Articles by Lim Jim Koon

Why the world now looks to Singapore’s stability

Former Lianhe Zaobao editor Lim Jim Koon reflects on how former critics of Singapore — on Asian values, governance, and freedom — now see a nation that champions harmony, long-term vision, and stable leadership amid global chaos. How should we shape our future in this uncertain world?

Lim Jim Koon

04 Sep 2025

How countries exercising economic sovereignty impacts Singapore, the ‘little red dot’ 

Global economic developments such as the tariff war and the Kra land bridge are just some matters that could directly or indirectly affect Singapore. It is no longer just about economic sovereignty but also concerns political sovereignty, warns former Lianhe Zaobao editor Lim Jim Koon.

Lim Jim Koon

11 Jun 2025

Kissinger would miss his old friend Lee Kuan Yew in these troubled times

Former Lianhe Zaobao editor Lim Jim Koon looks back at the distinguished career of diplomat and political adviser Henry Kissinger, who had the ears of the most powerful people in the world. As Kissinger marks his 100th birthday, what insights has he offered before, and what is his current take on the state of the world?

Lim Jim Koon

10 Jul 2023

Mass hysteria over spy balloons: The pot calling the kettle black?

Former Zaobao editor Lim Jim Koon believes that the balloon saga between China and the US in February gives much food for thought around the role of political leaders and mass media in sensationalising the trivial incidents.

Lim Jim Koon

15 Mar 2023

Navigating China-US competition: A Singapore Chinese-language paper's experience

Former Zaobao editor Lim Jim Koon observes that zaobao.com was recently lumped in with "local media" of China in one of the Japanese media reports. Intentionally or not, this is one of the ways that Singapore's leading Chinese-language newspaper has sometimes been cast as pro-China or anti-China to suit the narratives of others. As China-US tensions intensify in the new Year of the Rabbit, the paper, and perhaps Singapore too, must brace itself for labels being cast on it, and keep vigilant in staying the course and guarding its own interests.

Lim Jim Koon

14 Jan 2023

When a news media company becomes radically politicised: Jimmy Lai and the Apple Daily saga

The high-profile trial of Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai has been postponed, with some voices asserting that media freedom has not been respected. From his close observation of Apple Daily in his years as Zaobao's editor, Lim Jim Koon takes a clear-eyed look at Apple Daily. He says that having crossed the baseline of news media organisations and broken the law, it can no longer justify its actions with media freedom.

Lim Jim Koon

05 Jan 2023

Small nations' survival strategy for a world in flux: Lessons from Rwanda and Timor-Leste

Lim Jim Koon, former editor-in-chief of Chinese Media Group, SPH Media, looks at the current world in flux and its focus on great power rivalry. He reminds us that small nations have their place in this world too and their survival and growth must not be lightly brushed aside. Rwanda and Timor-Leste may not be countries in the spotlight, but these are small nations with tenacity, sharing common interests and goals with Singapore.

Lim Jim Koon

04 Nov 2022

Competition between democracy and autocracy a political fallacy

The US has defined major global events such as the war in Ukraine and its competition with China under the ideological framework of a fight between democracy and autocracy. But is the 21st century world just black and white? Lim Jim Koon, former editor-in-chief of Chinese Media Group, SPH Media, suggests that before we criticise others and demand them to change, maybe we should start by examining ourselves.

Lim Jim Koon

08 Jun 2022