Advertisement

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

Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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

Advertisement