Search results for ""Editions Didier Millet""

Hong-Kong-based multi-billionaire Lui Che-woo started his first enterprise in difficult circumstances at the age of 13. Now, after more than 70 years in business, he has achieved great success in numerous industries. He is founder and chairman of multinational conglomerate K. Wah Group, with operations in Hong Kong, Mainland China, the United States and elsewhere. In recent times he has become well-known for leading Galaxy Entertainment Group to become one of the three large gaming operators in Macau. In tandem with his success in business, Lui is a distinguished philanthropist. Throughout his life and career, Lui has faced many challenges and experienced numerous ups and downs. What makes drives Lui? What makes his business empire successful and outstanding? In this book he shares his wisdom, unveils the secrets of his triumphs and pathways to happiness, and inspires readers to change their thinking and improve their lives.

Read more less

In Red Weather tells the story of Dan Cameron, an ex-CIA agent and one of the last living insiders who witnessed the events that culminated in the alleged communist coup in Indonesia in 1965. The coup was the pecursor to the brutal transition that ended the advance of communisim in Southeast Asia and allowed the establishment of Suharto's New Order Government. Cameron landed as an idealistic but naive young spy in Surabaya in 1960. His greatest success was Operation Habrink in which, through hard work, persistence and sheer good luck, he was able to secure the top-secret opearting manuals for the Soviet Union's most advanced weaponry. These included the new deadly surface-to-air missiles that shot down Gary Powers and were decimating the B-52 flying fortresses during their first bombing raids in Vietnam. The story is full of original anecdotes, intrigue and, finally, betrayal. Written as a soulful and sensitive memoir, the book also reflects on the successes and errors of this crirical period in history.

Read more less

The role of the private sector in driving sustainable development is indisputable. Indeed, the impact and influence of the business world is far-reaching, and it is the private sector that stands to lose if it fails to respond to the sustainability challenges facing them and the world at large. Thailand's Sustainable Business Guide looks critically at how Thai businesses of all sizes are taking action: by innovating solutions to complex challenges, by being role models for transformative change, by learning from their experiences, and by assuming a more holistic view of long-term growth. The book offers insights from leading Thai business leaders, as well as Thai and international sustainability professionals, to understand how the sustainability movement is transforming the very nature of doing business in the country. At the same time, it offers valuable guidance to companies that are starting on this sustainability transition, because ultimately long-lasting impact must be achieved through the combined efforts of all.

Read more less

This is a fascinating look at the origins of the iconic cheongsam dress, and its social and cultural importance in Singapore. Spanning almost a century, this book examines the origins and development of the cheongsam in the social context of Singapore since its introduction from Shanghai, China, in the 1920s to the present day. The cheongsam, a one-piece Chinese ladies' dress that was the epitome of Chinese identity and feminine beauty during the middle decades of the 20th century. Initially seen as a symbol of a trendy, new, Republican China, shorn of the shackles of the imperial system, the cheongsam soon adopted intellectual overtones, and was favoured by the sophisticated and society's elite at elaborate social functions. When it was abandoned following the success of the Communist Party in China, the cheongsam survived in Singapore as the garment of choice for independent, educated women.

Read more less

This title presents a superbly illustrated, comprehensive, and thoroughly entertaining history of modern Singapore's first fifty years. This lavishly illustrated volume captures the entire dramatic sweep of Singapore's modern history - from its declaration of independence in 1959 to today. Organised in chronological order, with each year's coverage starting with a succinct summary of its key events, "Chronicle of Singapore" covers not only the nation's defining political and economic events, but also the more human side of Singapore - sports, fashion, music, the arts, architecture, and culture - giving readers the broadest possible coverage. Anyone who has visited or lived in this most unique of modern city nations will be enthralled by this pictorial and narrative history.

Read more less

In the autumn of 1910, the celebrated Russian writer Leo Tolstoy secretly left his estate in Yasnaya Polyana in the dark hours of the night. A few days later, he died in a train station, at the age of 82. Why did he leave his family, and where was he headed? Through a detailed study of the diaries and letters written by the people close to the events, Fumiko Davis investigates the unusual circumstances leading to Tolstoy’s disappearance, and unveils a touching story about the private life of a man regarded as one of the greatest writers of all time.

Read more less

This is a lavishly illustrated virtual tour of Singapore between the 1840s and the early 1900s - a bustling metropolis that has now changed beyond recognition. Featuring more than 120 rare photographs from leading institutions and private collections, this superbly illustrated volume takes readers on evocative virtual tour of Singapore, from the early 1840s to the 1900s. Emphasising the topographical and architectural landscape of the city and its surroundings, "Singapore Through 19th-Century Photographs" paints an intimate portrait of a vibrant metropolis that has now changed beyond recognition. This volume also presents a fascinating exploration of this defining period in the history of commercial photography - when many Western studio photographers began to seek their fortunes in the Orient, leading to an unprecedented level of rapid development.

Read more less

Magic, depravity, spiritual ambition, sensuality, and love - It binds mythic and modern time together in a rich, slyly suggestive novel based on an old Balinese poem. In a fresh and startling picture of Bali - where witches coexist with tourists and talking animals - the novel explores a kaleidoscope of vanity, desire, and the longing for goodness.

Read more less

Marina Mahathir continues to make her mark as a community leader, writer and outspoken commentator on social and political affairs. She is also the eldest child of Malaysia's longest-serving prime minister. Marina has for more than 20 years written an insightful and provocative column which is published fortnightly in The Star newspaper. Dancing On Thin Ice is the third compilation of these columns to be be published by EDM, and features her most recent work from 2012 onwards as well as several of her best articles from earlier years. In Dancing On Thin Ice, Marina draws attention to the many dangers faced by Malaysia and raises and addresses issues that concern her and her fellow citizens. Along the way she recalls conversations with Nelson Mandela, proposes that Kuala Lumpur's National Mosque twin with St John s Cathedral, applauds the Malaysians who aid orphans of other faiths and admits to feeling like Alice in Wonderland. The book showcases Marina s perceptiveness and wit and her willingness to speak up for the vulnerable and defenceless. It also demonstrates her common-sense approach to tackling the challenges that beset right-thinking Malaysians, making the book essential reading for everyone interested in Malaysia and in making it a better place."

Read more less

Few people have watched the development of today's Singapore as closely as President S.R. Nathan, who celebrated his 90th birthday on 3 July 2014. In this engaging book, based on a series of informal interviews, Mr Nathan reflects on a wide range of historical and contemporary issues. The conversations range over topics as diverse as: Singapore's place in the world the future of China and India the importance of conciliation complacency the importance of total defence religion, tolerance and harmony the value of education the role of language productive retirement the lessons of history impressions of pioneers"

Read more less

This is a highly readable and generously illustrated history of piracy and privateering in the Indian Ocean. At the beginning of the 17th century, pirates infested the Caribbean waters, harassing the major European powers, but they were eventually driven from the region. Some pirates took refuge in Madagascar, where they attempted to capture the lucrative cargo carried by vessels on the shipping route of the European East India Companies. At the end of the 18th century, in order to weaken British influence in the Indian Ocean, France hired privateers to attack commercial ships of the British East India Company. This was an alternative to open warfare, and heralded the privateers' era. Author Denis Piat recounts the history of the pirates and privateers in the Indian Ocean, especially in Mauritius, from the pirates' arrival in the region to the wrecked ships still to be found today in deep water, and provides portraits of the most famous privateers among them.

Read more less

This title presents a superbly illustrated look at the architecture and interior design that gives Java its own unique style. "Java Style" is a photographic celebration of the architecture, interior design, furniture and lifestyles that make up Java's unique visual culture, and of the creative possibilities afforded by Java's rich stock of antiques and art objects. A five hundred-year-old mosque's pavilions, the linked colonnades of the palaces of Java's sultans, neo-classically styled verandas of a colonial administrator's villa, the cloistered courtyard of an 18th-century Chinese mansion, public buildings that form part of the greatest flowering of art deco outside Europe - these are these are just some of the stunning sights that have given Java such a unique and eclectic style.

Read more less

This is a fascinating and insightful biography of one of the world's longest reigning and most revered monarchs. King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand is the world's longest reigning living monarch - an achievement few would have predicted when the Thai king acceded the throne after the mysterious death of his brother in 1946. How did King Bhumibol revive the sinking fortunes of the Thai monarchy? Why has he become arguably the most revered king in Thai history? This illustrated biography tells that remarkable story. Beginning with an introduction explaining the unique history and traditions of the Thai monarchy, King Bhumibol Adulyadej offers a fresh and insightful account of his life, from his birth in America and education in Europe to his unexpected accession to the throne. Following him through the Cold War and Indochina War periods, the book shows how the king has used his position to help develop the country and its people while at the same time securing the status of the monarchy itself.

Read more less

Filled with glorious full-color paintings and prints, this is a visually stunning exploration of life during Singapore's first century. Featuring an unmatched collection of topographic prints and glorious full-color paintings, this delightful volume takes readers on an intimate and revealing tour of Singapore through its first century of being. Often published diversely in Europe and America in the accounts of scientific voyages, travel books, and in bound folios, these works portray the experiences of 19th century travellers, reflecting their impressions, prejudices, and insights of life in the new colony. Distinguished by exceptional detail, "Singapore Through 19th Century Prints & Paintings" is an intriguing and insightful visual record of Singapore's past.

Read more less

This is a lavishly illustrated collection of more than 80 recipes from the world famous Jim Thompson restaurants in Bangkok. "At the Table of Jim Thompson" is a unique introduction to the house of Jim Thompson and the cuisine served at the world-famous Jim Thompson restaurants in Bangkok. The recipes are prefaced with an introduction filled with reminiscences of the times spent and the illustrious guests who sat at Jim Thompson's table. Over 80 recipes are featured, divided into nine sections for easy reference. Traditional Thai recipes for curries and rice dishes are given a prominent place, while space is also made for novel fusion dishes with a unique Western twist. Readers can either use individual recipes to create light meals and snacks, or pick and choose across sections to create a full-course meal complete with starter and dessert. A glossary provides readers with quick, easy access to Thai terms and culinary references.

Read more less

Campfire conversations with Alfred Russel Wallace on people and nature based on his travel in the Malay archipelago: the land of the orang-utan and the bird of paradise. Part travelogue, part biography, this book charts the discoveries of the famous naturalist/explorer Alfred Russel Wallace (1823-1913). Born in 1823, Wallace devoted much of his time to fieldwork, first in the Amazon and then in Asia. During his travels he identified what is now known as the Wallace Line, which divides the flora and fauna of Asia from that which was hitherto a combination of both Australian and Asian origin. He is, of course, notable for independently developing the theory of evolution due to natural selection (but was perhaps deliberately sidelined by Darwin). He was a voracious collector - he trapped, skinned, and pickled 125,660 specimens, including 212 new species of birds and 900 new species of beetles during his long and productive life.

Read more less

Brimming with verve and dramatic incident, Singapore: A Biography offers fresh insights into the life story of this island city-state through the personal experiences of the workers, adventurers, rulers and revolutionaries who have shaped its history over the last seven centuries. The authors, drawing on research undertaken in collaboration with the National Museum of Singapore, have woven together ancient chronicles, eyewitness accounts, oral histories and even modern radio and television broadcasts to create a vivid and compelling narrative that brings the past back to life. Grounded in scholarship yet fired by the imagination, this book reveals the Singapore story to have been as rich, diverse and multilayered as the city-state is prosperous, ordered and successful today.

Read more less

This is a volume on the art and architecture of the temple complexes of Angkor. Tracing the history of Angkor Wat from its beginnings in legend to its early incarnation as a centre of Hindu worship, before its transition in the 14th century to a major landmark of Buddhist architecture, author Thierry Zephir uncovers the layers of history buried beneath the ruins of Angkor, first guiding readers through Angkor Wat before bringing them to Angkor Thom, as well as the areas surrounding Angkor where lesser-known but equally intriguing structures still stand. The book consists of a rich visual array of photographs which illustrate both the vastness of the ancient complex as well as the intricacies of the stonework within. Picture spreads are testament to the extensive nature of Angkor s temples, while close-ups reveal the infinite detail that is inherent throughout. Individual chapters are devoted to Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, while two further chapters, Around Angkor Thom and Away from Angkor, focus on the ruins in the landscape around the region. Pictures in each section are prefaced by well-researched texts which furnish the reader with historical information, placing the buildings against a backdrop of larger developments and trends in ancient Cambodian history and culture. The author illuminates each photograph in unstinting detail, bringing acclaimed photographer Luca Invernizzi Tettoni s pictures to life with expert knowledge. Angkor: A Tour of the Monuments proves to be an invaluable reference source for serious readers of the subject as well as for those wishing to acquaint themselves for the first time with one of Cambodia s most important monuments."

Read more less

London is the royal capital of the world. Nowhere else is steeped in such regal riches. Royalty can be read about in history books, watched in colourful ceremonies and wondered at in lively gossip columns. But most of all, the royal city can be seen and understood in its wonderful, diverse architecture. Using his own unique method of turning photographs into works of art, the highly creative architectural photographer John Cleave continues Editions Didier Millet’s innovative Sketchbook series by focusing on the city’s royal buildings. Here, dating back many centuries, are the glorious palaces of kings and queens, their places of worship and repose, the parks they laid out and the institutions they patronised. Whether in public spaces or in private corners, royalty has stamped its mark right across the city. This isn’t just the London of tourists. It is the place Londoners know and love, too, and John Cleave’s beautiful pictures evoke Royal London’s finest details, its quiet confidence and its enduring majesty.

Read more less

In 2009, the family of the late Lee Kip Lin donated to the National Library Board, Singapore over 14,500 slides and negatives of modern Singapore that he had taken, among other items of historical merit such as maps, rare photographs and prints, and books. Over three decades from 1965 to 1995, Lee captured the many landscapes and buildings that would eventually disappear from the island and its shores. Close to 500 photographs have been reproduced in this book to showcase the exuberance and eloquence of the different built forms - in an era when time and space in Singapore was more accommodating.

Read more less

When Thailand's Sustainable Development Sourcbook was released, it quickly became a bestseller in Thailand's bookstores, and gained international recognition for honestly showcasing one country's involvement in what many believe is the most important movement of recent times: The quest for sustainable development. Covering key challenges, ongoing efforts and potential solutions, Thailand's Sustainable Development Sourcebook offers an incredible array of information, ideas and inspiration through more than 60 articles on the subject, written by experts in the field. This updated version contains numerous new articles and photographs, updated statistics and graphics, newly released findings on climate change, and also examines Thailand's efforts to address the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. New profiles of pioneers are included and all information is updated. As the quest for sustainable development is ongoing, this illustrated and highly readable book remains a wonderful place to start in order to understand the key concepts of sustainable development. It uniquely defines the issues at stake by profiling the key environmental, economic, social and cultural challenges faced by Thailand. In the final and largest section of the book, there is a showcase of the ideas, individual pioneers, grassroots and community programs, international partnerships and private sector initiatives that are paving the way for sustainable development.

Read more less

The story of the Singapore River, the other rivers flowing into the Kallang Basin, and Marina Bay. It covers their commercial role over the centuries; victory over pollution, including mass dispersal of people and businesses clustered around the waterways into new towns around the island; the role of planners and the planning system in reclamation, and the creation of Marina Bay and the New Downtown; the role of Marina Bay as a water reservoir and the that of the rivers in Singapore's water supply; the transformation of the rivers and Marina Bay into a lifestyle setting, Singapore's "new Padang".

Read more less

This is a superbly illustrated exploration of the unique architecture of the South Pacific. The South Pacific is more than just white beaches and warm oceans - it is also home to some of the world's most striking architecture. Expressing a harmonious blend of vernacular and imported design influences, architecture is at the very heart of the emergence of a contemporary South Pacific identity that interweaves the legacies of contrasting worlds. Be enthralled by dozens of colour photographs, most of which have never before appeared in print, and informed by the eloquent essays that offer a new and unique look at the history and culture of the Pacific Islands. Architecture in the South Pacific is not to be missed by those who are new to this secluded and often isolated region, and to those who wish to discover it afresh through the perspective of its exceptional architecture.

Read more less

"Twilight in Djakarta" is a vivid tale that delves into the social and political life of Jakarta at the beginning of the 1960s, revealing the dark underbelly of poverty, corruption and vice that lay just below the city's glittering surface. Through the eyes of the central character Suryono, a young, Western-educated government official, we discover the complex events and relationships that draw people from all walks of life together during a period of immense upheaval. First published in 1963, "Twilight in Djakarta" was the first Indonesian novel to be translated into English.

Read more less

This unique volume offers readers a rare glimpse into the changing landscapes, townscapes, and lifestyles of Malay, from the 19th century right up to 1963 when it formally became known as Malaysia.Divided into sections according to the region they represent - the Federated Malay States of Pahang, Perak, Selangor and Negri Sembilan; the Unfederated Malay States, Johore, Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah, and Perlis; and the Straits Settlements, Penang and Malacca - these stunning reproductions offer a vivid pictorial history of Malaya.Also included in this volume is a detailed map of 19th century Malaya, a catalogue section with detailed postcard information, and a number of reproductions of extremely rare and collectible postcards.

Read more less

Dr Goh Keng Swee’s public career spanned two eventful decades. He was a founding member of Singapore’s ruling political party, and played a significant role in creating and shaping the destiny of Singapore today. His areas of responsibility were wide-ranging, including finance, defence, and education. Based on extensive research, including interviews with family members, friends and colleagues, this is an anecdotal account of Dr Goh’s life-story told by the author, his daughter-in-law. Tan Siok Sun traces Dr Goh’s footsteps from his humble beginnings in Melaka, to his days at Raffles College and the London School of Economics, to his service in the Singapore Government, and to his retirement. Above all, his achievements in helping to create the modern landscape of values, institutions and environments that constitute Singapore today represent a vital legacy for the nation's present and future generations.

Read more less

Presenting for the first time through the illustrations of 500 postcards from the author's private collection, this book offers a rare and comprehensive glimpse into the changing landscapes and lifestyles of Singapore's past, right up to the Second World

Read more less

This book is a vivid first-hand account of the career of one of the 20th century’s great guerrilla commanders, Samdech Heng Samrin, who after his years as a soldier played an important role in the political and economic rebirth of Cambodia. Born into a rural village community, and working as a farmer, Heng Samrin campaigned and then fought for the Khmer People’s Revolutionary Party. He led a double life – both as a member of the government militia and working for the party. In due course he went fully underground. He describes in detail the experience of coming under attack by US and South Vietnamese aircraft. There followed the guerrilla conflict against military leader Lon Nol, who after a coup declared a republic and allied the country with the US at war with Vietnam. The author was appointed company commander in the People’s Revolutionary Army of Kampuchea, and rose to be a regimental and then divisional commander. Heng Samrin describes the schisms that arose within the revolutionary movement, and how he, his Cambodian comrades and his Vietnamese allies ended up fighting, and defeating, the forces of Pol Pot and what had become a viciously cruel Khmer Rouge régime. Thereafter, Heng Samrin played an important part in laying the foundations for the new Kingdom of Cambodia. He served as both Head of State and as secretary-general of the ruling Khmer People’s Revolutionary Party, since renamed as the Cambodian People’s Party, of which he still serves as honorary chairman. In 2006 he became president of the National Assembly. Few books capture as powerfully the experience of guerrilla war as seen by its participants. What drove Heng Samrin to persist in fighting for the freedom of Cambodians in the face of extreme danger? How did he outwit the Khmer Rouge and their traps? In this book, he shares his insights, and describes his efforts to help rebuild his country after decades of war.

Read more less

This is an engaging and vivid account of S.R. Nathan's rise from humble origins to become Singapore's longest serving President. This engrossing and engaging book tells the story of Singapore's President S.R. Nathan in his own words. It takes readers on a journey from Nathan's modest beginnings and his life as a runaway in Singapore and Malaya, through his experiences of the Japanese occupation, the birth of Singapore's modern trade union movement, and his time as Permanent Secretary, Executive Chairman of the "Straits Times" newspaper for a number of years, Singapore's High Commissioner in Malaysia, and as Ambassador to the United States, to the Presidential elections in 1999 and his tenure as Singapore's longest-serving President.

Read more less

Lee Kuan Yew once described the opportunity to remake Singapore as 'a chance of a lifetime'. This book explores Lee's pivotal role in Singapore's urban development during his years as prime minister from 1959 to 1990. A Chance of a Lifetime recognizes Lee's achievements from the standpoint of Singapore's 50th anniversary of independence and looks forward to challenges that the city-state might encounter over the next 50 years. The book is broken up into the four main components of Singapore's urban development: planning, housing, greening and water management. Each of these factors has been key in helping create modern Singapore. There is also a chapter that discusses the transformational challenges for Singapore, and the world, over the next 50 years. Singapore's small land size and lack of hinterland meant that it had to strategize to solve issues that other countries are only starting to face now, making Singapore a leader in areas such as vertical greenery and water reclamation. Featuring the Centre for Liveable Cities 2012 interview with Lee and rarely seen archival images of Singapore's transformation from mudflat to metropolis, A Chance of a Lifetime opens with an introduction by former president S R Nathan and closes with an epilogue by Ambassador Tommy Koh.

Read more less

Singapore: small tropical island and dynamic city, where some of Asia's Tallest buildings tower over modest quayside shophouses. Few landscapes, coastlines have been transformed as rapidly as those of Singapore. Seen from the air, the island revealed as a spectacular landscape of intricate patterns, rich textures and diverse colors. Stunning images show the true and unexpected variety of this city-state, providing a fresh perspective from which to view its landmarks and to explore the less-well-known sights of its industry, agriculture and outlying islands. In Over Singapore, award-winning Singaporean photographer Richard W. J. Koh showcases the dynamism of this ever-changing nation. His photographs are complemented by the insightful fext and captions of diplomat and international lawyer Professor Tommy Koh who prvides reavealing historical introduction to the book and an insider's guide to the north, south, east and west of the country.

Read more less

This title offers a wonderful collection of fascinating facts, amazing anecdotes, and incredible stories celebrating the unique nature and diversity that is Thailand. Who invented the dish Phad Thai and why? What are the seven characteristics that allow an elephant to be deemed a "white elephant"? What rights and privileges are prisoners accorded in jail? How much green space is there in Bangkok? What are the top-ten highest grossing Thai films of all-time? "Thailand at Random" provides answers to these and many other fun and fascinating questions about the country. Complete with illustrations and graphics, this book explores the quirky and mysterious, busts myths, and offers surprising new information about everything Thai, including geography and infrastructure, customs and superstitions, and people and culture. Easy to read, pick up "Thailand at Random" and gain quick insights into a wonderfully interesting country.

Read more less