THE launch of the book ‘Musings’ by George Yeo, co-written with Woon Tai Ho, at Jen Hotel in Penang today was fitting as both Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and renowned author, former Singapore minister George Yeo, reflected on the many similarities between Penang and Singapore.
The occasion was further dignified by the presence of several distinguished guests, including two former Penang chief ministers Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon and Lim Guan Eng, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, Penang Hill Corporation chief executive officer Datuk Cheok Lay Leng and Loh Lean Chooi, who are both committee members of the Commonwealth of World Chinatowns (CWC).
The event was organised by the Commonwealth of World Chinatowns and co-hosted by Penang Institute.
During his speech, Chow highlighted the historical ties between Penang and Singapore, from their shared colonial past in the British Straits Settlements to contemporary socio-cultural exchanges.
“Both Penang and Singapore share common traits despite their geographical distance – one in the north and the other in the south.
“Nevertheless, our people share a strong kinship, evident in multifaceted interactions spanning trade, politics, culture, social connections and history.
“Our people have always been connected to the rest of the world through maritime trade helping connect the great civilisations of India, and China to the rest of the world.
“Your book, Musings, coincides and brings to life such political, economic and social connections between people, but on a grander scale,” Chow said.
He reminisced about the era when Penang served as a free port status and attracted shoppers from Singapore and Malaysia. He noted that after Penang lost its free port status in 1969, many Penangites began to migrate to Singapore in the 70s due to its free port status, seeking cheaper goods from China and other places.
Chow said the people connected not just through shopping trips, but also through education, work and even marriage.
He underscored the cultural parallels between Penang and Singapore, particularly in their shared Baba Nyonya heritage, which is also prominent in Melaka and Phuket.
Chow also mentioned Penang’s contribution to Singapore’s development, citing notable figures like Hon Sui Sen (former minister of Finance), Ahmed Ibrahim (former Minister of Health and Labour), Wee Chong Jin (former Chief Justice of Singapore and also former acting President of Singapore in 1985), Professor Yeo Ghim Seng (Speaker of Parliament), Tan Boon Teik (2nd Attorney General of Singapore), Lim Ho Hup (the first Managing Director of the Economic Development Board of Singapore) for playing pivotal roles in Singapore’s modernisation.
Chow continued: “Food is so close to our hearts that sometimes, like siblings, we make respective claims and fight over who originated the dish! But I am sure we can all agree that Penang Char Koay Teow is better, and Singapore Chicken Rice is unrivalled.
“Quite politically correct,” Chow said to the laughter of the attendees as he touched on the cultural similarities.
Chow expressed his gratitude to Yeo for choosing Penang after several major metropolises like New York, Hong Kong, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur to launch Musings internationally.
He also praised him for helping realise the Esplanade in Singapore which is now the centre of a thriving art scene during his tenure as the Minister of Information and the Arts.
Chow also thanked CWC for inviting him to the launch ceremony and congratulated Yeo on the successful launch, hoping Musings would inspire future generations to cherish and strengthen the bonds between Penang and Singapore.
Yeo expressed that it was an incredible honour to have Chief Minister Chow launch the book and two former chief ministers present at the ceremony.
With an impressive career spanning 23 years in the Singapore government from September 1988 to May 2011, Yeo has held several key positions, including Minister of Information and the Arts, Minister of Health, Minister of Trade & Industry, and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Currently, he serves as a Visiting Scholar at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore and is the Founding Patron of its Asia Competitiveness Institute.
He said although his book, Musings, was written principally for a Singapore audience, he believed the book would resonate well with Penangites.
“Penang holds a special place in my heart, as it does for many Singaporeans. Singaporeans feel at home in Penang and Penangites feel at home in Singapore.
“I have many friends from Penang. And even though those who have become Singaporean citizens, they remain passionate about Penang.
“There is something about the island that inspires those who grew up here, a deep affection that never leaves them,” Yeo remarked in his speech.
He mentioned that the diversity of Penang is mirrored in Singapore, with communities like the Chulias, Chettiahs, Armenians, and many others contributing to both sides.
He fondly recalled his first visit to Penang in 1959 with his large family of six siblings, parents and an aunt, reminiscing about his trip to Penang Hill on the funicular train.
During the Q&A session moderated by Ooi Geok Ling, representing Penang Institute after the book launch, Yeo shared his perspectives on China, India, and the United States of America, and emphasised the importance of ASEAN staying neutral.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis