Euston Quah & Luke Nursultan Iuldashov 
ALBERT WINSEMIUS AND SINGAPORE: HERE IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN [EPUB ebook] 
Here It is Going to Happen

Here it is going to happen is the title of a painting memorialising Albert Winsemius’ industrial survey mission to Singapore. The picture depicts the hilltop view of a pre-industrial Jurong.

Besides being a biography of Albert Winsemius, the book examines Albert Winsemius’ affinity with Singapore and his contributions to the nation’s economic development. It also looks at his legacy and influence on past, current and future economic planners.

Contents:

• Dedication


• Foreword by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong


• Endorsements


• About the Authors


• Acknowledgements


• Preface and Introduction


• Observations by Research Associates


• Poem by Eric Valles


• Timeline of Albert Winsemius’ Life and Career


• Background and Contributions:
  
  
  
  • Family Roots and Life Story of a Man of Enterprise (1910–1996)
  
  
  • Civil Servant in The Netherlands (1935–1953)
  
  
  • Singapore’s Chief Economic Advisor (1961–1983)
  
  


• The Lessons:
  
  
  
  • Economics of Development during the Time of Albert Winsemius
  
  
  • Art of Economic Advising
  
  
  • Winsemian Pragmatism
  
  


• Retrospections:
  
  
  
  • Albert Winsemius and Wage Policy in Singapore
  
  
  • Albert Winsemius and the Environment
  
  


• Reminiscences, Vignettes, Interviews and Reflections:
  
  
  
  • Reminiscences:
    
    
    
    • Singapore’s Lifelong Friend and Benefactor (Goh Chok Tong)
    
    
    • Dr Albert Winsemius and the National Wages Council (NWC) (Lim Chong Yah)
    
    
    • Reminiscences on Albert Winsemius (Ng Pock Too)
    
    
    • Life in Singapore in the 1950s (Lim Chong Yah)
    
    
    • Reminiscences of Singapore in the 1960s (Lee Soo Ann)
    
    
    • Singapore before and after Winsemius’ Influence (Ng Yew Kwang)
    
    
  
  
  • Vignettes (Contributed by Winsemius Family):
    
    
    
    • Family Matters
    
    
    • Ships and Garage Boxes
    
    
    • Hobbies
    
    
    • Family Man
    
    
    • Stories of Muskebiis
    
    
    • Tribute to My Grandfather
    
    
    • Albert Winsemius and Singapore
    
    
  
  
  • Interviews:
    
    
    
    • Mr S Dhanabalan
    
    
    • Mrs Joan Fong (Joan Hon)
    
    
    • Dr Frans Stoelinga
    
    
    • Professor Tan Kong Yam
    
    
    • Mr Lam Chuan Leong
    
    
  
  
  • Reflections:
    
    
    
    • Reflections on Dr Albert Winsemius’ Role in Singapore’s Development (Vivian Balakrishnan)
    
    
    • Comments on Albert Winsemius and the Economic Development Board (Chng Kai Fong)
    
    
    • Albert Winsemius: The Dutchman Who ‘Saved’ Raffles (Tan Tai Yong)
    
    
    • Dr Winsemius and Singapore’s Economic Development (Toh Mun Heng)
    
    
    • Lessons from Albert Winsemius for Modern-Day Singapore (Manu Bhaskaran)
    
    
    • What Advice Might Albert Winsemius Give Today? (Hong Hai)
    
    
    • Building Financial Bridges between East and West — the Asian Currency Market is Established in Singapore in 1968 (Peter Wilson)
    
    
    • The Winsemius Awards: A True Recognition of Red Orange Collaboration (Linda Lulu Lupgens)
    
    
    • Albert Winsemius and Goh Keng Swee: The Symbiotic Relationship between Economic Development and Defence Technology (Su Guaning)
    
    
    • Lessons from Denmark (Joergen Oerstroem Moeller)
    
    
  
  


• Remembering Albert Winsemius:
  
  
  
  • Albert Winsemius Heritage Trail
  
  
  • Legacy and Commemoration
  
  
  • Summary and Concluding Remarks: Albert Winsemius Matters!
  
  


• Additional Readings
  
  
  
  • Associates and Youth:
    
    
    
    • Winsemius: The Dutch-Singapore Connection
    
    
    • The Old Man and the Sea: Lessons Young Singaporeans Can Learn from Winsemius
    
    
    • Arthur Lewis vs Albert Winsemius
    
    
    • Winsemius and I
    
    
    • Unqualified Reflections
    
    
  
  
  • Further Notes:
    
    
    
    • The Winsemius Business in Leeuwarden in the Thirties, Seen Through the Eyes of a Former Employee
    
    
    • Preface to and Final Chapter (VIII) of the Ph D Thesis by Albert Winsemius
    
    
    • Interview with Albert Winsemius Held in 1960 by Herman Leenes
    
    
    • Albert Winsemius’ Appraisal of Industrialisation
    
    
    • Curriculum Vitae of Albert Winsemius (as of 1966)
    
    
    • Albert Winsemius’ Methodologies in His Early Work
    
    
    • Optimal Population: Why Non-Material Welfare Matters
    
    
    • What GDP Doesn’t Measure and Why This Should Change
    
    
    • Five Ways to Go Green Yet Grow Economy
    
    
  
  


• Bibliography


• Name Index


• Subject Index

Readership: General readers, researchers and academics alike who are interested in Singapore’s economics and development since its independence.

Singapore was our father’s second homeland. We grew up with your country and its rich culture and for over almost a quarter of a century learned to love it. It was not just the superb bouquets of beautiful orchids that he always brought back home, but rather it was the many tales of public entrepreneurship and friendship that we remember most from our Sunday luncheons. We were — and still are — astonished by the depth of his involvement. Our father typically visited Singapore twice a year for a period of up to three weeks; the impact of this long-distance relationship is unique in the international policy-making arena. The secret, he told us, was the deep trust that united him with the Singapore leadership and its people. He had a strong personal connection with Lee Kuan Yew, Goh Keng Swee and Hon Sui Sen, that allowed them to share their visons and concerns. He grew to appreciate the confrontation with the driven leaders of the trade unions and was uncharacteristically proud of the National Trades Union Congress’ May Day Gold Medal of Honour that he received in 1976. Time and again he expressed his appreciation for the ‘young superstars’ at EDB and elsewhere in the Singapore community who carried the torch forward. And always he spoke with admiration and warmth of the people of Singapore who gave meaning to one of the most rapid and successful societal developments ever. But then again it was his second homeland. This biography leaves no doubt.’ – The Winsemius Family

‘The story of Singapore’s post-Independence years is a story about the grit and gumption of a generation of men and women, who overcame the odds to build up a young nation. Dr Albert Winsemius was an invaluable economic advisor to our founding leaders, helping them to shape our economic strategy. Even though he was not a native son of Singapore, we are grateful that Dr Winsemius served Singapore with dedication and distinction, as illustrated by this thoughtful book. This book reminds us that to stay vibrant as an economy and to build a better future, we must continue to transform our industries, work with the best minds, and remain open to the world. As we look to the next phase of our nationhood, this book is also a timely reminder that to build an even more successful Singapore, we must continue to uphold the fortitude, openness, and foresight of our founding generation.’ – Heng Swee Keat Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies, Singapore

‘For decades, Western professional economists have been providing advice to developing countries to help reduce poverty and raise living standards. Unfortunately, not many have been successful in finding the right formula for growth, or in fully appreciating the social and political complexities that are often intertwined with development and governance issues. Singapore is very fortunate to have had the benefit of an economic advisor who stood out and made a difference in our early years of development. Dr Albert Winsemius knew very little about Singapore before he arrived. But he took a deep and personal interest in our affairs, consulted widely, and forged a close relationship with our founding leaders. He provided sound advice that went against the economic orthodoxy of the day but was relevant to Singapore’s environment. This volume is a timely tribute to commemorate Dr Winsemius and his important contributions to Singapore’s economic development. It inspires us to continue this important and never-ending work of transforming our economy and ensuring a high quality of life for all Singaporeans.’ – Lawrence Wong Minister for Finance, Singapore

‘This book is an important endeavour to capture the life and work of Albert Winsemius, and examine his significant contributions to Singapore’s development as the country’s economic advisor from 1960 to 1984. From Singapore’s early phases of industrial development, Dr Winsemius recognised the importance of lifelong learning, and the need to focus on the reskilling and upskilling of Singapore’s local workforce to secure job opportunities. Fast forward some 50 years later, Dr Winsemius’ advice on education and skills upgrading remains highly relevant as we encourage Singaporeans to learn throughout their lives in pursuit of skills mastery and to thrive in the new economy.’ – Chan Chun Sing Minister for Education, Singapore

‘On 5 October 1960, The Straits Times published an article titled ‘UN men to study industrial potential’. The article was printed on page 16 and was barely 100 words long. Little did anyone then predict that the visit, led by Dr Albert Winsemius, would have such a transformative impact on Singapore. It marked the start of a long and fruitful relationship between Dr Winsemius and Singapore, which changed the face of our island and put us on a trajectory to where we are today. Singapore has benefited greatly from the wisdom, vision and foresight of Dr Winsemius. He recognised early on that Singapore’s survival was dependent on our relevance to the global market and pushed for Singapore to establish trade ties and stay connected with the rest of the world. He encouraged our leaders to build a diversified economy and to innovate, experiment and take risks. He was also a strong advocate for developing the local workforce — an approach that helped improve the wages and standard of living of our people then, and an approach which we remain steadfastly committed to today. This book is a fitting tribute to Dr Winsemius, and an important reminder to push the boundaries and seek new opportunities as Singapore pursues the next phase of our economic growth.’ – Gan Kim Yong Minister for Trade and Industry, Singapore

‘This book is a beautiful tribute to Dr Winsemius. He was a pioneer in recognising the importance of tripartite dialogue between employers, trade unions and the government which led to the setting-up of the National Wages Council. Through the years, this dialogue has led to deep trust between the tripartite partners which provides a strong foundation for Singapore’s economic growth and transformation. The wisdom contained in this book demonstrates his astute and deep insights on wages and productivity which remain relevant today as we continue to sustain economic and wage growth in an inclusive manner. I encourage policy makers to read it and share it.’ – Tan See Leng Minister for Manpower, Singapore

‘Professor Euston Quah’s book details how Singapore embarked on a fundamental re-think of its approach to key sectors like employment, finance and technology to drive forward human development. In doing so, it sought out cutting-edge experts like Albert Winsemius who questioned accepted wisdom and suggested bold solutions to the country’s pressing development challenges. At this pivotal moment for people and planet, countries across the globe need to make similarly ambitious decisions. In particular, economic models which fuel climate change and contribute to the decline of our planet must come to an end, with concerted efforts to ensure that, as poverty decreases, inequalities do not widen.’ – Achim Steiner Administrator, United Nations Development Programme Vice-Chair, UN Sustainable Development Group

‘Seldom does a foreign advisor have such a great impact as Dr Albert Winsemius had on Singapore. This excellent book tells the remarkable story of this Dutchman’s contributions to the making of the Singapore economic miracle.’ – Professor Tommy Koh Ambassador-at-Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore

‘Getting out of a crisis needs imagination, determination, a sense of urgency, and, most of all, courage to think different, try different, do different and be different. Having a friend who offers encouragement, ideas, affirmation, wisdom, and understanding makes all the difference between learning by doing, as opposed to just thinking and thinking and … Such a friend needs to have the heart and mind of a Singaporean but the vision, conviction and confidence that comes from experience and exposure elsewhere. This book on the thoughts and actions of Dr Albert Winsemius which critically helped build modern Singapore, will not just inform, but inspire you on how this great friend of Singapore transformed adversity and success into the art of trying the impossible, embracing what has never been done before, and never giving up. Read it not just as interesting history but to believe how Singapore may yet be more than you dare to imagine!’ – Lim Siong Guan Professor in Practice, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy Former Head of the Singapore Civil Service

‘There is now a considerable literature on policy advice to governments and central banks by economists in the 1920s and 1930s. (See for example Marc Flandreau, Money Doctors: The Experience of International Financial Advising.) In contrast, much less has been written about the experience of post-World War II ‘money doctors’, such as Robert Triffin, Albert Hirschman, Alec Cairncross, and of course Albert Winsemius. The experience of Winsemius is particularly interesting, in part because his involvement in Singapore was of such long standing: it extended for fully a quarter of a century starting in 1961. Winsemius personified the balance between state direction and the market that came to characterise Singapore’s highly successful development strategy. A good economic advisor has to tailor his advice to local economic circumstances; Winsemius provides an example of this approach eschewing one-size-fits-all policy advice. It’s also interesting to observe how Winsemius’ recommendations changed as Singapore’s circumstances changed. Not all policy advisors display this kind of pragmatism and intellectual flexibility!’ – Professor Barry Eichengreen George C Pardee and Helen N Pardee Professor of Economics and Professor of Political Science, University of California, Berkeley, USMAS Term Professor of Economics and Finance, National University of Singapore Former Senior Policy Advisor, International Monetary Fund

‘Singapore is a successful, globally connected city state. International commerce is its lifeblood. It is also open to ideas and foreign expertise, which in its early ‘catch up’ phase of economic development it employed strategically and productively. It was the first developing country to effectively adopt a strategy of FDI-led export-oriented industrialisation in an era when import substitution and distrust of FDI were in vogue. It also introduced many novel economic and social policies, in housing, savings programmes, wage policy and much else. In this fascinating study Professor Euston Quah, the holder of the Albert Winsemius Chair at Nanyang Technological University, reminds us of one such source of foreign expertise, namely the famous Dutch official after whom the Chair is named. This is a highly recommended read for anybody wanting to understand the origins of Singapore’s rapid ascent to the frontiers of economic prosperity over the past 57 years.’ – Professor Hal Hill H W Arndt Professor Emeritus of the Southeast Asian Economies, Crawford School College of Asia and the Pacific, Australian National University

‘Much has been written about the role that public policy has played in transforming Singapore into one of the world’s most advanced economies. Much less is known about the individual architects of Singapore’s ‘economic miracle’. This volume provides a fascinating study of the contribution of the government’s Chief External Economic Advisor during the early years of Singapore’s economic success story, and shows how, working in tandem with Singapore’s leaders, he identified the key economic policy interventions needed for Singapore’s rapid industrialisation. The volume will appeal to readers interested in the general history of Singapore and to economists and policy makers interested in understanding the role of economic policy in development.’ – Professor Colin Kirkpatrick Professor Emeritus of Development Economics, University of Manchester, UK

‘While rewarding generations of Singaporeans, Albert Winsemius came to love the country. Euston Quah and associates’ full account of the worthwhile life of the remarkable economic advisor is personal and national memoir at its very best.’ – Professor Tetsushi Sonobe Dean, Asian Development Bank Institute, Japan

‘I express my congratulations to Prof Euston Quah for publishing this volume about the impactful contributions of Dr Albert Winsemius to the policies that led to the impressive economic development of Singapore in the relatively short period of a few decades. The historical perspectives contained in this volume document how the intellect, experiences and foresight of Dr Winsemius shaped the policies and practices in Singapore. This book will be of immense value not only to Singaporeans, but also to economists, historians and policy makers everywhere.’ – Professor Subra Suresh President and Distinguished University Professor, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

‘Far-sighted and innovative thinking and solutions significantly accelerated Singapore’s rapid economic development from Third World to First. Many exceptional individuals contributed to Singapore’s success, and Dr Albert Winsemius, as the nation’s economic advisor for many years, was particularly influential. Professor Euston Quah has compiled a fascinating volume wherein key national leaders share their experiences and recollections of working with Dr Winsemius, and further offers the latest research detailing Dr Winsemius wide-ranging and extensive imprint on Singapore’s economic transformation.’ – Professor Tan Eng Chye President, National University of Singapore

‘I warmly welcome this addition to the economic history and literature of Singapore. Much has been written about policies and plans, achievements and challenges, trends and directions. Much less has been penned to provide insights into the individuals behind the economic impetuses, the personal philosophies, interests, predilections, experiences and influences that shaped their economic thinking and action. Another lacuna is an understanding of the human relationships that enabled economic change (or not). This volume provides insights along these lines in relation to an individual — Albert Winsemius — who has played a very significant role in Singapore’s economic development. I congratulate Euston and his team for undertaking this valuable work, and especially urge young Singaporeans to read this work, to look back in order to look forward.’ – Professor Lily Kong President, Singapore Management University

‘Dr Albert Winsemius is remembered with great gratitude for his clear sighted and practical way he went about developing the blueprint for Singapore’s industrialisation and development efforts. Together with our then government leaders and officials, they had the courage to adopt and adapt bold policies that were untried but were deemed necessary for Singapore’s unique situation of being devoid of natural resources. This same spirit to learn and experiment has served us well in past decades and will continue to be of immense value to us as we press ahead to overcome new challenges. This book so thoughtfully and skilfully crafted by Professor Euston Quah not only has captured this spirit so well but would also enable readers to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Dr Albert Winsemius both as a terrific human being and a formidable development economist.’ – Lim Chee Onn Member, Council of Presidential Advisers Chancellor, Singapore Management University

‘This book will serve as a fascinating read, not only for those who were in the thick of changes that Singapore went through in the decades after independence, but also for the younger set today who are beneficiaries of Singapore’s success in those years. The history of Singapore plays out as various contributors recall Dr Winsemius’ involvement in the many aspects of Singapore’s development. The surprise may be that it was not merely about the economy or wages and such, but other aspects like the environment, recreation, heritage, and education to undergird economic development. The recollections reveal the role of common sense, intuition and focus in decision-making — a trait that Dr Winsemius appeared to have in abundance. One learns about influence he wielded through his ability to interact with our leaders, understand our circumstances, and make convincing arguments— we are blessed that he was able to work, in his own quiet way, with our former leaders to solve seemingly intractable problems as Singapore pivoted from Independence. It is a pity that our younger generation does not even know about him; this book can help to inform them about how Singapore came to be what it is today, and how grateful we should be for Dr Winsemius’ part in all of this.’ – Professor Cheong Hee Kiat President, Singapore University of Social Sciences

‘When I received your email on Winsemius, I at once thought of the ambivalent Dutch contributions to Singapore. Colonial Singapore was the product of Anglo-Dutch rivalry in Southeast Asia, which motivated Raffles (who had formerly been Lieutenant-Governor of Java and was Lieutenant-Governor of Bencoolen) to secure a British foothold in Singapore. The Anglo-Dutch ‘paper war’ was concluded by the Treaty of London in 1824, involving Dutch recognition of British interests in Singapore, and the exchange of Dutch Malacca for British Bencoolen. In contrast, flash forwards to independent Singapore, and a Dutchman Albert Winsemius who contributed immeasurably to Singapore’s economic growth and success. It was Winsemius who advised the Singapore Government to preserve the memory and monuments of Raffles as part of the on-going nation-building enterprise!’ – Ernest Chew Academic Historian, Singapore

‘Sometimes a very special person, such as Dr Albert Winsemius, has a profound impact on the bigger picture. Professor Quah paints an insightful portrait of this Dutch economist and his love for Singapore. I was thrilled to read that sustainability was at the forefront of Dr Winsemius’ advice to Mr Lee Kuan Yew, long before the term became fashionable. As Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Singapore I consider this book a must read.’ – Margriet Vonno Ambassador of The Netherlands to Singapore and Brunei

Key Features:

• While there has been a lot of scattered articles and information on Albert Winsemius, there has never been a definitive compendium on Albert Winsemius


• The book covers the past by examining Albert Winsemius’s economic and industrialisation advice to prominent Singapore leaders like the late Lee Kuan Yew and Goh Keng Swee, and examines its impact on the present and future


• Contributions are also sought from Dutch economists such as Jan Kiviet, Emeritus Professor at the Amsterdam School of Economics, University of Amsterdam


• Heritage trail of places that Albert Winsemius had visited or was likely to have visited at some point in his 24-year service to Singapore