Edited by Kua Ee Heok and Abdullah Tarmugi
The history of Singapore from third-world nation to first is often framed by a narrative of the dramatic progress, from a small colonial outpost to a metropolis. This book is a social history viewed through the lens of time by the 20 baby boomers who had participated in this transformation. They were involved in the NUS Mind Science Centre’s Nature and Mindful Awareness Study (NaMAS) that aimed to enhance physical, mental and social well-being.
In their youth they weathered difficult times with grit and tenacity. Many from working class families scaled up the social ladder through sheer hard work and resilience. They survived the odds and succeeded. An undefeated mind helped them survived the tempests in their lives.
The pervasive theme of this book is mental resilience. What factors influenced and determined their lives and careers? The collective experiences of these baby boomers will be a field day for social scientists to explore, analyse and debate – it traces the trajectory of their careers. Today many of them are over 70 years and they challenge the biblical calculus that lifespan is three score and ten. The life stories of the 20 men and women are woven into the tapestry of the great Singapore story – it will inspire future generations of Singaporeans.
“I find this book inspiring because many of the writers were born very poor, (yet) they rise to the top of their vocations . . . I am struck by the good values which they all uphold – integrity, compassion and optimism.”
—Tommy Koh, Professor of Law, National University of Singapore, Ambassador-at-Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore
Published by Write Edition 2021