Silver Spotlight: Simon Tay - The Writing Process
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.
For Prof Simon Tay, Chairman of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, writing Enigmas was quite different to his other books. This memoir involved writing about his father, Tay Seow Huah, the first spy chief. As a lawyer, Simon did all the research, but also didn’t want to create a dry narrative. He wanted to create a story which showed the facets to his father, while conveying lessons for future generations.