Asian Geographic - 09.2018

asian people

business magnates | leadership icons | sporting heroes | science pioneers | cultural figures | philanthropic champions

“If you want to reach your goals and dreams, you cannot do it without discipline.”

• Lee Kuan Yew

Inspirational Leaders of the Past

26

Myanmar

Uhant(1909–1974)

Former United Nations Secretary-General

his special mention is for the irst Asian to hold the

positionof Secretary-General of the United Nations

(third Sec-Gen, 19 61–1971). he diplomat was widely

respected by the Burmese people and known for his

criticism of American conduct in the Vietnam War.

25

India

Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948)

Former lawyer & activist

Gandhi was the leader of the non-violent independence

movement against British rule, employing peaceful civil

disobedience. He inspired other movements for civil rights

and freedom across the world. His birthday, 2 October, is

now commemorated as a national holiday in India.

SOURCE © SRISATHYASAI SOURCE © NATIONAAL ARCHIEF/JAC. DE NIJS/ANEFO

24

Singapore

Lee Kuan Yew(1923–2015)

Founding Prime Minister, Singapore

he former prime minister of Singapore (1990–2004),

sometimescalled the “wise man of the East”, was best

known for transforming Singapore into a prosperous,

politically stable country and one of the safest in the

world – within one generation.He favoured long-term

social and economic planning over populist policies.

23

Thailand

Bhumibol Adulyadej (1927–2016)

Former King, Thailand

he former king, conferred with the title “King Bhumibol

the Great” in 1987, was the longest-reigning monarch in

hai history (1946–2016). Regarded as a near-deity by his

hai subjects, he became a tangible icon of royal authority

and wisdom during the violent street protests in 1992, when

he commanded the protest leader and the prime minister to

work out their diferences in a peaceful manner.

SOURCE © SOURCE AL JAZEERA SOURCE © SHUTTERSTOCK

First Asian

Secretary-

General of

the UN