Economics Books

This book, by a distinguished Japanese economist now resident in the West, offers a new interpretation of the current success of the Japanese economy. By placing the rise of Japan in the context of its historical development, Michio Morishima shows how a strongly-held national ethos has interacted with religious, social and technological ideas imported from elsewhere to produce highly distinctive cultural traits. While Professor Morishima traces the roots of modern Japan back as far as the introduction of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism from China in the sixth century, he concentrates his observations on the last 120 years during which Japan has had extensive contacts with the West. He describes the swift rise of Japan to the status of a first-rate power following the Meiji Revolution after 1867, in which Japan broke with a long history of isolationism, and which paved the way for the adoption of Western technology and the creation of a modern Western-style nation state; and a similarly meteoric rise from the devastation of the Second World War to Japan's present position. A range of factors in Japan's economic success are analysed: her characteristic dualistic social structure - corresponding to the divide between large and medium/small enterprises - the relations of government and big business, the poor reception of liberalism and individualism, and the strength of the Japanese nationalism. Throughout, Professor Morishima emphasises the importance of the role played in the creation of Japanese capitalism by ethical doctrines as transformed under Japanese conditions, especially the Japanese Confucian tradition of complete loyalty to the firm and to the state. This account, which makes clear the extent to which the economic rise of Japan is due to factors unique to its historical traditions, will be of interest to a wide general readership as well as to students of Japan and its history.

Singapore: The Encyclopedia contains over 2,500 alphabetically arranged entries on a vast range of topics – practically everything the general reader might want to know about Singapore, four decades after the achievement of full independence. Readers will discover a depth and diversity that may surprise many who thought they know Singapore well, as well as a rich history that goes back many centuries.Here is a vast array of information on the Singapore’s history, geography, economy, law, politics, arts, culture, entertainment, architecture, food and natural history. Singapore’s political system is described, as well as its legal, educational and healthcare systems. Companies, clubs and associations, housing estates, festivals and customs – they all have a place in the book.The encyclopedia captures the shared memories and shared stories that have shaped the national identity. They include political events such as such as Separation and Confrontation, as well as emotionally charged disasters such as the Bukit Ho Swee Fire and the Nicoll Highway collapse.Individuals profiled include artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, members of the armed forces, priests, pastors, ulema, civil servants, entertainers, ambassadors, judges, sportsmen, and even murders.Overseen by a distinguished editorial advisory board under the Chairmanship of Professor Tommy Koh, this encyclopedia is the most wide-ranging and informative general reference book ever published.

This book describes the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce's changing relationship with the state and with businesses in the region.Some of the wealthiest and most influential businessmen in Singapore and Malaysia have served as leaders of the Chamber. Drawing on archival materials and extensive interviews, Visscher provides lively biographical sketches that highlight the circumstances and personal values that propelled these and other leading Chinese businessmen to success and to prominence.He also examines Chinese business practices, considering cultural elements as well as state and market forces, and highlights unique features of the Chinese experience in Singapore. By viewing Singapore from the perspective of a well established non-governmental organisation as it struggled, negotiated and cooperated with the state, this book offers an alternative to conventional political histories.

This informative but concise history of China and Southeast Asia is perfect for travelers, students, teachers, and businesspeople. Portable and attractively designed, it includes color illustrations, maps, and a brief history of the region. Explored are relations between China and Southeast Asia across two millennia; patterns of diplomacy, commercial networks, and migration; and how these have varied over time. With a focus on modern history, this is a fascinating account of imperial ambition, internal collapse and revival, cultural and commercial endeavors, and war and revolution. Important insight into the complicated history of the fastest-growing region in the world is offered.