New Books on Singapore History

A Matter of Duty: A Memoir of My Time in the Singapore Armed Forces (1967–1982)

By Tan Chin Tiong
ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute (2025), 170 pages
Call no. RSING 959.57092 TAN

This memoir recounts how the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) was built from scratch under first Defence Minister Goh Keng Swee, including how challenges were met. Goh had talent-spotted the author Tan Chin Tiong and persuaded him to join the military instead of the Civil Service. Tan held pivotal roles in the SAF, rising through the ranks to become Deputy Chief of the General Staff.

Arabs of Singapore: 200 Years On

Edited by Syed Farid Alatas and Omar Alattas
Singapore Arab Network (2025), 282 pages
Call no. RSING 305.892705957 ARA

The Arabs in Singapore, primarily from the Hadramaut region in what is now part of modern-day Yemen, has played a pivotal role in the nation’s history since their arrival in 1819. This coffee-table book offers a compelling account of two centuries of heritage, community life and contributions of the Arab community, which have greatly enriched Singapore’s diverse social fabric.

The Albatross File: Inside Separation

Edited by Susan Sim
National Archives of Singapore and Straits Times Press (2025), 487 pages
Call no. RSING 959.5705 ALB

In 1964, Minister for Finance Goh Keng Swee created the Albatross file documenting Singapore’s deteriorating ties with Kuala Lumpur. In the file are Cabinet papers and Goh’s notes from discussions with Malaysian officials before Singapore’s separation. Most Albatross materials are published here for the first time, along with oral history accounts from Singapore’s key leaders.

The Benjamin Sheares Story: From Pioneering Gynaecologist to Singapore President

By K.C. Vijayan
ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute (2025), 179 pages
Call no. RSING 959.5705092 VIJ-[HIS]

Dr Benjamin Henry Sheares was a distinguished obstetrician and gynaecologist before becoming Singapore’s second president (1971–81). This biography examines his life and achievements through interviews, anecdotes and historical records. It traces his career from his work as a gynaecologist during Singapore’s postwar baby boom to his tenure at the Istana.

Tommy Koh: The Extraordinary Life of An Ordinary Man

By Tommy Koh
World Scientific Publishing (2026), 263 pages
Call no. RSING 327.59570092 KOH

Professor Tommy Koh recounts his undergraduate days at the University of Malaya (in Singapore) to his diplomatic career and currently as Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He was previously the Singapore Permanent Representative to the United Nations (1968–71, 1974–84), Singapore Ambassador to the United States (1984–90), and Agent of Singapore in two international cases: the 2003 land reclamation case heard at the International Tribunal on Laws of the Sea and Pedra Branca at the International Court of Justice.

Wee Kim Wee: President, Diplomat, Journalist and a True Singaporean

By Cheong Suk-Wai
ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute (2025), 213 pages
Call no. RSING 959.57 CHE-[HIS]

Dr Wee Kim Wee was a journalist and diplomat before becoming Singapore’s fourth president (1985–93). Through interviews with over 30 individuals who knew him across different periods, this biography traces his journey from his time at the Straits Times newspaper to becoming High Commissioner of Malaysia and then concurrently Ambassador to Japan and South Korea, before assuming Singapore’s highest office.