S Rajaratnam on Singapore: From Ideas to Reality Launches in Singapore
World Scientific Publishing and the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (IDSS) co-organized the event, A Night of Reflection on S Rajaratnam, on 21 December 2006 at the National Library Board in honour of Singapore's first foreign minister, the late Mr S Rajaratnam. The event was held in conjunction with the book launch of S Rajaratnam on Singapore: From Ideas to Reality.
Graced by Guest of Honour Professor Tommy Koh, Ambassador-at-Large at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Institute of Policy Studies, the event attracted about 100 guests ranging from ambassadors, members of parliament, academics and other guests from the public and private sectors.
The evening began with a welcome speech from Mr Kwa Chong Guan, editor of the book. Mr Kwa said that the book project was initiated so that Singaporeans may better remember the achievements of their founding fathers, and S Rajaratnam on Singapore: From Ideas to Reality would be "an appropriate tribute to Mr Rajaratnam and commemoration of his achievements".
Mr Kwa's speech was followed by addresses from Mr Barry Desker, Director of IDSS, and Professor Phua Kok Khoo, Chairman of World Scientific Publishing. Professor Tommy Koh then took over the rostrum and captivated the audience by delivering a light-hearted speech which highlighted key features of the book and interesting snippets of his acquaintance with Mr S Rajaratnam.
Guests were treated to a cocktail reception after the speeches.
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