Silver Spotlight: Simon Tay - Looking Back And Creating Forward
The multi-faceted Professor Simon Tay is the Chairman of Singapore's oldest think tank, Singapore Institute of International Affairs, a law professor and author of several books. In his latest book, Enigmas, he recalls the role his father, Tay Seow Huah, a senior civil servant in the Singapore government, who served at various times as Director of Special Branch, Director of Security and Intelligence Division, Permanent Secretary (Home Affairs) and Permanent Secretary (Defence).
In this Silver Spotlight, Simon recalls his father’s story based on public-domain information and his own personal encounters. Enigmas presents a better understanding of Singapore and the role of the country’s first spy chief.
At 63, Prof Simon Tay doesn’t feel like he is in retirement mode.
He acknowledges that he can "start to see the end", and because there isn't that much time left, he has to figure out how much needs to be done. Simon doesn't take on mentees, preferring to interact with younger people as part of his work, while staying in touch with his group of friends. As he goes forward, he feels it's important that the work he does leaves something behind that connects to young people.