Not Born in Singapore: Fifty Personalities Who Shaped the Nation
Tng Ying Hui
Singapore: Epigram Books, 2015
ISBN: 9789814655415

Did you know that we owe the iconic Singapore Girl to a British-born adman? Or that the founder of the much-beloved Mustafa Centre hails from India? This year as we celebrate our local heroes, it's also time to put the spotlight on other unsung contributors who have contributed to our nation. They may have come from other shores, but these 50 foreigners have left their mark in building Singapore into the nation we know it to be today. Most of us are aware of the talented athletes who have put our little red dot on the sporting map, but what of those who have made a difference in the arts, our society and our economy? This book pays homage to the names, faces, and stories behind familiar national treasures such as our Singapore Symphony Orchestra, the Keppel Shipyard and A*STAR.

Multiculturalism through the Lens: A Guide to Ethnic and Migrant Anxieties in Singapore
Catherine Gomes
Singapore: Ethos Books, 2015
ISBN: 9789810943332

This book weaves together critical studies of Singaporean films, compelling personal reflections, and analysis of the contemporary socio-political discourse. It probes into issues that arise from the dilemma of globalization and transnational migration in cosmopolitan Singapore and examines the angst of contemporary Singaporeans against the prevailing political order beyond the veneer of multiculturalism and government-sanctioned displays of social cohesion, inclusion, and harmony.

Through analyses of Singaporean films, Catherine Gomes writes about Singaporean anxieties concerning race, ethnicity, and identity construction. She writes honestly of dealing with being Eurasian, the 'Other' in Singapore, where ethnicity becomes a defining label. Her book is a great read while dealing with important issues of labour migration and ethnicity. This book will prove engaging to all Singaporeans and non-Singaporeans.

Priest in Geylang: The Untold Story of the Geylang Catholic Centre
Fr. Guillaume Arotçarena
Singapore: Ethos Books, 2015
ISBN: 9789810936785

Cosmopolitan Singapore -- emblematic of globalised capitalism -- usually calls to mind a number of clichés: orderly, clean and green, a shopping and business paradise, and a model of sound economic management. Tourists, journalists and passing businessmen cast an absent-minded glance at the local society, noting that the food is excellent, e-communication works well and armoured tanks are absent on street corners.

But after 17 years living here, the author shows a different side of Singapore: looking at her from the grassroots. Beyond his personal atypical story, he draws with light strokes of the brush, a picture of a warm and generous people, much less passive than one os often given to think. He also describes the difficulties faced by civil society, and tracks the rapid social evolution in the city-state as it is confronted with major challenges: a nose-diving demography, cramped territory with an infrastructure which cannot be extended indefinitely, and massive immigration which in increasingly resented by the local population.

Most of all, Fr. Arotçarena places on record the work and significance of the Geylang Catholic Centre, which makes this priest in Geylang himself a legend.

The Little Red Dot: Reflections of Foreign Ambassadors on Singapore, Volume III
Tommy Koh & Chang Li Lin (eds.)
Singapore: World Scientific, 2014
ISBN: 9789814612807

The first two volumes of The Little Red Dot series covered a wide range of views about Singapore's diplomacy by Singaporean diplomats. This new addition to the series will offer a complementary perspective of Singapore and its bilateral relations, through the eyes of past heads of missions from foreign countries who have served in Singapore or were responsible for Singapore.

The reader will be able to glean insights from the foreign diplomats who took an active role in getting to know Singapore, and at the same time, also worked hard to promote their respective countries' interests. As seen from their lens, the reader can learn more about what was unique about Singapore, what they learnt and what made their postings to Singapore memorable.

These candid reflections will allow Singaporean readers to understand how different elements of our country are often seen as a whole, and how that in turn contributes to the impressions that our foreign friends have of Singapore.

Often cited by the contributors are the success of Singapore's economic development, our cohesive multicultural and multi-religious society, our education system and opportunities for the young. A timely reminder that what Singaporeans take for granted are what others marvel at and appreciate.

The Invisible Force: Singapore Gurkhas
Chong Zi Liang & Zakaria Zainal
Singapore: Ethos Books, 2014
ISBN: 9789810910990

The Gurkhas need no introduction, with their storied reputation built up over two centuries of battlefield exploits around the world. A unit of these Nepalese warriors have been serving Singapore for more than 65 years, yet precious little is known about them. Indeed, the Gurkha Contingent clashed with communists and militant unions in its early days and continues to protect the island state’s most important places and people even today.

Discover the untold story of the Singapore Gurkha through the eyes of different generations who carried the famed kukri blade: The rigorous, punishing training that forges elite soldiers; the family lives of these paramilitary policemen; and the lengths their sons go to follow in their fathers' footsteps.

Above all, The Invisible Force reveals the loyalty and gratitude the Gurkha has for Singapore, and the struggles he and his family face upon retirement, including an unresolved request for better employment terms.

Diary of an Expat in Singapore
Jennifer Gargiulo
Singapore: Marshall Cavendish, 2013
ISBN: 9789814408578

This hilarious new book records the tongue-in-cheek journey of an expat in Singapore, told through vignettes, snapshots and Top 10 lists: "10 sure signs you're in a Singapore taxi"; "Things first-time visitors to Singapore say"; "10 signs you've overstayed"; "Politically-incorrect expat profiling by nationality"; and many more. Based on the author Jennifer Gargiulo's popular blog of the same name, Diary of an Expat in Singapore packs in a wealth of quirky observations, witty one-liners, and laugh-out-loud misunderstandings as the author tries to adjust to life in a strange new land and raise two kids while at it. You may marvel as Jennifer enlists the help of her young son, Alexander (who learns Chinese at school), to find out what her hairdressers are saying about her at the salon! Expats will share many of the experiences of the author told in this book, but few will have heard them told with more humour and flair. And Singaporeans will also find much to enjoy and laugh over, when local customs and foibles are seen anew through the author's eyes.

Travellers' Tales of Old Singapore
Michael Wise (comp.)
Singapore: Marshall Cavendish, 2013
ISBN: 9789814408141

From the very beginning, Singapore's promise of adventure and romance lured visitors to her shores. Travellers came from everywhere and found in Singapore so much to amaze and amuse, so much to write home about.

The tales selected for this collection take the reader back to the early days of Singapore when pirates roamed the seas and tigers ate Chinamen for breakfast. It was an era of rickshaws and gharries, of pepper and gambier plantations, of secret societies and opium dens.

Through the eyes of more than 60 visitors are seen glimpses of a place, a time and a way of life that is very different from today's.

Singapore Insights From the Inside
David Fredo (ed.)
Singapore: Ethos Books, 2012
ISBN: 9789810721169

The Singapore International Foundation invited members of the international community to share their unique insights and personal experiences of Singapore so that more might know about Singapore and its people.

In this inaugural edition of Singapore Insights from the Inside, 31 members of the international community, ranging from students, volunteers, short term visitors, to professionals in both the non-profit and the corporate worlds, present a rich tapestry of perspectives on Singapore the cosmopolitan city-state.

These are stories about Singapore by the international community, for the international community – a smorgasbord of anecdotes on people, places and Singaporean idiosyncrasies too! The local community will also gain insights into what Singapore is to the international community.

Written from the heart, the uninitiated will benefit from the authenticity of these narratives.

This new biennial publication is one of several initiatives by which the Singapore International Foundation promotes understanding to bridge and nurture enduring relationships between Singaporeans and world communities, harnessing friendships for a better world.

Great Expatations: Don't Chop My Passport! And Other Stories
Singapore: Marshall Cavendish Editions, 2012
ISBN: 9789814361354

What does it mean when we say, chope the seats with a packet of tissue paper?

Is it bad to be called ang moh kow, ang moh kui or ang moh lang? (HUH?!)

Should you wait for passengers to get off the train, or should you slam yourself forward even before anyone has a chance to disembark?

Great Expatations gives an eye-opening glimpse of these bewildering situations and more. It features contributors of varied nationalities and professions, and peels away the many layers that make up Singapore, the vibrant sunny island that many expats have come to love.

Totally sincere and without hypocrisy, they reveal what they love and dislike about this Little Red Dot they call home. They share with open honesty and lightheartedness that will delight fellow expats who have had similar experiences,and offer Singaporeans a while new perspective of their local way of life. A glossary of Singlish terms is included to help non-Singaporeans who are absolutely clueless about the local lingo used in the book.

Return to a Sexy Island: Notes From a New Singapore
Neil Humphreys
Singapore: Marshall Cavendish, 2012
ISBN: 9789814382670

Singapore got sexy and Neil Humphreys got jealous. After five years chasing echidnas and platypuses in Australia, Neil returns to Singapore to see if the rumours were true. Like an old girlfriend getting a lusty makeover, the island transformed while he was away - throwing up casinos and theme parks; building bridges, linking forests, encouraging Singaporeans to work, rest and play (preferably at a casino, but not for free); and even giving the political opposition more power than ever before. With Humphreys characteristic wit, Return to a Sexy Island provides an insightful account of new Singapore - its best bits, its ugly bits and, most important of all, what it's really like to pee in the world's best toilet.

Beyond the Myth: Indian Business Communities in Singapore
Jayati Bhattacharya
Singapore: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, 2011
ISBN: 9789814311366

This book is a macro-study of Indian business communities in Singapore through different phases of their growth since colonial times. It goes beyond the conventional labour-history approach to study Indian immigrants to Southeast Asia, both in terms of themselves and their connections with the people's movements. It looks at how Indian business communities negotiated with others in the environments in which they found themselves and adapted to them in novel ways. It especially brings into focus the patterns and integration of the Indian networks in the large-scale transnational flows of capital, one of the least studied aspects of the diaspora history in this part of the world. The complexities and overlapping interests of different groups of traders and businessmen form an interesting study of various aspects of these trading bodies, their methods of operation and their trade links, both within and outside Singapore. The book also charts their mobility and progress, in terms of both business and social status. The research aims to construct linear threads of linkages through generations and situate them in the larger framework and broader paradigms of business networks in Singapore.

In shedding light on aspects of Indian connectivities to Southeast Asia, the narrative is particularly relevant in the context of India's economic rise. This study raises economic, social and cultural issues regarding the transition.

Surprising Singapore: 101 Things to Do
Adeline Loh and Edwin Tam
Point Reyes Station, CA: ORO Editions, 2011
ISBN: 9780981985701

Surprising Singapore: 101 Things to Do gets you discovering the many faces of Asia's garden city in its most vibrant neighbourhoods. With 101 activities introducing you to quintessentially Singaporean experiences, Surprising Singapore will delight anyone who enjoys heading off the beaten track to experience a slice of Singapore life. Surprising Singapore takes you through the heritage districts of Chinatown, Little India, Katong, Geylang Serai, Arab Street and Bugis; the historical Colonial District, the wining and dining precincts of The Quays, Marina Bay, Fullerton Heritage, Dempsey Hill, Holland Village and Buona Vista; the islands off Singapore's shores, Sentosa and Pulau Ubin; off the beaten track Changi and Alexandra, and shop-till-you-drop Orchard Road. Get ready to explore this Southeast Asian powerhouse which has fascinated the world with its melting pot of Asian cultures, legendary cuisines and endless shopping.

Six Degrees of Expatriation: Uncovering the Lives of Expats in Singapore
Maida Pineda
Singapore: Marshall Cavendish, 2009
ISBN: 9789814276672

What begins as an innocent food trip to partake of roti pratas, Hainanese Chicken Rice, and Oyster Omelettes turns into a life changing decision. International food and travel writer Maida Pineda captures the thrills, quirks, and adjustments of her big move to Singapore. Her candid and honest essays cover everything from the inescapable conversations with cab drivers, to finding a place to rent, and even the art of saving a seat in hawker centres. Through her everyday adventures in this small island, she encounters a diverse mix of expatriates including a photographer, a linguist who speaks eight languages, and a meditation teacher coming from all over the world. She tells the story of their lives in this compact country, closely interconnected, where everyone seems to be linked in a mere two degrees of separation.

India Fever: The New Indian Professional in Singapore
Amrit Barman
Singapore: Singapore Indian Association, 2009
ISBN: 9789810823191

This book takes you through a thought-provoking journey through the life and times of the quickly growing population of Indian expatriate professionals in Singapore. Through a mix of anecdotes, observation and insight, the reader is introduced to the thought processes that drive this extremely mobile group; including a no-holds-barred examination of their relationship with the local population of Singapore.