A thought leader, according to Cambridge Dictionary, is an expert on a particular subject whose ideas and opinions influence other people. When someone’s profession is either representing or leading a nation, then naturally, their insights can range across a multitude of topics, from social values to complex foreign policies. In fact, the three thought leaders honoured in our most recent Asia’s Most Influential (AMI) list are all foreign policy heavyweights.
George Yeo was Singapore’s foreign minister from 2004 to 2011. Professor Chan Heng Chee served as Singapore’s ambassador to the United Nations (UN) from 1989 to 1991 and to the US from 1996 to 2012. She has been an ambassador‑at‑large ever since. Professor Tommy Koh similarly served as representative to the UN from 1968 to 1971, then again from 1974 to 1984, and as ambassador to the US from 1984 to 1990. He, too, is still an ambassador‑at‑large.
Of course, the trio have also worn multiple domestic policy and cultural hats. All are recognised for their breadth of knowledge and their willingness to speak up on issues they are passionate about, even if those opinions may not be particularly aligned with those of the ruling party.
As we start the year 2024, we ask these thought leaders for some quick insights. We gave them a choice of a few questions to answer.
GEORGE YEO
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the next‑generation leadership as they step up and take on the mantle of leading Singapore?
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 2024 من Tatler Singapore.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 2024 من Tatler Singapore.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Louder Than You Think
It might not shout about itself, but among the world’s most influential people, Brunello Cucinelli is everywhere. Its co‑chairman and co‑creative director Carolina Cucinelli shares why the Italian brand’s high‑end ubiquity is built on its rock‑solid values
A New Era
La Prairie unveils the first product from its new collection, the Life Matrix Haute Rejuvenation Cream, an innovative creation that represents a new chapter in luxury skincare for those seeking to maintain healthy skin
Revolutionising Healthcare
Artificial intelligence is the future of healthcare, according to Asia Pacific Medical Technology Association CEO Harjit Gill. Ahead of its Asia Pacific MedTech Forum 2024, she outlines how a digitally driven healthcare system can improve access and outcomes for all
REBIRTH RENEWAL REWARD
Renowned artist Nari Ward gives Tatler a peek into his Harlem studio as he prepares for his solo exhibition in Seoul
Blurring Lines, Breaking Boundaries
Cartier’s creative director of jewellery and watches Marie-Laure Cérède on the maison’s commitment to creating statement-making timepieces for discerning luxury consumers
Tan Yin Ling
The co‑founder of Cloop on how her social enterprise is closing the loop on Singapore’s fashion waste
THE World IS YOUR Oyster
Tatler gets a taste of the luxe nomadic life aboard the world’s most exclusive residential ship as it sails from South Korea to Japan
HAUTE HOTELS
Find out where designers, models and fashionistas stay during Fashion Week
RAISING THE STEAKS
Hanwoo, Korea’s native beef, is celebrated not only for its flavourful meat but also its rich history and deep cultural significance. We explore the qualities and traditions that make Hanwoo a national treasure—and why the rest of the world needs to know about it
The Fashion Centennial
In celebration of its 100th anniversary, Loro Piana looks back on its legacy of exceptional fabrics, textile innovation and savoir faire in its fall‑winter 2024‑2025 women’s and men’s collections