What do you think?
Rate this book
Standing Tall: The Goh Chok Tong Years
Some did not expect him to last long as Prime Minister. Few predicted he would succeed in the footsteps of Lee Kuan Yew. When Goh Chok Tong took over as the second Prime Minister of Singapore in 1990, many — from within and without the country — wondered aloud if the young country would survive Lee Kuan Yew.But Goh would confound the naysayers, leading Singapore for 14 years through recessions, terrorist attacks, electoral setbacks and even a mysterious virus. Standing Tall captures the transformation of a political leader, evolving from a Prime Minister with a touch of naïvety to a hard-nosed strategist. He would introduce some of the country's most controversial policies, including the foreign talent scheme and formula for ministerial salaries, while advancing a kinder and gentler Singapore with the likes of MediFund and Edusave.The unchartered post-Cold War world which Goh stepped into posed challenges to the new leader, yet he not only cemented but also expanded Singapore's global space and stature. Along the way, he overcame hurdles from Bill Clinton's administration, exchanged quips with Nelson Mandela, and even saved Li Peng from a possibly severe heart attack.This sequel is written by author and journalist Peh Shing Huei, who also penned . Through interviews and access to People's Action Party documents and Goh's notes, this authorised biography uncovers rare insights into Singapore politics. Standing Tall tells the untold story of the Goh Chok Tong years, as he continues with Singapore's transformation into a global city.Bundle The Goh Chok Tong Story (Volumes 1 & 2)Chinese 登高望远：吴作栋传 (第二辑)吴作栋传 (两册)Some snippets of the book reviews and articles on Standing The Goh Chok Tong Years (Volume 2).
- GenresNonfiction
345 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 27, 2021
37 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 14, 2023
Interesting stories on the Goh Chok Tong administration. The format is good though I am not a fan of the writing style.
July 6, 2023
In a sentence: An insight into the various issues that punctuated the 14 years of Goh Chok Tong’s leadership, directly from the horses’ mouth!
Succeeding LKY was never going to be an easy task, always an uphill battle - and Goh Chok Tong successfully unpacks the various challenges he faced during his premiership in this book; from domestic struggles of SARS and the JI threat to controversial local policies introduced such as foreign talent scheme & ministerial pay, this book does not shy away from approaching the difficult. It also makes mention of diplomatic wins with the signing of the USA-SG FTA in 2002, along with GCT’s various interactions with global leaders beyond 4 walls.
The book sheds light not only on the intricacies of each event and the principles that ground Singapore’s (and GCT’s) decision-making, but also reveals the personal & political growth GCT had through the years of his leadership. As a young child in the 2000s, many of these events were either non-existent for me or too much of a blur to form core impressions - and so it was a pleasant experience being able to finally grasp the transition of Singapore from a successful nation-state to one that is a leading global cosmopolitan city, a transition that is often overlooked by my generation of adults whose perfunctory impression of GCT’s leadership is that of a temporal seat warmer for the younger Lee.
I liked the book for its fantastic balance of depth and brevity to each event/issue. Especially enjoyed the Q&As at the end of each chapter that allowed you to hear GCT’s thoughts almost unfiltered. It’s not particularly captivating, but for a Singaporean who wants to learn more about Singapore’s history and growth in the 1990s/2000s - this is about as close as what you can get to learn about the 2G leadership (from the establishment’s standpoint) - he’s quite unapologetic about it.
Fav Quote:
“A good policy, if badly implemented, becomes bad governance.”
Succeeding LKY was never going to be an easy task, always an uphill battle - and Goh Chok Tong successfully unpacks the various challenges he faced during his premiership in this book; from domestic struggles of SARS and the JI threat to controversial local policies introduced such as foreign talent scheme & ministerial pay, this book does not shy away from approaching the difficult. It also makes mention of diplomatic wins with the signing of the USA-SG FTA in 2002, along with GCT’s various interactions with global leaders beyond 4 walls.
The book sheds light not only on the intricacies of each event and the principles that ground Singapore’s (and GCT’s) decision-making, but also reveals the personal & political growth GCT had through the years of his leadership. As a young child in the 2000s, many of these events were either non-existent for me or too much of a blur to form core impressions - and so it was a pleasant experience being able to finally grasp the transition of Singapore from a successful nation-state to one that is a leading global cosmopolitan city, a transition that is often overlooked by my generation of adults whose perfunctory impression of GCT’s leadership is that of a temporal seat warmer for the younger Lee.
I liked the book for its fantastic balance of depth and brevity to each event/issue. Especially enjoyed the Q&As at the end of each chapter that allowed you to hear GCT’s thoughts almost unfiltered. It’s not particularly captivating, but for a Singaporean who wants to learn more about Singapore’s history and growth in the 1990s/2000s - this is about as close as what you can get to learn about the 2G leadership (from the establishment’s standpoint) - he’s quite unapologetic about it.
Fav Quote:
“A good policy, if badly implemented, becomes bad governance.”
October 27, 2023
Surprisingly, this book went into a lot tactical details in how PAP won elections and wielded its power. It also often another perspective on LKY’s style. I wouldn’t want LKY as a boss, and I definitely don’t want to have him as an enemy.
"Supposing Catherine Lim was writing about me and not the prime minister...She would not dare, right? Because my posture, my response has been such that nobody doubts that if you take me on, I will put on knuckle-dusters and catch you in a cul de sac...Anybody who decides to take me on needs to put on knuckle dusters. If you think you can hurt me more than I can hurt you, try. There is no other way you can govern a Chinese society." - LKY
Goh Chok Tong, as a leader, has shaped Singapore profoundly. He chose a path that reflects the changing world. This is evidenced by the fact the LHL is more of an extension of him than reversion of LKY.
A good read to understand contemporary Singapore history.
"Supposing Catherine Lim was writing about me and not the prime minister...She would not dare, right? Because my posture, my response has been such that nobody doubts that if you take me on, I will put on knuckle-dusters and catch you in a cul de sac...Anybody who decides to take me on needs to put on knuckle dusters. If you think you can hurt me more than I can hurt you, try. There is no other way you can govern a Chinese society." - LKY
Goh Chok Tong, as a leader, has shaped Singapore profoundly. He chose a path that reflects the changing world. This is evidenced by the fact the LHL is more of an extension of him than reversion of LKY.
A good read to understand contemporary Singapore history.
June 25, 2021
Don’t get angry’ is a recurring thought in the early years which makes various episodes appear understated. The post-Cold War era was eventful and it’s interesting to compare it to the lived experience of the time.
Goh Chok Tong’s premiership was a dramatic change from that of his predecessor, and a time when many national schemes were launched and international partnerships were forged. Reliving it was interesting, and much work has gone into ensuring readable, bite-sized accounts. But some times you wish there was a little more.
The book is organised around chapters written by Peh which end with a Q&A with GCT and then you’d want to flip to the back for GCT’s reflections for each episode, which includes current thought, right up to events of 2020. A little disjointed but I got used to it. It’s engaging reading.
A print book from Epigram.
Goh Chok Tong’s premiership was a dramatic change from that of his predecessor, and a time when many national schemes were launched and international partnerships were forged. Reliving it was interesting, and much work has gone into ensuring readable, bite-sized accounts. But some times you wish there was a little more.
The book is organised around chapters written by Peh which end with a Q&A with GCT and then you’d want to flip to the back for GCT’s reflections for each episode, which includes current thought, right up to events of 2020. A little disjointed but I got used to it. It’s engaging reading.
A print book from Epigram.
September 22, 2021
Great read! Before reading this book, I never really stopped to think about what it meant for one to take up the role of PM - your life is put out there for everyone to see, and every strength AND weakness is amplified before the public eye. Reading that he took up politics because of a sense of duty to nation rather than a natural inclination to politics made me increase my respect for him even more.
As Singapore transitions its leadership from LHL to the next generation of 4G leaders, this book is a precious insight into how our government works, what it takes to lead a country and the enormous sacrifice needed to serve our country.
As Singapore transitions its leadership from LHL to the next generation of 4G leaders, this book is a precious insight into how our government works, what it takes to lead a country and the enormous sacrifice needed to serve our country.
May 20, 2025
This book was an enjoyable read! It continues from the first book "Tall Order" seamlessly and offers great insight into Singapore's current affairs during Goh Chok Tong's time as the PM. I have always enjoyed reading events from the perspective of others, especially from the always wise and capable Mr Goh, as their accounts often reveal considerations that may not be commonly announced to the public. It is indeed a tall order to succeed LKY, but Mr Goh has done an amazing job and I believe that Singapore has been lucky to have him as a compassionate but steadfast leader!
November 3, 2021
Pretty surprised by how much I enjoyed reading this book. Definitely better than the first.
While many Singaporeans might be cynical and dismiss this book as propaganda, I feel that this book offers one a unique glimpse into the perspectives and insights held by Singapore's 2nd PM. After all, he was the man standing tall for 14 years of Singaporean history - a not too insignificant timeframe.
While many Singaporeans might be cynical and dismiss this book as propaganda, I feel that this book offers one a unique glimpse into the perspectives and insights held by Singapore's 2nd PM. After all, he was the man standing tall for 14 years of Singaporean history - a not too insignificant timeframe.
May 16, 2021
Good read
Good read into insights of the leader of the 2G political leadership in Singapore, and how Singapore was led from the 90s to early 00s.
Good read into insights of the leader of the 2G political leadership in Singapore, and how Singapore was led from the 90s to early 00s.
December 11, 2021
- Interesting stories about Goh's struggle throughout his political career. Shared many insiders' stories about the ruling party otherwise not known to the public
June 23, 2022
Truly inspiring!
September 4, 2023
Rising tide raises all boats - but not the ones whose ropes are not long enough when tied to the poles
May 19, 2025
a more difficult read than the first but also more insightful. if only GCT's reflections were added after each chapter tho
February 17, 2023
3.5 stars because I gave the first book 4 stars and preferred that one.
Read
May 29, 2021"A rising tide raises all boats" but as boats are tied to land via ropes, and not all ropes are of the same length, not all boats will be raised equally.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews