Recommended Reads

Browse a selection of new arrivals handpicked by librarians

Title: Tuah Bugis: Chronicles of the Seafaring People of Singapore

Author: Sarafian Salleh

No. of pages: 254

Call No: DS610.25.B84 Sar

“Next station, Bugis”. Commuters would have heard this announcement being played while taking the MRT. There are many places named after the Bugis people: Bugis Street, Bugis Junction, & Bugis Village to name a few.

Hailing from South Sulawesi, the Bugis were master seafarers and among the most enterprising traders in the 19th century. They sailed across the Java Sea to trade in Singapore with their local produce in exchange for other goods in the region. Today they are largely assimilated into the Malay community here, but still have their unique culture and heritage.

Sarafian’s book aims to inform readers of how a small ethnic group played an instrumental role in shaping Singapore’s early growth and prosperity, their experiences and challenges in maintaining their identity in multicultural Singapore.

Highly recommended for the avid history enthusiast and cultural explorer.

Title: The Price of Being Fair: the FairPrice Group Story

Author: Peh Shing Huei (Ed.), Sue-Ann Chia (Ed.)

No. of pages: 199

Call Number: HF5469.23.S55 Chi

The Price of Being Fair chronicles the remarkable rise of NTUC FairPrice from a single store in 1973 to a $4 billion enterprise. Over 50 years, FairPrice has balanced profit with purpose, moderating the cost of living for Singaporeans as a trade union cooperative. This national bestseller provides candid insights into its successes and struggles, from fighting competitors to managing crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Through unprecedented access to the company’s archives and key figures, the authors provide readers with rare observations of the behind-the-scenes complexities of running a social enterprise. This authorised book deftly blends business strategy, politics, and a strong sense of nostalgia, presenting FairPrice not just as a retail success story but as one of our nation’s most iconic brands. It is an essential read for anyone interested in business, social enterprise, or Singapore’s economic history.

Title: Awaken Your Genius: Escape Conformity, Ignite Creativity & Become Extraordinary

Author: Ozan Varol

No. of pages: 261

Call Number: BF441 Var

Awaken Your Genius by Ozan Varol offers an inspiring roadmap to anyone looking to break free from the status quo and tap into their authentic creative potential. Varol, a former rocket scientist turned author, challenges readers to move beyond traditional thinking patterns and embrace new perspectives.

Drawing from his own experience in rocket science and combining insights from neuroscience, psychology, and innovation, Varol explores how to think differently and solve problems in unconventional ways. He emphasises the importance of curiosity, adaptability, and independent thought in both personal and professional growth, and thorough introspection and deliberate responses to circumstances. This book encourages readers to question existing norms and embrace their individuality, making it an insightful read for students, faculty, and anyone seeking to develop a more original approach to learning and innovation.