Non-fiction & Biography

Vetern English writer Raymond Flower's annual sabbatical at the Bayview Beach Resort in Penang resulted in a working arrangement with Winston Lim, who was a Public Relations executive at the hotel. While assisting Raymond with "computer-related stuff", Winston discovers a latent talent for spinning a story.

Ostensibly a biography of his mentor, Car, Castello & Quill is also the tale of how a new writer experiences the events that form the idyllic setting of Raymond's personal history. The action switches from England to Egypt to Italy, but always returns to the idyllic tropical resort.

CLOSE WATCH documents Singapore's efforts in countering the threat of terrorism since the country was stunned by the arrests of several Jemaah Islamiyah members here following the 11 September 2001 attacks on the United States.
This book details what goes on behind the scenes as the authorities endeavour to keep the country safe from terrorist attacks. The whole-of-government approach to the threat is augmented by contributions from a cross-section of society, from the private sector to religious organisations and members of the public. Together, their collective vigilance is a testimony to the whole-of-nation effort in keeping our home safe.

AUTHOR
Ben Nadarajan has been a journalist with The Straits Times for 10 years and has won several in-house and international awards for his work. He likes writing about crime, security and legal issues, although he has dabbled in science, environmental and foreign affairs stories as well. He grew up wanting to write fiction, but ended up writing non-fiction instead.

Dr Charles Paglar (1894-1954) is a well-known and well-loved doctor and community leader of his time, but there are few official references on his personal life. This is a story that should have been told long ago, and Dr Paglar's son Eric tried to write it.
Gleaned from oral history interviews - particularly those of his son Eric Paglar - and historical documents, this book tells the story of a colourful Eurasian doctor who administered to the poor of all races, often without expecting a fee or appreciation in return. It is the true story of a life that was not without controversy, but which made Dr Paglar a folk hero in his own right.

His role to forge a Singapore Muslim identity has helped the community to thrive in a multi-religious, modern and cosmopolitan Singapore. — Tariq Ramadan, Professor of Contemporary Islamic, Studies, Oxford University, UK. Mufti Syed Isa has played a very significant role in providing, leadership and inspiration in enhancing the bond of relationship, among the many faith communities for the greater good of Singapore, and beyond. — Retired Revd Dr John Chew, Bishop of Singapore. Syed Isa Semait worked as a typist, welder, bookseller and marriage registrar before being appointed Mufti of Singapore in 1972 at the age of 33. He soon found his decisions aimed at improving the religious life of Singapore’s Muslim community challenged by many. Some called him a government lackey. But backed by his peers and older religious leaders, he persevered and gradually won the hearts and minds of many Muslim Singaporeans round to what he was convinced was the best way for them to organise their religious affairs in the midst of rapid development. Keeping the Faith tells the story of Syed Isa, the Mufti of Singapore for almost40 years, and how with his guidance, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis, or Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura) oversaw improvements to the collection and administration of zakat or tithes, the fixing of Islamic calendar dates, the administration of wakaf or endowments, and the revamping of religious education to keep up with changing times. By the time he stepped down from the post of Mufti at the end of 2010, Syed Isa had helped see to a more confident and progressive Muslim community that was no less religious but more conscious of the role it could play in a cosmopolitan, multi-religious Singapore. As an active member of the Inter-Religious Organisation, Syed Isa also led the way in fostering friendships with leaders of the various faiths in Singapore.
Keeping the Faith shows how Syed Isa applied his knowledge and convictions to help shape what he believed would lead to the best outcomes for his community.