Lee Khoon Choy records his impressions and observations in these memoirs of an ambassador.

This work, written by an ex-Ambassador to Japan, is a first-hand account and observation of the various aspects of Japanese society - political, historical, social and economic. It introduces themes such as Japanese religions and the political system, as well as describing and explaining many of the country's rich traditions. The author's personal experiences of Japan are interspersed with historical tales and factual details, providing an insight into Japanese behaviour, thinking and way of life. This book should be useful to those who wish to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the...

Since the fall of President Suharto in May 1998, Indonesia, the third largest country in Asia, has been facing a political, economic and social crisis. Racial and religious clashes, culminating in riots, burning and chaos, have become a daily event throughout the country. There are signs that this multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-cultural country may disintegrate just as Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union.

There are two major reasons why Indonesia is facing the crisis. First, Suharto failed to keep the balance of power between the armed forces and Islam, just as Sukarno had failed in...

Amongst the Chinese exists great cultural variety and diversity. The Cantonese care more for profit than face and are good businessmen, whereas Fujian R?n are frank, blunt and outspoken but daring and generous. Beijing R?n are more aristocratic and well-mannered, having stayed in a city ruled by emperors of different dynasties. Shanghai R?n are more enterprising, adventurous and materialistic but less aristocratic, having been at the center of pre-war gangsterism. Hainan R?n are straightforward, blunt and stubborn. Hunan R?n are more warlike and have produced more marshals and generals than...

Amongst the Chinese exists great cultural variety and diversity. The Cantonese care more for profit than face and are good businessmen, whereas Fujian R?n are frank, blunt and outspoken but daring and generous. Beijing R?n are more aristocratic and well-mannered, having stayed in a city ruled by emperors of different dynasties. Shanghai R?n are more enterprising, adventurous and materialistic but less aristocratic, having been at the center of pre-war gangsterism. Hainan R?n are straightforward, blunt and stubborn. Hunan R?n are more warlike and have produced more marshals and generals than...

Describes the multi-ethnic descendants of Chinese immigrants. This title focuses on the impact of intermarriage between Chinese immigrants and the natives, that is, the intermingling of blood and the offsprings from such unions - the influence they wielded on the society and environment they chose to live in.