#49- Professor Ooi Kee Beng : The Intellectual Legacy of Dr Goh Keng Swee, Singapore's Economic Architect

🎙️ Guest: Ooi Kee Beng | Political Historian & Executive Director, Penang InstituteOoi Kee Beng is a political historian, writer, and the executive director of Penang Institute. He has spent years studying the process of nation-building in Asia and is the author of In Lieu of Ideology: Dr Goh Keng Swee's Intellectual Biography.In this episode, we explore the ideas of Singapore’s founding economic architect—Dr Goh Keng Swee—and how his core beliefs shaped Singapore’s development.⏱ Timestamps01:21 – Why Read History03:52 – Goh Keng Swee vs. Lee Kuan Yew09:10 – The Leaders As Nation Builders11:10 – Avoiding Corruption16:42 – Why Singapore Was A Social Revolution21:45 – Where Goh Keng Swee Diverged In Economics23:38 – Why Western Hippie Culture Didn't Take Root Here26:42 – Geopolitical Dynamics and Historical Awareness29:45 – Export-Oriented Industrialization vs. Import Substitution35:25 – The Role of Institutions in Nation Building36:42 – Could Merger Have Worked38:54 – The Political Economy of Singapore42:28 – The Importance of a Common Market43:54 – Ideology vs. Pragmatism in Leadership46:15 – Defining 'Socialism That Works'50:24 – Singapore's State Building Efforts52:37 – Ensuring A Rule Of Law55:45 – Creating A National Identity59:07 – Building a National Economy01:01:17 – Harsh Reality of Raw Power01:02:09 – Lessons from Dr. Goh's Leadership01:05:06 – Book Recommendations01:07:54 – Advice For A Fresh Graduate Entering The Working World📄 Full Transcript:https://www.ykeith.com/tag/podcast/📲 Let’s Connect:Instagram: @frontrow.65LinkedIn: Keith YapWebsite: www.ykeith.comEmail: [email protected]🎧 Subscribe for Free:Spotify: Front RowApple Podcasts: Front Row