Some of the wealthiest and most influential businessmen in Singapore and Malaysia have served as leaders of the Chamber. Drawing on archival materials and extensive interviews, Visscher provides lively biographical sketches to illustrate the circumstances and personal values that propelled these and other leading Chinese businessmen to success and to prominence.

He also examines Chinese business practices, considering cultural elements as well as state and market forces, and highlights unique features of the Chinese experience in Singapore. By viewing Singapore from the perspective of a well established non-governmental organization as it struggled, negotiated, and cooperated with the state, this book offers an alternative to conventional political histories.