India, April 30 -- Your childhood was marked by hardship, malnutrition, and poverty. You've spoken of the strength and skills this gave you - how did you develop them? As a diplomat, what solutions would you suggest for helping children in similar situations?

Since Singapore is now one of the most affluent countries in the world, many Indians are unaware that, at independence, Singapore was one of the poorest countries in the world. In 1965, its per capita income was the same as Ghana in Africa: $500. I experienced this poverty personally. I was put on a special feeding programme when I went to school at the age of six as I was technically undernourished. Our home had no flush toilet. Debt collectors would come to our house regularly. My...