Uncovering the contributions of Albert Winsemius

Singapore owes much of her success to an economic advisor, Dr Albert Winsemius. A Dutch policymaker, businessman and economic adviser, Dr Winsemius is a relatively unfamiliar name to the broader public. Not many know that he was instrumental in Singapore’s economic development.

Written by a team of NTU economists—led by NTU Albert Winsemius Chair Professor and director of the Economic Growth Centre Professor Euston Quah—his story is told in Albert Winsemius and Singapore: Here It is Going to Happen. For the first time in one expansive volume, the book examines Dr Winsemius’ affinity with Singapore and his contributions and his impact on Singapore’s early economic development to date. It also looks at his legacy and influence on past, current, and future economic planners, and the essential lessons that still hold true for Singapore today.

“Reviewing and expanding on various literary sources with contributions from the Netherlands and Singapore’s experts, this book aims to be a comprehensive and definitive work on Albert Winsemius, Singapore’s former Chief External Economic Advisor,” said Professor Quah.  

Albert Winsemius and Singapore: Here It is Going to Happen was launched on 23 May 2022 with Guest-of-Honour, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Mr Heng Swee Keat. The book launch was held at the Gallery Theatre at the National Museum of Singapore. Distinguished guests who attended the event included the Dutch Ambassador to Singapore, Her Excellency Margriet Vonno, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, and Dr Pieter Winsemius and the Winsemius Family.  

Read or watch the news coverage about the book launch here:

• Albert Winsemius and Singapore
• DPM Heng Swee Keat launches new book on Albert Winsemius: “Key to country’s success”
• New book outlines Dutch economist Albert Winsemius’ contributions to Singapore
• New book about Dutch economist Winsemius’ contribution to Singapore
• Conviction and openness key to Singapore’s success: DPM Heng
• Book on Albert Winsemius reveals the man behind Singapore’s economic magic