In his Singapore book launch, sinologist Wang Gungwu recounts own journey through history

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Jean IauJanuary 30, 2026 at 09:54 AM

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At the Singapore launch of his memoir, *No Borders: Journeys Across Islands and Continents*, 95-year-old sinologist Wang Gungwu stated he no longer considers himself a historian. While acknowledging the importance of reconstructing the past accurately, Wang now views history as a source of human experiences to understand the present and guide the future. His studies across Southeast Asia, the UK, Australia, and Hong Kong have shaped this perspective. Despite Wang's self-assessment, veteran Singapore diplomat Tommy Koh argued at the launch that Wang remains a historian due to his ability to explain the past and illuminate the present, even calling him the "sage of Singapore." The book details Wang's personal journey and evolving views on history.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

UK 30% Hong Kong 30% Australia ×240% Tommy Koh ×250% Southeast Asia ×260% China 60% Singapore ×270% Wang Gungwu ×690%

Keywords

wang gungwu 100% history 90% sinologist 70% book launch 70% southeast asia 60% memoir 60% no borders 60% present and future 50% human experiences 50% academic historian 40%

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Positive

Score: 0.40

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South China Morning Post

Political Lean

Center-Right (0.50)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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wang gungwu history sinologist book launch southeast asia memoir no borders present and future human experiences academic historian

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