An Asian Renaissance? Some Observations on Heng Siam-Heng’s ‘Asian Renaissance and Enlightenment

Heng Siam-Heng in his article ‘Asian Renaissance and Enlightenment – Problems and Prospects’ (Heng 2007) explores the possibility that the recent political changes in Asia, especially in India and China, may provide the opportunity for an Asian renaissance and Enlightenment. In this rejoinder I would like to examine the major themes of this suggestive article, drawing out some of its important insights, and evaluating the extent to which it may lay the intellectual foundations for an Asian rebirth.