This book tells the inside story of how Singapore defied considerable odds to develop a dynamic economy and cohesive society in the 60 years since the city-state's independence.

Through in-depth interviews with some of the nation's most influential leaders — Abdullah Tarmugi, Chan Sek Keong, Cheong Koon Hean, Halimah Yacob, Peter Ho, Khaw Boon Wan, Lim Siong Guan, Ravi Menon, Seah Jiak Choo, Tan Yong Soon, Eddie Teo, Teo Ming Kian — How Singapore Beat the Odds explores various facets of public policy that shaped Singapore's remarkable transformation.

Their first-hand accounts will inform, enlighten and inspire anyone seeking insights into successful public governance.

About the Author

Terence Ho is Deputy Executive Director and Associate Professor (Practice) at the Institute for Adult Education, Singapore University of Social Sciences. He is also an adjunct faculty member of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore.

From 2002 to 2020, Terence served in research, policy and leadership roles in public sector agencies, including the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Education, South East Community Development Council, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Manpower. He was also a Board member of the Workforce Singapore Agency and the Building and Construction Authority.

Terence is the author of Refreshing the Singapore System: Recalibrating Socio-Economic Policy for the 21st Century (World Scientific, 2021), Governing Well: Reflections on Singapore and Beyond (2023) and Future-Ready Governance: Perspectives on Singapore and the World (2024). He was awarded the Public Administration Medal (Silver) by the President of Singapore in 2023.