Tommy Koh Who?
Tommy Koh's photo curated on this blog with the courtesy of the National Archives of Singapore. The caption on this photo: President of the University of Malaya Law Society. Tommy Koh Thong Bee was the only candidate to obtain first class honours at the first Bachelor of Law examinations conducted by the University of Malaya Law School. Covering Date: 07/01/1961 (above).
Tommy Koh of 02 Raffles Scout Group riding trishaw carrying Lord Rowallan, Chief Scout of Commonwealth, during a rally at St. Andrews School grounds. Covering Date: 01/11/1954.
It may be rude or impolite of me to ask this question "Tommy Koh Who" as the title for this blog.
Professor Tommy Koh Thong Bee is not an ordinary, not a nobody in Singapore. For those who do not know him, please find out more from this humble blog.
This is an unsolicited blog feature about Prof Tommy Koh to share on this blog to share. I have taken the liberty to blog here because I understand that not many young Singaporeans have heard about him. His name was not mentioned in the lower or higher secondary school history text books and not the reasons for an excuse.
He did not need to have a fan club to be popular or well-known like celebrities of local TV stations.
He did not need my personal blog to write about him to be known. The purpose of this blog to share what I have learnt about Prof Tommy Koh after reading his book "the Tommy Koh reader: Favourite Essays and Lectures".
In his book, he wrote: " I wish to dedicate this book to the following men and women who have or had worked with me as my Personal Assistant." [the name list is mentioned in the book].
I was curious to learn more about Prof Koh for Wikipedia and other Internet resources to probe me to research more on the blog.
He is an unique, extraordinary Singaporean to inspire everyone who get to know him and learn about his contributions to Singapore in so many ways and at his present age, still healthy, active and sharing his thoughts and ideas for the country in various media channels.
Foreword by Professor Tan Chorh Chuan, President, National University of Singapore:
It is a great pleasure and honour to write this foreword for The Tommy Koh Reader, a collection of essays and lecture by one of our most esteemed members in the National University of Singapore (NUS) community, Professor Tommy Koh.
Professor Koh is a well-known figure in Singapore and internationally, having served for many decades as one of our foremost diplomats, and also for his many leading contributions to the development of the arts and culture scene of Singapore. For NUS, he was one of our brightest law students at the inception of the Law Facultry, garnering first-class honours, before going on to complete post-graduate studies in Harvard and Cambridge. He served with distinction as Dean of the Law Faculty from 1971 to 1974. Education remains a powerful passion for Professor Koh, and we are grateful that he has continued his close association with his alma mater, offering his valuable insights and wisdom for new generations of students as Rector of Tembusu College.
Professor Koh has written that he would have happily served out his career as an academic and educator. But fate would have it otherwise, and in 1968, he was asked to serve as our fledging nation's Permanent Representative to the United Nations (1968-1971, 1974-1984). From that point on, he would go forward to establish an illustrious diplomatic career, serving in a succession of high offices, including Ambassador to the US (1984-1990), Special Envoy of the UN (1993), and presently, Ambassador-at-Large.
As a diplomat, he worked tirelessly in service of Singapore, from the crucial period when it had just become a newly independent nation. His writings capture the temper of those years, with its challenges and triumphs, and in particular, he illuminates, as few can, the fortitude and courage of our post-independence leadership as they worked relentlessly to carve out the political and economic space for Singapore's survival and growth.
Though he often had to roam far from the shores of our island state, his heart was always firmly rooted in the soil of Singapore. His indefatigable passion, talents and intellect were directed especially, to the fields of arts, culture and heritage preservation - topics which lie especially close to his heart. A well-known patron and supporter of the arts, he was the founding Chairman of the National Arts Council (1991 to 1996), and subsequently, Chairman of the National Heritage Board (2002 to 2011). Working through these institutions, and often through his personal initiatives, he has made immense contributions to promoting and expanding not only the range, but the quality of artistic and cultural opportunities and experiences available to all Singaporeans.
The essays, lectures and speeches in this collection are thus drawn from a life rich in experience and learning, and are grouped into broad categories: Family, Career, Singapore, Diplomacy, the Law, Art, Culture and Heritage, and finally, Nature and the Environment. These writings reflect Professor Koh's diverse interests and formidable intellect, and the topics he addresses range from weighty issues such as the rule of law and income disparity, to more lighthearted fare such as Singapore's unique hawker cuisine, botany and even, the naming of roads. He has not hesitated to voice disagreement with prevailing policies or orthodoxies, but always offers his dissenting opinions in good faith, and in a manner intended to encourage greater engagement and understanding. His exposition is clear, forthright and precise; but in his more personal reflections, it is easy to discern the effervescent good humour and warm-hearted humanity that has made him a widely admired public figure.
Taken together, this book is much more than a collection of written works and speeches that summarises Professor Koh's career and contributions. We are offered a rare glimpse into the values and beliefs that he holds most dearly, and which have guided his actions and undertakings in his long and distinguished career. For instance, from his mother, he writes touchingly of inheriting her keen eye for aesthetics, good graces and zest for vivacious living; from his father, the importance of learning and the joy of reading, but also the need for grit and recovering from hard knocks; and from his formative school years, an acceptance and celebration of diversity and the many hues of our multi-racial society, and an equal intolerance towards ethnic and racial prejudice.
Professor Tommy Koh describes himself amongst these pages as having been "a happy warrior for peace". It is a wonderfully apt phase, as all his efforts have indeed been directed towards the singular objective of creating a better quality of life for all in a safer world. In pursuit of that objective, he has been unsparing and devoted, and the results have been both remarkable and transformative. Yet, throughout his distinguished career, he has always retained a common touch, and an abididng interest and concern for his fellow citizens, particularly those in our society who are less fortunate, or who are more vulnerable. He remains an engaged citizen, and a man of goodwill, modesty and warm generosity.
The world has changed greatly since Professor Koh started out as a young diplomat, but his life and experiences exemplify many crucial traits that have only gained in relevance: a steadfast adherence to principles; an acceptance of diversity and multi-cultural possibilities; a joyful sense of curiosity; and living a purposeful life that impacts positively on society. We would all do well if we could emulate Professor Koh's example of being a tireless advocate for mutual respect, inclusive collaboration and shared advancement.
Although there are 94 pages of the photos in his book, I have selected some of the archived photos as "memory-aids" to share on the blog, with the courtesy of the National Archives of Singapore.
Singapore's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Tommy Koh with his wife at the Singapore Airport. Date: 13/07/1968.
Front row from right, Singapore Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Professor Tommy Koh, Mrs Tommy Koh and others at the UN, New York c 1975.
Singapore Ambassador to the United States Professor Tommy Koh, who is also the conference chairman, speaking at opening of international conference called Global Strategies: The Singapore Partnership. Dated: 24/10/1988.
Guest of Honour, Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew (right) and Ambassador-At-Large Professor Tommy Koh at a Forum on Europe-Asia Relation at Shangri-La Hotel. Date: 20/02/1998.
Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong (right in red shirt) being presented with a book "The Asian Civilisations Museum A-Z Guide" by Chairman, National Heritage Board Prof Tommy Koh Thong Bee at Official Opening of Asian Civilisations Museum at Empress Place. Date: 01/03/2003
Director of Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) Professor Tommy Koh speaking at launch of IPS' publication 'A Defining Moment - How Singapore beat SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)' at Singapore History Museum. Guest of Honour at the event was Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong. Date: 22/07/2004.
Mr Lee Hsien Loong and Professor Tommy Koh sharing a light moment during the Q & A session of the NUSS 60th Anniversary Lecture at the University Cultural Centre yesterday. Photo by Ooi Boon Keong. Date: 4/10/2014. Courtesy of TODAY.
Singapore Prime Minister Mr. Lee Hsien Loong today addressed an audience of more than 1,500 ministers, mayors, senior government officials, global water industry leaders, heads of international organisations, leading researchers and practitioners at the inaugural Water Conversation at the Singapore International Water Week 2011. Date: 5/07/2011.
Ambassador-at-large and Chairman designate of National Arts Council (NAC) Professor Tommy Koh speaking at opening of Singapore Art Fair '91, an event organised by Ministry of Information and the Arts (MITA) and sponsored by Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) at World Trade Centre (WTC) Hall 2. Date: 02/08/1991.
Opening of One-Two-Six Cairnhill Arts Centre at 126, Cairnhill Road - Close-up of Chairman of National Arts Council Professor Tommy Koh giving a speech. Date: 24/04/1993.
Close-up view of Chairman of National Art Council Professor Tommy Koh speaking at Patron of the Arts Award Presentation Ceremony held at Raffles Hotel Ballroom on 07/11/1994.
29/08/1994.
Ambassador-At-Large Professor Tommy Koh examining a five dollar bi-metallic United Nations (UN) fiftieth anniversary circulation coin at the opening ceremony of UN 50th Anniversary Exhibition at Bishan Junction Eight on 24/10/1995.
Launch of the "Tommy Koh Reader - Favourite Essays and Lectures" Book
After reading his book, I have learnt his perseverance and experiences which what people see, and what people don't see of him. So please don't ask "Tommy Koh Who" after reading this blog 😊
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