December Newsletter – World Scientific 2023 Best Books in Asian Studies

[View Email In Browser]( | [Add us to your address book]( | [Forward to a colleague]( [World Scientific Publishing Co.]( [WorldSci]( As the year draws to a close, brace yourself for an exhilarating journey through the realms of Asian studies! Our editorial team is thrilled to unveil a meticulously curated list of must-read books in every subject area. These titles promise not just enjoyment but a profound enrichment of your understanding. Dive in, explore, and enjoy! Best Asian Studies Book (Overall) [Living with Civilisations]( [Living with Civilisations]( Reflections on Southeast Asia's Local and National Cultures By: Gungwu Wang Professor Wang Gungwu is the Institute of Policy Studies' 12th S R Nathan Fellow for the Study of Singapore. This book is an edited collection of his four IPS-Nathan Lectures, delivered from November 2022 to March 2023, and includes highlights of his question-and-answer segments with our audience. The Southeast Asian region is home to a set of diverse local cultures and distinct local identities. In this lecture series, Professor Wang looks at how great civilisations came into contact with our region and shaped its local identities and cultures. Being at the centre of Southeast Asia, Singapore's national identity and development have also been moulded by great ancient civilisations, namely the Indic, Sinic and Islamic. Later on, the idea of modernity brought about by Christian European civilisation greatly impacted our region. Understanding the history of Singapore from this perspective will give us insight to how the country's modern identity is being shaped and enable us to better understand our region's place in the modern world order. Best of Asian Business & Management [Strictly Business]( [Strictly Business]( The Kwek Leng Beng Story By: Shing Huei Peh (The Nutgraf, Singapore) "Kwek Leng Beng's story is worth reading. In my years interacting with him as a government minister and as a friend, I found him thoughtful, realistic and creative. He is not given to publicity or flashy living. He is a worrier. His lifework consisted of building on what he inherited from his father and turning CDL into a remarkable international enterprise." George Yeo former Cabinet Minister of Singapore Best of Asian Politics [Governing Well]( [Governing Well]( Reflections on Singapore and Beyond By: W L Terence Ho (Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, Singapore) "It is refreshing and inspiring to read observations and commentaries on events as they happen. Terence Ho brings us to watch the drama with keenness and understanding as he takes us through a whole slew of changes in public policy impinging on all aspects of life in Singapore, social and economic, personal and collective. Don't miss out!" Lim Siong Guan Professor of Practice, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore formerly Head of the Singapore Civil Service, Chairman of the Singapore Economic Development Board, and Group President of the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC) Best Book on South Asia [Coping with China-India Rivalry]( [Coping with China-India Rivalry]( South Asian Dilemmas Edited By: C Raja Mohan and Hernaikh Singh This volume brings multiple regional voices to assess how the various South Asian nations are dealing with the growing rivalry between India and China. Many of the chapters in this volume were initially published as shorter essays by the Institute of South Asian Studies in its South Asia Discussion Papers series in 2020. Those essays have been updated and expanded in this volume. Additional contributions have also been commissioned to enrich the special perspectives that this volume presents. Best Asian Biography [George Yeo: Musings]( [George Yeo: Musings]( Series Three By: George Yeo with Woon Tai Ho "In this extraordinary culmination of an extraordinary series about tackling the challenges of everyday living, George Yeo ranges far and wide across the human experience, from the importance of spirituality, realism and history to Singapore's place in the world. Every page is full of wisdom, and practical common sense, drawn from the long life of a man whose career and service run like a golden thread through Singapore's remarkable story. In summary, this book is not just a tour d'horizon but also a tour de force. A lesson for us all." Mark Tucker Group Chairman, HSBC Holdings Best Asian History [As Equals]( [As Equals]( The Oei Women of Java By: Daryl Yeap In this wonderfully detailed narrative, Daryl Yeap brings us the fascinating story of Hui-lan, Ida and Lucy, daughters and wife of Asia's richest man at the turn of the 20th century — Oei Tiong-ham. Flying planes, managing Asia's richest estate and charming the West with their sense of style and sophistication — at a time when bound feet, matchmaking and subservience were in vogue — the three women punctured through cultural stereotypes and challenged the ideals of womanhood. In doing so, they paved the way for millions to follow. Written in a distinct style, the book is revealing, holding surprises even for those familiar with their stories. Best Asian Culture and Society [Art of Joy]( [Art of Joy]( The Journey of Yip Yew Chong By: Tai Ho Woon "What struck me most while reading Art of Joy is when Yew Chong explains, 'When I paint, I go back to me when I was a little boy.' No wonder there is so much joy in his work. There is a lot we can learn from the innocence of children. Thank you Yew Chong!" Colin Low Art Collector CEO, Singapore Land Authority Best Book from our Singapore Collection [Confident Identities, Connected Communities]( [Confident Identities, Connected Communities]( Building Cohesion through Shared Experiences Edited By: Chan-Hoong Leong (Kantar Public, Singapore), Clarence Lim, and Helena Yixin Huang (S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Singapore) This book aims to promote greater understanding of social cohesion amidst existing complexities of faith and identity, and what it portends for our future. Social cohesion defies easy definition; yet, every pursuit of social cohesiveness requires nurture, patience and a consensus that it is germane to the success of any community. Indeed, challenges abound, developments such as the COVID-19 pandemic, evolving geopolitical tensions, and a rise in access to technology impact social cohesion. In such times, it is pertinent to maintain on-going conversations revolving around social cohesion to bridge the divides through diversity and technology. [Check out our Asian Studies Annual Catalogue here!]( [World Scientific Publishing Co.]( World Scientific Publishing Co Ltd 5 Toh Tuck Link Singapore 596224 Singapore [sales@wspc.com.sg](mailto:sales@wspc.com.sg?subject=Sales%20Enquiry) [About Us]( [For Authors]( [For Booksellers]( [For Librarians]( [Copyright & Permissions]( [Translation Rights]( [Contact Us]( [FAQ]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Youtube]( [Instagram]( [Linkedin]( [Website]( Terms & Conditions An ordering guide can be found [here]( . Prices are subject to change without prior notice. This promotion is available only to individuals purchasing directly from World Scientific's web site. It is not available to libraries and booksellers. Not available in India and SAARC countries. Promotion is valid while stocks last. Delivery may be delayed up to 2 months due to high demand. 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