Did I Give Back Enough?
Arthur S. M. Lim & Charity Wai (eds.)
Singapore: World Scientific, 2009
ISBN: 9789814289863

The aim of this book is to encourage Singaporeans to give back to society and this applies not only to the wealthy but also to everyone. Giving back to society could take the form of donation of money, contributing one's time, skills, effort and so on.

Both Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong have spoken extensively about the need for our society to care for the less fortunate, and that we should aspire to become a "giving society". It is hoped that the stories in this book will imbue readers with a spirit of giving.

The book includes first-hand accounts by a wide spectrum of people - from renowned philanthropists to common folks. It contains interesting anecdotes with insights into each individual's thoughts and feelings with regard to giving. The book is written in an easy-to-read style and contains attractive photos and stirring pictures.

This book contains real-life stories of some 100 people and groups who have given generously in various ways, particularly in Singapore. The areas in which they have contributed include education, medicine and for poverty alleviation programmes.

Issues of Law and Justice in Singapore: Some Christian Reflections
Daniel K.S. Koh and Kiem-Kiok Kwa (eds.)
Singapore: Armour Publishing, 2009
ISBN: 9789814270168

This book is an attempt at putting together in one accessible volume what some Singapore Christians think about matters of law and justice in their own country. It is the first volume in the CSCA Christianity in Southeast Asia Series.

The writers share the same concern about Christians being the light and salt of the world. Christians can make meaningful contributions to public discussions on matters which affect the common good. Justice properly understood is justice for all even if it is informed by the Christian faith. That is why Christians who love God and their neighbours are interested in issues of law and justice.

While the book is primarily written for Christians, it may be of interest to the wider readership. Readers will be able to identify some common interests, and gain further understanding of how thoughtful Christians have sought to contribute to developing a wholesome social vision, "based on justice and equality", for a multi-racial, multi-religious society.

The Wellbeing of Singaporeans: Values, Lifestyles, Satisfaction and Quality of Life
Tambyah Siok Kuan, Tan Soo Jiuan, and Kau Ah Keng.
Singapore: World Scientific, 2010
ISBN: 9789814277174

This book is part of the authors' continuing research on quality of life issues in Singapore and builds on past research into the values and lifestyles of Singaporeans. The findings of the 2006 AsiaBarometer Survey are presented, revealing comprehensive insights into Singaporeans' feelings and opinions about various issues related to their wellbeing. These issues include the standard of living, priorities in life, worries, government spending, happiness, enjoyment, achievement, the overall quality of life, value orientations, lifestyles, national identity, democracy and political rights. Selective comparisons are made with the other East Asian countries covered in the same survey, namely, China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam.

The Chempaka Tree: Short Stories
Tan Jing Quee
Malaysia: Gerakbudaya Enterprises, 2009
ISBN: 9789834479305

This collection of short stories of old Singapore before its rapid transformation into the modern city state marks a welcome nostalgic trip to a quite different world. These stories, set from Sembawang to Orchard Road, present a green and more leisurely city before its advent to a concrete metropolis. Except for a story set in India and two stories set in neighbouring peninsula Malaysia, most of the stories in this collection are based in Singapore.

The title story in this collection, the Chempaka Tree, is a charming love story loosely based on the old Malay legend of the Pontianak.