If I Were King of Singapore

If I were King of Singapore

ADRIAN TAN

This is a collection of Adrian Tan’s essays on what he cared for and felt was important to raise about Singapore, Singaporeans and the world around him.

Like The Teenage Textbook and The Teenage Workbook, If I were King of Singapore is quintessentially Adrian, hallmarked by his wit and wisdom, matured by decades of legal practice and observing society.

Here, he shares candidly about his life, the impact of social media, necessary work skills, law and society, including the repeal of Section 377A of the Penal Code.

He writes passionately, connecting buildings with heritage and identity. He makes a case for treating migrant workers with respect and decency.

He brings to mind what we experienced during the height of the Covid Pandemic and how the lessons we learnt are still relevant today.

He speaks again to Singapore, and all who are interested in Singapore, with honesty, openness and great insight.



I began writing about problems which irk me, situations which confound me, and issues that confront all of us. I had many things I wanted to get off my chest….

Sometimes, I want to say something about a government policy. But I don’t want to say, if I were the government. I decided to put it in a light-hearted, whimsical way.

So I say, if I were the king of Singapore because we all know that there isn’t a king here… yet.