- Mapletree is the sole supporter of Panjang which tells the story of the childhood of Singapore’s second prime minister, Goh Chok Tong, and how he conquered his self-consciousness to become a leader
SINGAPORE – Mapletree Investments Pte Ltd (“Mapletree” or the “Group”) is pleased to support the publishing of an illustrated children book “Panjang: The Tall Boy Who Became Prime Minister” (“Panjang”). Over 8,000 copies of the books were distributed to PAP Community Foundation (PCF) kindergartens islandwide, My First Skools and MOE Kindergartens, as well as preschools operating within Mapletree properties in Singapore.
Mr Hiew Yoon Khong, Group Chief Executive Officer of Mapletree, said, “Education as well as support for literary arts are key pillars in Mapletree’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme. We hope that the inspirational story of ESM Goh will motivate young readers to embrace their challenges and achieve success in more ways than one.”
Published by homegrown international publisher World Scientific, Panjang was officially presented on 16 November 2019 (Saturday) at Marine Parade’s PAP Community Foundation (PCF) Family Day. Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong graced the occasion. The book is written by Singapore Literature Prize-winning author Peh Shing Huei and illustrated by Drewscape aka Andrew Tan.
Book Image of “Panjang: The Tall Boy Who Became Prime Minister”
Sponsorship Presentation Ceremony of Panjang: The Tall Boy Who Became Prime Minister at Marine Parade’s PCF Family Day
Panjang, which means “long” in Bahasa Melayu, is the childhood nickname of Singapore’s second Prime Minister, who was the tallest kid in his class. In this children’s book, Mr Goh’s growing up years are fleshed out in colourful detail, including how Mr Goh discovered what made him stand out and how he eventually became class monitor, prefect, scout troop leader, captain of the swim team and chairman of the historical society.
This children’s tale, closely accompanied with thoughtful illustrations, is an inspiring story of how one can embrace the things that make one different.
