical situation of the world is truly captivating as he uses basic theories such as the law of universalism to highlight an uncontested view of the hypocrisy of many powerful countries who often look like fools on a moral pedestal.

His stories of how our founding fathers rebelled against the western countries in the geopolitical world makes me truly proud to be Singaporean. I thoroughly agree that more of these stories should be studied further as many of these strategies played by key leaders like S. Rajaratnam or Tommy Koh or even Kishore were truly a diplomacy masterclass.

His intellect, passion and confidence is something I aspire to possess one day.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable read. Learned a lot on Singapore politics and good governance, ASEAN dynamics specifically on Malaysia-Singapore relations, and got a glimpse, better understanding even, on how UNSC works. Kishore writes his story as if he’s sharing them over dinner. Fascinating, captivating!

[3thn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Collection of stories from Mr mahbubani’s exciting life

[Dinah Amrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wholesome read. Kishore’s writing is not only incredibly intelligent, it also warms your heart.

[Noren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I whizzed through this book partly because it is an easy read and partly because I enjoyed the behind the scenes of Singapore’s political stories. It’s almost like a podcast which could be titled Koffee with Kishore.
The delightful bits were the vignettes of the old guards and how the United Nations, especially the powerful members, seem to sound like a bunch of power mad kids.
Lots of humble bragging but considering his journey, you kind of let him enjoy that.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

found the bits about the inner workings/dynamics of the UN & MFA very interesting, such as the anecdotes on US diplomats behaviour and anecdotes on negotiation tactics. but overall, it is a book on how to self-praise in a subtle manner to the extent that the reader will feel shameful calling kishore an arrogant man.

tips on self-praise: rationalise your insecurities towards others' dislike of you into their jealousy of your competency, intellect and fame.

[Andrés Ríos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Mahbubani’s insider perspective into contemporary global diplomacy, the moral corruption of the West, and the rise of Asia, as well as the good governance of Singapore and how proud he is of being a Singaporean!

[Stuart Piper · Rating 3 out of 5]

There’s a poignant irony here. Mahbubani’s whole intellectual project is about shifting from a hypocritical world order to a fairer one. Yet by refusing to directly challenge Israel’s crimes (arguably one of the clearest modern examples of unpunished, Western-backed oppression) he risks reinforcing the very Western double standards he seeks to dismantle.

[Tinzing Artmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Living the Asian Century by Kishore Mahbubani was an incredibly enriching experience for me. The book is not just a narrative about the rise of Asia in the 21st century but also a deeply personal memoir that resonated with many aspects of my own life and worldview. Through his reflections, Mahbubani provides an intimate look at his struggles with poverty, identity, and education, as well as the tension between tradition and modernity. For me, this book was not only a window into Mahbubani’s journey but also a mirror reflecting my own experiences and cultural upbringing.

Relating to Mahbubani’s Early Struggles

One of the most moving parts of the book was Mahbubani’s account of growing up poor. His chapter titles, such as “Still Poor,” immediately caught my attention. I could relate deeply to his description of a poor family navigating societal judgments. The scene where a member of the Sindhi community drove up to their house in a Mercedes, not to offer sympathy for his father’s imprisonment but to demand repayment of a small loan, struck a chord with me. It reminded me of how poverty often reveals both the harshness and kindness of people. His neighbors, who were equally poor, showed solidarity and support, echoing the communal values I experienced growing up in India.

Mahbubani’s reflections on the hierarchical nature of Asian societies also resonated with me. His observation that “all Asian societies are hierarchical” felt so true to my own upbringing. It was intriguing to see this reality articulated so plainly, as it often goes unspoken. Growing up, I referred to all adults as “aunties” and “uncles,” a sign of respect that was deeply ingrained in our culture, just as Mahbubani describes in his neighborhood interactions.

The Conflict Between Asian and Western Worldviews

As someone who has spent years navigating both Asian and Western cultures, Mahbubani’s struggle with cultural identity felt deeply familiar. His reflections on how he became increasingly drawn to Western rationalism and distanced from Asian traditions mirrored my own experiences. Like him, I spent hours as a child praying alongside my friends, but instead of finding spiritual fulfillment, I often felt restless and bored. Mahbubani’s honesty about how prayer served to soothe his mother rather than himself was refreshingly relatable.

His fascination with Western authors like Bertrand Russell and Jean-Paul Sartre marked a turning point in his intellectual journey. He wrote about how reading Western philosophy transported him out of what he called “the dark caves of Asian superstition” into a world governed by logic and reason. As someone who also grew up immersed in the teachings of traditional Asian cultures, I could understand the allure of this intellectual awakening. However, his statement that polytheistic Asian religions were “backward” compared to monotheistic Western ones left me uneasy. While I appreciated his personal journey, this generalization seemed reductive and failed to acknowledge the depth and complexity of Asian spiritual traditions.

Education and Its Transformative Power

Mahbubani’s reflections on education were some of my favorite parts of the book. His critique of rote learning and his call for education to “light fires” rather than “fill buckets” felt incredibly relevant. I could not help but laugh at his anecdotes, such as the story of his professor who absentmindedly set his hair on fire while smoking during a lecture. This humorous moment captured the chaos and charm of the academic environment he described, where eccentricity often coexisted with brilliance.

At the same time, Mahbubani’s exposure to Western pedagogical methods, where professors encouraged students to address them by their first names and engage as intellectual equals, felt revolutionary to him—and to me as a reader. Growing up in an Asian culture where teachers were revered figures of authority, this egalitarian approach to education seemed almost unthinkable. His journey from memorizing facts to critically questioning ideas reminded me of my own shift in perspective as I pursued higher education in a Western setting.

The Bigger Picture: Asia’s Rise in a Changing World

While much of the book is deeply personal, Mahbubani never loses sight of the broader context: the rise of Asia in the modern world. He reflects on how Asian societies have historically internalized the belief that Western civilizations are superior. This belief, he argues, led many Asians, including himself, to adopt Western ideas and practices while distancing themselves from their own cultural roots.

Mahbubani’s analysis of Malaysia and Singapore’s relationship as “a divorced couple living in the same house” was particularly striking. His analogy perfectly captured the complex dynamic between these two nations, where historical ties and modern rivalries create a unique tension. His recounting of their separation on August 9, 1965, gave me a deeper understanding of the historical and political forces that shaped the region.

Another memorable moment was his discussion of the Vietnam War, where he highlighted the elusiveness of truth in geopolitics. His nuanced take on the war’s conflicting narratives—the U.S. fighting communism versus North Vietnam fighting for national liberation—was thought-provoking. It reminded me of how history is often shaped by the lens through which it is viewed.

A Thought-Provoking Read

For me, Living the Asian Century was more than just a book; it was an experience that brought together personal reflection and intellectual growth. Mahbubani’s ability to blend personal anecdotes with broader philosophical and political themes made the book both relatable and enlightening. From his struggles with poverty to his philosophical explorations and his critique of education, every chapter felt like an invitation to examine my own beliefs and experiences.

While some of his generalizations about Asian and Western cultures left me wanting a more balanced perspective, the overall narrative was compelling and deeply engaging. Living the Asian Century is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the dynamics of a rapidly changing world through the lens of a deeply personal and profoundly intellectual journey. It is a book that stays with you long after you have turned the final page.

[Chai Li Chai Li · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.4 stars

[JournalsTLY]

A personal memoir that covers the early years of Singapore’s independence from the British - seen through the eyes of a poor Sindhi boy growing up in a multi racial neighbourhood where poverty and uncertainty was common .

Then blossomed into years of geopolitics as a young singapore scholar diplomat - being with and watching the tremendous economic growth of this island nation.

Behind the scene stories .
Catchy anecdotes and tensed not-so- diplomatic encounters.

Touching accounts of miscarriages and birth at home , misunderstandings and manipulation at work .

A story of hidden personal insecurities that grew dimmer in tandem with a more secure singapore and a reflective learning lifestyle.

Two quotes from the book worth pondering over :

“the opposing views of Singapore and the United States on the UN aren't surprising. As a small state, Singapore is protected by multilateral rules and institutions. As a great power, the United States is constrained by them”

***
“While I was not fully aware of it then, the experience of war in Cambodia instinctively taught me a lesson I came to grasp later in life: wars are a result of geopolitical incompetence, peace a result of geopolitical competence. Recent wars, like the Iraq war, the Ukraine war, and the Gaza war, all confirm this”.

A book that is worth a 2nd or 3rd read .
A good book for mothers and diplomats - the home where geopolitics starts.

At the end of the book , I wish I was with Jeffery Sng to be alongside to watch this man through the years and learning alongside him - and follow the learning in the hills of Nepal and the hallways of UN.

[Richard Ebell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listening to the Geopolitical Cartographer’s moderated discussion with Professor Mahbubani on “Lessons for the Indian Ocean Region from East Asia” (available at https://youtube.com/watch?v=yrJopjyDW...), I was blown away by his brilliant insights and incisive delivery. I then downloaded this book and read it on Kindle.

The book is written with humility and openness in discussing his humble origins and in tracing the progress of his life and career through an increasingly significant role in Singapore’s foreign affairs. It gives many insights into the workings of Singapore’s political system and of the enormous drive and contributions of its founding fathers, Lee Kuan Yew, Goh Keng Swee and S Rajaratnam.

The subtitle “An Undiplomatic Memoir” given to the book is appropriate as he speaks astonishingly openly of the low points he met as well as his successes, of the “political” resistance he met during his career, and of the superficiality of friendships when they stem from power. He says how, after being invited to join politics in Singapore, he faced hostile questioning from LYK and did not succeed. But, as in other situations, he took his mother’s advice to “put butter on his lips and smile”.

Prof Mahbubani is candid in speaking of global politics and political power, observing that power often trumps principles in global affairs. An illustration of this is seen when he, in a private interaction in the 1980s, asked Mr Netanyahu who was then Israels’s ambassador to the UN, how long Israel could fight the Arab world; the response was “This is why we have a stranglehold on the US Congress”.

[Sao Niseiy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished Kirshore's "Living the Asian Century" book within days due to its short length and captivating insights. I love how he beautifully tells his stories, hooking readers to delve into every chapter without blinking. The most interesting part I vividly remember is how the author managed to bring up many interesting personal stories, from being impoverished in the third world during the post-colonial era to being a brilliant diplomat representing and fighting to defend the tiny city-state of Singapore in the international stage and international organizations such as the United Nations. This allows readers to comprehend Singapore's political culture and meritocracy, which its founding fathers and their successors pursued. Beyond telling of his diplomatic endeavors, his memoir provides readers with essential food for thought on life, specifically preparing for the ups and downs in life.

Nonetheless, I would highlight one weakness: he frequently reiterates and stresses the vital importance of Lee Kuan Yew in almost every chapter, which may uncover another aspect of Singapore's society. Although Kishore's statements are straightforward and honest, he may have to maneuver within the limited scope of freedom of expression permitted by the Singaporean government while avoiding upsetting the establishment.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living the Asian Century, an Undiplomatic Memoir is a fascinating history of Singapore told from the perspective of Kishore Mahbubani, a diplomatic from Singapore. The book begins with Mr. Mahbubani's family history covering the partition of India and the settlement of his father in Singapore. I learned so much from this book. It was interesting to learn about the different fates of the British Colonies and why Singapore has been so successful.

Mr Mahbubani covers the early days of Singapore including the temporary merger with Malaysia. His perspective is fascinating. He has the opportunity to serve as a diplomat representing Singapore in several countries including warn torn Cambodia. Eventually he makes his way to the US where he represents Singapore at the United Nations. Reading this book as an American. I gained useful insight on the perspective of small countries like Singapore, and the challenges that small countries face. I highly recommend this book and the unique perspective that it provides.

Thank you to NetGalley and Public Affairs for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Dina_s · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating life, and meaningful to me as I too am a member of the Sindhi diaspora. Kishore Mahbubani is of a similar age as my parents and inlaws, so it was good to see our history, and generational trauma, represented in print.
As far as the memoir goes it was rather perfunctory, with a fair bit of chest thumping, and good insight into geopolitics and the questionable political wrangling of the UN and the G5 from an Asian perspective. Some glossing over of austere Singaporean rules and regulations but that's to be expected.
I know that many have objected to the name dropping and nepotism here and there, but it's part of Asian culture to network and nurture good connections and ask for help now and again. Where we can, we help others to the best of our ability too in return. I think it's a very Western perspective to decry this.
There was only one aspect that I found uncomfortable, and that was the depiction of shrewd and calculated political manoeuvring as naïvete and feigned ignorance of grievous consequences to his peers and higher ups. That came across as rather disingenuous.
All in all a good read. May explore some of his other books.

[Zi · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a great book. i learned a lot about singapore/malaysia's history, the behind the scenes, and the upbringing of kishore mahbubani from poverty to a life filled with rich adventures.

through his memoir, kishore has changed how i understand public policy: before, i viewed it as simply as a field where inefficient humans talk their way to a solution; now i view public policy as an intricate, interesting, and important art that has huge, invisible ramification on the world for many years.

i am surprised to read about the many raw stories and moments in this memoir. it's a book where every paragraph is scattered with kishore's emotions and passion. no paragraphs were boring to read. each one had a fascinating story and lesson to tell, and kishore made it clear + direct.

a few qualms i have about this book: which "important person" did kishore piss off before he got demoted? how do i find and read singapore's cabinet papers that kishore praised so highly about? why has singapore not declassified them yet? perhaps these questions will remain unanswered for a long time. but that's okay.

great book nonetheless. changed how i think about asia and the west.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have close to no interest in geopolitics, but had given this a shot since a friend said it was an easy read, and it’s true. Mahbubani’s writing is candid, mostly unfiltered, and personal - it makes for easy reading and you’ll somehow be able to relate to his stories and understand his life journey despite having experienced none of such “once-in-a-lifetime” moments. He also generously dishes out his personal views on different topics from Singapore’s domestic politics and policies to his impressions of various political leaders (globally and domestically). I found his writing refreshing, thought I’d be hard pressed to say that this book was particularly illuminating. Still worth a read!

[Gill Schell · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*: Very readable, interesting and informative. Mahbubani has certainly led an interesting life, had many successes, and made many friends and enemies along the way; there was certainly a lot of self back-patting and name-dropping which did tend to become tiring at times. However, I was particularly interested in reading about Singapore and how it has become such a strong and successful nation; how the UN functions particularly when you're only a small country; the setting up and funding of a new, very successful world university; and Mahbubani's perspective of the West and where the world is going. A great read - very accessible for a layman like me !

[Ariel C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

kishore mahbubani did a podcast episode on teh tarik with walid that i was immensely lucky to have witnessed live bc i helped to film it. i remember after leaving his office, i told prof walid, “that man is incredible.” he is immensely articulate and intelligent, a knife-sharp mind that made me wish he was a professor at NTU just so i can learn from him LOL. anyway, this book was such an interesting, unexpectedly candid experience. 10/10 would highly recommend!!!

also, some parts had me going like, dang is he allowed to say this?!

[Carlos Martinez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mahbubani's life story is very interesting, as is the overview of Singapore's development. But too much in this book I strongly disagree with politically! Especially the soft-pedalling of Israeli apartheid, and the one-sided negative appraisal of Soviet socialism. Has China Won?: The Chinese Challenge to American Primacy is overall a significantly more useful book.

[Jie Ying · Rating 5 out of 5]

putting butter on your lips. Kishore Mahbubani’s way of reminding you to chin up. The world may crash around you, but strength is in standing tall amidst the chaos, smiling even when the world expects you to cry and break.

I went into this book thinking it would be a political flex, just another ‘look at what I did for Singapore’ read. But it turned out to be so much more. Beyond the anecdotes of achievement, it was a testament to resilience, pushing through setbacks, and never letting the world dictate your spirit. A surprisingly good read.

[Liu · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is somewhat below expectation. The caption "undiplomatic" led me to believe that he has some harsh criticisms about the western countries or Asian countries or even Singapore. He just touched on some issues on the surface and these facts are known to most people who care to read the newspaper. Some references of his being close friends with other diplomats seems bordering on self serving. A surprising little note on torturing of dissidents in Singapore is noteworthy.

[Raine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating read giving us a sneak peak of Kishore’s life. I personally enjoyed his admission and reflection of his flaws, though I felt his younger years were written in a much more engaging way with more details. I presume some things in his line of work might not be public information, but the book does well in keeping the reader engrossed. I did wish he elaborated more about his interest in China though.

[Vinash Gopalakrishnan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and fascinating read blending Kishore’s personal journey and experiences as a civil servant representing Singapore in the UN Security Council. The book highlights nuances with respect to his interaction with LKY and other cabinet leaders, navigating his journey in each stage in his career.

Insightful and entertaining book on diplomacy combined with Kishore’s experience as a civil servant. Well written and enjoyed the book.

[Walter Sylesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

An illuminating read from a veteran diplomat that highlights the tension between power and principles, ups and downs of career and life, meritocracy and politics in the world of diplomacy, government and academia.

Mr. Mahbubani is not just a Singaporean diplomat but also a student of philosophy, making his writing an absolute delight to read.
I will consider Mr. Kishore Mahbubani's life as an inspiration for my chosen career path.

[anuja chandgotia · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intellectually stimulating book. Mahbubani spoke about his personal journey from rag to riches but also gave insights into Singapore’s history on the world stage. His candid descriptions of many geopolitical events during his time at UN were extremely interesting as were his observations on how power always trumps ethics. A very honest description of his ups and downs and of course butter on the lips!

[Lan Nguyen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Một cuốn hồi ký hấp dẫn, câu chuyện cuộc đời của một nhà ngoại giao kỳ cựu đến từ đất nước nhỏ bé nhưng đầy mạnh mẽ trên thế giới - Singapore - thực sự đã mang đến bức tranh nhiều trải nghiệm và cảm xúc.
3 sao bởi vì tôi đã mong chờ nhiều kiến thức địa chính trị hơn, nhưng có lẽ, cuốn sách chính xác là một cuốn hồi ký, kiến thức về địa chính trị thông qua con mắt của nhà ngoại giao thực ra là rất nhỏ