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Mind The Gap | How to establish independent government institutions with Confucian beliefs in a modern environment

‘Robert Kuok, A Memoir’, gives a rare high-level insight into the past and future of Asian business development

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Robert Robert Kuok with Deng Xiaoping and his daughter Ms Deng Rong in Beijing on 15 September 1990. Photo: Goh Eck Kheng

As a descendant of 19th century Chinese railroad builders in Canada, I understand Robert Kuok’s respect for the long-suffering men and women who migrated to far away lands where they were outsiders and blazed a path for future generations and helped build entire economies.

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His book, “Robert Kuok, A Memoir” is an absorbing journey, whether you recognise his assertions.

As one of the world’s richest men Kuok’s revelations and relationships provide a high level insight into the past and future of Asian business development.

It is rare for a Chinese tycoon to give extensive interviews or pen a memoir. Most purposely maintain a low profile, perhaps too low of a profile in Hong Kong for people who control so much of the city’s economic life.

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Kuok’s memoir shows how Asia’s elites have been shaped by their cultural devotion to China and colonialism.

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