From Military Barracks to Mindful Cities: Liew Mun Leong’s Extraordinary Journey
On 8 August, Gelephu Mindfulness City CEO Liew Mun Leong launched his book Barracks to Boardroom at Changi Axis, Terminal 2—a place he played a pivotal role in building during the early years of his career. In his address, he shared how his greatest inspiration—his mother—instilled in him enduring values of resilience, goodness, and selfless giving that have guided his leadership journey. Today, with five decades of experience behind him, he steers one of Bhutan’s most visionary urban developments.
The event was officially launched in a momentous event graced by His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and the Governor of Gelephu Mindfulness City, Dasho Dr Lotay Tshering. This was more than a book launch—it was a celebration of leadership, vision, and the bold reimagining of the future.
The Woman Who Shaped a Leader
During the event, Mr Liew shared that the greatest inspiration of his life was his mother, whose wisdom has guided him through every stage of his career. She instilled in him the belief that “we must fight for our survival with pride” and “grow up with goodness”. Her words, “when the sky falls on us, treat it as our blanket”, taught him resilience in the face of adversity, while her reminder to do good deeds without expecting anything in return became a cornerstone of his leadership ethos. These values, deeply ingrained since childhood, have shaped his principles and guided his journey from nation builder to corporate leader.
Liew Mun Leong, now serving as the CEO of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), brings to this ambitious Bhutanese project a wealth of experience spanning five decades in both public service and the corporate world. From building military barracks during his early years in Singapore’s Ministry of Defence to leading transformative infrastructure and real estate ventures—including the creation of Changi Airport, the founding of CapitaLand, and helming Surbana Jurong—Liew’s career is a masterclass in bridging diverse worlds.
Inside the Pages of Barracks to Boardroom
In Barracks to Boardroom, Liew takes readers on an extraordinary journey through the pivotal chapters of his professional life. With candour and insight, he shares lessons earned from steering organisations across civil service and commercial sectors, and how integrity, discipline, and a global outlook have shaped his leadership philosophy. It is both a memoir and a guide—an invaluable read for aspiring leaders seeking wisdom forged in the real world.
In crossing over from an “insider” in the public sector to an “outsider” in the private sector, Liew Mun Leong sees clearly the need for a shift of mindsets to bridge the two distinct operating systems and cultures.
He describes how he has often courageously broken ground but not rules to get things done. The civil service ingrained in him integrity, discipline and good governance while his commercial exposure enriched his entrepreneurship and broadened his global perspectives.
Shaping the Future of Gelephu Mindfulness City
"During my first visit to Bhutan as a tourist in 2024, I was awed by the uniqueness of this green vast land surrounded with majestic mountain peaks and lush valleys."
Today, as CEO of Gelephu Mindfulness City, Liew is at the helm of one of Bhutan’s most visionary undertakings: to create a world-class mindful city that harmonises economic progress with environmental stewardship and cultural authenticity. His track record of building not just structures but enduring institutions is now being channelled into shaping GMC as a global model for mindful, sustainable urban living.
Some members of the GMC Leadership Team
A Story Still Being Written
Barracks to Boardroom is not merely the story of one man’s career—it is a testament to how purposeful leadership can transform landscapes, economies, and lives. And with Liew Mun Leong’s leadership at Gelephu Mindfulness City, that story is still unfolding, promising a future where vision and values go hand in hand.
