A multimedia book titled “The Lion’s Roar,” an authorized biography of the late former Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore, the late S. Rajaratnam, has been published yesterday. Sinnathamby Rajaratnam (born 25 February 1915 in Jaffna, Sri Lanka–died 22 February 2006 in Singapore) was a prominent figure in Singapore’s history. Known widely as S. Rajaratnam, he started his career as a journalist before co-founding the People’s Action Party (PAP).
He served as the first Foreign Affairs Minister after Singapore’s independence, was a Member of Parliament for Kampong Glam, and held the roles of Minister for Labour and Culture. Rajaratnam became Singapore’s second Deputy Prime Minister in 1980, a position he held until 1985, after which he continued to serve as a senior minister. As one of Singapore’s pioneering leaders, Rajaratnam played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s development.
Authored by Irene Ng, this is the second volume in the series. The first volume, titled “The Singapore Lion,” explores Rajaratnam’s early struggles with his fundamental beliefs. It details his political awakening as a law student at King’s College in London starting in 1935, his brief engagement with Marxist theory, and his discovery of his talent as a writer. Additionally, it narrates his romantic relationship with a Hungarian woman, Piroska Feher, and how the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939 transformed his life completely.
“The Singapore Lion” concluded with the 1963 merger, hinting at the challenges ahead. This second volume, “The Lion’s Roar,” spans from Singapore’s merger with Malaya to form Malaysia in 1963, up until Rajaratnam’s death in 2006. It follows Raja’s campaign for a “Malaysian Malaysia” during the merger years and its unfortunate conclusion. The book then details his journey to ensure Singapore’s survival as an independent nation and to establish a national ideology during a period of great turmoil. It also exposes the errors made due to inexperience, miscalculations, and sheer desperation, as well as the efforts to overcome the dramatic setbacks that threatened his vision.
The book “The Lion’s Roar” leverages advanced artificial intelligence technology, providing an interactive experience for readers. This innovative feature allows readers to engage directly with the content, ask questions, and receive instant responses, making the reading experience more dynamic and immersive. By integrating AI, the book offers a unique way to explore Rajaratnam’s life and legacy, enabling a deeper understanding and connection with the historical narrative.
At the book launch, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong noted that the late Rajaratnam’s teachings had been a source of guidance for him. He emphasized that the most fitting tribute to Rajaratnam would be to work towards building a united society.
“The Lion’s Roar” stands as a groundbreaking tribute to S. Rajaratnam, enriched by cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology that enhances the reading experience for all age groups. This interactive feature not only makes the book accessible and engaging but also ensures that readers of diverse backgrounds can connect deeply with Rajaratnam’s remarkable legacy. By integrating advanced technology, the book invites everyone to explore the profound impact of Rajaratnam’s contributions and gain a comprehensive understanding of his pivotal role in Singapore’s history.
Source: Mediacorp Seithi, BiblioAsia
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