2005 was the 40th anniversary of Singapore’s independence. This collection of essays by Singapore’s past and present diplomats tells the remarkable story of how this small and vulnerable country has become a stable, prosperous and respected member of the international community. The essays include those from the late President Wee Kim Wee and President S R Nathan as well as seminal contributions from the four former Foreign Ministers — Mr S Rajaratnam, Mr S Dhanabalan, Mr Wong Kan Seng and Professor S Jayakumar. The current Foreign Minister, Mr George Yeo, has written the foreword. The absorbing stories about people, places and international politics make this book a highly enjoyable read for all who are interested in Singapore, its history, and foreign policy.

In the stories contained in this book you will find and discover:

• which other Q (quotient), besides IQ (intellectual quotient) and EQ (emotional quotient), a successful diplomat needs
• how our diplomats helped to look after and evacuate Singaporeans in dangerous situations
• how our diplomats have been able to overcome the size of our country and punch above our weight
• why the burial of a buffalo head, with our diplomats acting as gravediggers, was of paramount significance to our embassy in Indonesia
• about the 24/7 schedules that our foreign service desk officers keep, sleeping with handphones in their pyjamas
• the advantage of being a lady Ambassador in a man’s world
• the power of ideas and friends in diplomacy

Contents:

• The Presidents
• Ministers
• Permanent Secretaries
• Madam Ambassadors
• First Generation Diplomats
• The Second Generation
• Non-Resident Ambassadors

“This book provides a fascinating set of insights into Singaporean diplomacy and demonstrates how the excellence of Singapore's foreign service has enabled the country to punch far above its weight in international affairs. A must read for anyone interested in the exercise of foreign policy.”

“A useful insight into the world views of Singapore's talented diplomatic corps.”

“Singapore wields influence in the world wholly disproportionate to her size. This entertaining and instructive collection of essays helps explain why.”