On 24 October 2024, RSIS held a book launch for Reflections: Singapore’s Place in the World, authored by Professor Barry Desker, Distinguished Fellow and former Dean of RSIS. The event was graced by RSIS Executive Deputy Chairman, Ambassador Ong Keng Yong, who delivered the opening remarks; Professor Joseph Liow, Tan Kah Kee Chair in Comparative and International Politics, Senior Research Adviser, RSIS, and Dean, College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, NTU; and Professor Sir Steve Smith, UK Government International Education Champion and Member, Board of Governors, RSIS.
During his remarks, Prof Desker shared that rather than writing a memoir, he opted to compile a compendium of his RSIS commentaries that remained relevant today. His view of Reflections as a map of his career trajectory, dovetailed with the opinions of Professors Liow and Smith, who were unanimous in their characterisation of his book as a fine collection of the thoughtful insights on trade, multilateralism, terrorism, and Singapore-Indonesia relations that Prof Desker has had over the past 25 years.
Prof Liow was appreciative of Prof Desker’s cognisance of impending issues, such as his warning that Asia’s rise and prosperity occurred in a period of peace and political stability, and that cooperation would be slowed in a time of tension and hostility, if it had prevailed during that period. While praising the wisdom and subtlety of Prof Desker’s arguments, Prof Smith was also captivated by Prof Desker’s personal reflections on working with the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew and the late Mr S. R. Nathan. This granted readers unparalleled intimate access into the working lives of these men. Both also affirmed the crucial support of Prof Desker’s wife, Mrs Peggy Desker, without whom his career and book would not have been brought to fruition.
Professors Liow and Smith also attested to Prof Desker’s instrumental role in setting the direction for RSIS as a leading think tank and academic institution in the Asia-Pacific region; a legacy that continues until this day. It is hoped that the insights in Reflections serve as a guide and starting point for the discussion of the problems of today.
Watch the seminar here:
