The Last Fools: The Eight Immortals of Lee Kuan Yew

As Lee Kuan Yew and his Old Guard founding leaders attempted to shape an improbable nation from a tropical island with no hinterland, they depended on this elite collection of bureaucrats to turn their ideas into icons. The chosen octet not only built the world’s best airport, the best seaport, and the best airline, but also designed a housing, healthcare, infrastructure, security, leadership, and financial system that rivalled the best in the world.

Yet as Third World transformed into the First through the sheer creativity and grit of these men, the Eight Immortals faded from public memory, slowly forgotten by a young nation racing into the future. Some of their names adorn libraries, institutions, and scholarships, but few in Singapore would be able to recall the achievements of George Bogaars, Andrew Chew, Hon Sui Sen, Howe Yoon Chong, Lee Ek Tieng, Ngiam Tong Dow, J. Y. Pillay, and Sim Kee Boon.

For the first time, The Last Fools tells the extraordinary and inspiring stories of these eight civil servants. Through the eyes of eight experienced journalists and authors, this independent book reveals the trade-offs, sacrifices, and secrets behind the breath-taking rise of the tiny nation. Award-winning editor Peh Shing Huei delivers a provocative read that provides insights into how Singapore has become one of the world’s most developed economies and peaceful countries.