Prof Koh a 'masterful' negotiator young diplomats can learn from: Tharman
The book Tommy Koh: Serving Singapore and the World, was launched on the eve of Prof Koh's 80th birthday on Nov 11, 2017. Photo: Jason Quah/TODAY
SINGAPORE — Professor Tommy Koh's persistence in standing by Singapore's interests as a small country and his ability to find common ground in the face of difficult negotiations are traits the Republic's young diplomats can learn from, Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam said on Saturday (Nov 11) at the launch of a new book honouring the veteran diplomat's achievements.
Lauding Prof Koh for advancing the role of the Republic "as an honest and influential broker within the international community", Mr Tharman attributed the diplomat's success to a distinctive mix of qualities that included his humility, ability to master complex facts, and "disarming way of winning people over".
"You can never win everyone over in international affairs. But Tommy has had a way of earning trust, and been a leader among the generations of Singapore diplomats who have earned us trust. And for a small country, trust wins us valuable space," Mr Tharman added.
"This blend of abilities in Tommy is what every young officer in diplomacy and indeed all of us learn something from."
The book Tommy Koh: Serving Singapore and the World, was launched on the eve of Prof Koh's 80th birthday. It comprises essays from 45 experts examining his contributions in diplomacy and international relations, arts and heritage, progressive society, and international law.
In his long diplomatic career, Prof Koh had served as Singapore's ambassador to the United States and the United Nations. In the early 1980s, he chaired the United Nations Law of the Sea conference, which led to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
While primarily known for his work in diplomacy and international law, Prof Koh is also a staunch champion of the arts. He chaired the Republic's first National Arts Council and played a key role in the building of the Esplanade.
As a public intellectual, he is noted for his contributions to civic society and for speaking out in support of the disabled, senior workers, and other disadvantaged groups.
Active even in his old age, Prof Koh currently serves as Ambassador-at-Large for Singapore and special adviser at the Institute of Policy Studies. He also serves as the rector of the National University of Singapore's Tembusu College and chairman of the governing board of the Centre for International Law, among others.
Mr Tharman and other guests at the book launch paid tribute to Prof Koh's varied contributions to Singapore over the decades.
"He has stayed the humanitarian, the advocate for a fair and inclusive society, and person who gives respect to everyone he meets no matter how humble their standing... Tommy is the sentinel for a humane and compassionate society... (He) knows that the work is never over," said Mr Tharman.
When approached, however, Prof Koh declined to speak to reporters. "I am at a loss for words," he would only say.
Education Minister (Higher Education and Skills) Ong Ye Kung, former Aljunied Member of Parliament Wan Hussin Zoohri, Ambassador-at-Large and National Arts Council chair Professor Chan Heng Chee, and law professors Koh Kheng-Lian and Robert Beckman were among the guests who attended the launch of the book on Saturday.
