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In a time of global tumult, Island in the World marks SG60 with reflections on ways forward
New book by public intellectual reflects key issues facing Singapore
Singapore, 5 August 2025: The global tumult dominates headlines and signals a systemic change in the world order. As Singapore commemorates its 60th year of independence in 2025, a new book, Island in the World: Singapore’s Geopolitical DNA, offers a timely and thought-provoking reflection on the country’s remarkable transformation — and the external forces that have shaped, challenged and refined its identity.
Written by Professor Simon Tay, Chairman of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA), Island in the World draws from a decade of incisive political commentary and strategic analysis. In that time, the SIIA has emerged as a leading independent think tank in Asia, active in Track II diplomacy and convening the ASEAN Think Tank Summit. This is in no small measure due to Tay’s leadership, analyses, and advocacy on key issues.
The book reflects on Singapore’s journey from a small, vulnerable state to a confident and globally connected city-state — a story intertwined with the shifting dynamics of ASEAN, US-China rivalry, and global crises.
“Singapore is an island, but never truly alone,” Tay said. “Our security, prosperity, and identity have always been linked to the wider world. At SG60, it is timely to reflect on how our nation has responded — with clarity, resilience and a strong sense of direction — to the changes and challenges around us.”
Endorsing the book, ASEAN Secretary-General H.E. Kao Kim Hourn noted that it “provides an insightful discussion on how Singapore has both contributed to ASEAN and leveraged its ASEAN membership to pursue its global, regional, and national interests”. The Indonesian President’s Special Advisor Mari Pangestu remarked that Tay’s “deep insights and perspectives span across geopolitics, geoeconomics, and trade”. Malaysian Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Liew Chin Tong called the book a “must-read for all who want to see a more integrated ASEAN”.
The book is divided into five thematic parts — covering Singapore’s resilience amid crises, US–China rivalry, ASEAN dynamics, regional economic developments, and domestic issues such as identity and politics. It draws from Tay’s commentaries previously published in key regional media.
As Singapore looks ahead to the next 60 years, Island in the World provides not just historical context but strategic foresight. It urges readers to understand the country’s evolving role in an increasingly complex and divided global order.
The book was launched at the ASEAN and Asia Forum convened by the SIIA on 5 August, just before SG60, with Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.
Island in the World is published by World Scientific and is available for purchase here.
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About the Author
Simon S.C. Tay is a public intellectual and serves as Chairman of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA). The SIIA is the country’s oldest think tank, active in Track II ASEAN diplomacy, and has been ranked globally as Asia’s leading independent think tank. Tay also provides counsel to major corporations and is currently a Senior Consultant with WongPartnership, a leading law firm based in Singapore with offices in ASEAN, China and the Middle East.
He has served Singapore as a Nominated Member of Parliament, Chairman of the National Environment Agency, and an Eminent Person for the ASEAN Regional Forum. He is currently an ambassador on a non-resident basis. Tay also teaches international law at the National University of Singapore Faculty of Law.
Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA)
The Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) provides insights and perspectives for policymakers, businesses and individuals in navigating issues facing the world. Our work serves as a bridge between these stakeholders, to nudge policy change through dialogue and collective action.
As a founding member of the ASEAN-ISIS (ASEAN Institutes of Strategic and International Studies) network since 1988, we engage in Track II diplomacy, fostering dialogue among stakeholders in our region and beyond.
We have been consistently ranked as one of the leading think tanks in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, in the Global Go-To Think Tank Index* by the University of Pennsylvania. Since 2017, we were ranked the No. 1 independent think tank in Asia. We were also recognised as one of the top 50 think tanks globally, excluding the United States of America. In 2019, we were recognised as the No. 1 think tank in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific (excluding India). In 2020, we were also recognised as one of the think tanks with the best policy and institutional response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our vision is to contribute to a region that is inclusive, peaceful and prosperous – an integrated, sustainable and globally competitive ASEAN and a Singapore that is an open, dynamic hub and responsive node.
