https://www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/11790
Description
The book depicts the storied life of Daniel Teo Tong How, a second-generation Singapore real estate developer, by chronicling the major events that took place in his family.
In tracing the developments of a family, we trace the opportunities paved and traditions passed on from generation to generation, as seen in the rise of Tong Eng Group as well as the family's pride for Daniel's granduncle, World War II hero Lim Bo Seng, and Lim Loh, a well-known building contractor in the early 20th century. Through oral history accounts and research, the authors provide a unique look into life in Singapore and China from the 19th up to the 21st century through the lens of a family.
Contents:
My Family Background
My Youth
Education
Tin Plate King
Property Entrepreneurship
Voices of Property Developers
Corporate Philosophy
Interest in Art
Rich Virtues through the Generations
Readership: Readers interested in biography, Chinese business studies, family businesses, and entrepreneurship.
Reviews
"I am a friend and admirer of Daniel Teo. He is one of Singapore's renaissance men. I wish the book great success."
Prof Tommy Koh
Ambassador-at-Large, Singapore
"In this Asian century, our continent is bursting with new trends: cultural renaissance, fusion of East and West, architectural preservation, philanthropy. Many of these trends surface in this engaging memoir of Daniel Teo. A fascinating read."
Kishore Mahbubani
Distinguished Fellow at the Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore and
author of Has China Won?
"This deep and intimate look into Daniel Teo's life — one who has been unwavering in his support of culture and the arts in Singapore, will be a compelling read. Daniel Teo's dedication towards supporting local artists and founding of The Private Museum, are among his many contributions to the Singapore arts scene."
Chong Siak Ching
Chief Executive Officer National Gallery Singapore and
Singapore's Non-Resident Ambassador to the Republic of Chile
"To read the memoirs of Daniel Teo is like opening the door onto a huge garden, knowing full well that we will not be able to see all the extraordinary trees and flowers. During his lifetime, Daniel has explored so many fields: architecture, parrots, elderly care, blockchain for real estate, wooden structures for high rise, prefabricated housing for foreign workers, ballet companies and museums to promote the artists of Singapore and Asia, not to mention stamps and music boxes. Thanks to this book, many will discover Daniel, an extraordinary Renaissance Man, who has so much contributed to the Creation of modern-day Singapore."
Elisabeth de Rothschild
Member of Singapore Institute of Architects
Member of Ordre des Architectes - France
"Only few were given the chance to document their experiences and struggles in life. Motivating people to value hard work, respect to others, devotion and responsibility to family, society and country to become successful. This book of Daniel Teo is truly inspiring!"
Florentino Dulalia
FIABCI Word President
"My cousin Daniel never fails to amaze me with his zestful boundless energy and his involvement and passion in so many novel disciplines and interests. Daniel is truly a man with a diverse array of talents and who doesn't view life as a chessboard of black and white squares but a vibrant palette of colours and hues.
I cannot wait to read Daniel's memoirs and would recommend his memoirs to anyone keen in a treasure trove of experience and memories.
I wish him every success in his book."
Teo Tong Lim (Cousin of Daniel Teo)
Managing Director, Tong Eng Group
"This book follows the inspirational journey of Daniel Teo — FIABCI World President 2002–2003 — who with the traditional Confucian values he inherited shows how a human being can step by step build a success story serving to his Family, Community, Country, while continuing to be strongly engaged in the development of the Art and staying committed to the Real Estate Industry worldwide."
Narek Arakelyan
Secretary-General
The International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI)
"Daniel Teo is a modern day Renaissance man. Apart from being a successful architect, real estate developer, businessman and philanthropist, Daniel has long been an ardent and tireless supporter of the Arts. Daniel has helped bring many great artists and performances to Singapore not only in the form of financial donations but also invaluable contributions from co-ordinating venues and organizing performers to fund raising for charitable organizations. Congratulations to Daniel on the release of his memoirs. It is a must-read for those who wish to understand and appreciate the philosophy and life of such a selfless and prominent citizen of Singapore."
Lee Kum Sing
Professor, Pianist
Vancouver, Canada
Authors
Kua Bak Lim, a renowned historian in Singapore and Malaysia, Kua Bak Lim graduated from Nanyang University in 1971 with first class honours in history. He has worked in the civil service and the statutory board for many years and has extensive experience working in China.
Currently, he is the Council Member cum Chairman of Research Committee, Singapore Federation Of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA). He also serves as Board of Governor, Chinese Heritage Centre (CHC), Nanyang Technological University (NTU); member of National Library Advisory Committee (NLAC); Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre's (SCCC) Academic Advisory Committee; resource panel of Wan Qing Yuan- Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial, Honourable Director of Nanyang Kuah Si Association and Consultant, Quanzhou History Museum of Overseas Chinese in China.
He is the author and/or editor of notable publications including Symposium of the Chinese History in Singapore (1972), Who's Who in the Chinese Community of Singapore (1995), and From Longyamen — The Gate of Dragon Teeth to Singapore: The Hub of Maritime Civilization Between the East and West. His recent publication is A General History of the Chinese in Singapore (Chinese edition, 2015 & English edition, 2019).
Kua was awarded the prestigious Singapore Chinese Cultural Contribution Award (SCCCA) in 2019 for his outstanding efforts in championing research on the history and culture of Singapore's Chinese community. He is now the Adjunct Professor in Chinese Studies, New Era University College, Malaysia.
Lim How Seng obtained his BA in History (Nanyang, 1965), MA in Southeast Asian History (Hawaii, 1968). He was Deputy Director, Oral History Department (1985–1992) and Director, Singapore History Museum (1996–2003). His major publications include: 《新加坡华社与华商》(Singapore Chinese Community and Entrepreneurs) (1995); 《新华研究：帮权、人物、口述历史》(Singapore Chinese Studies: Bang Structure, Oral Histories and Personalities) (2010). Articles include: (1) "Interviewing the business and political elite of Singapore: Methods and problems", Oral History: Southeast Asia, Theory and Method (Singapore: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, 1998), 55–65. (2) "Economic transformation, business philosophy and corporate management: The cases of Lee Kong Chian and Tan Lark Sye", Singapore Chinese Society in Transition, (NY: Peterlang, 2004), 201–228. (3) "Social Structure and Bang Interactions", A General History of the Chinese in Singapore (Singapore: WSPC, 2019), 115–134. (4) "Rivalry between Straits Settlements Government and Chinese Consulate in Singapore (1877–1894)", op.cit., 185–199). (5) "The Anti-Japanese National Salvation Movement", op. cit., 637–66.
