For Singaporeans accustomed to a strictly regimented society, Lee’s request came as a shock and made front-page news. The 43-year-old CEO reportedly told his staff he wanted to foster the casual quickness found in dot-coms, and for good reason. His company recently lost out to Hong Kong start-up Pacific Century CyberWorks in the race to buy Hong Kong Telecom, raising fears that SingTel may be too slow-footed for the New Economy. Less surprising, SingTel employees jumped to follow their new orders. Already, in casual conversation, they are referring to their boss as “Hsien Yang.”
