Purpose - The contributions in this special issue focus specifically on pertinent issues concerning governance in Asian developmental states - Singapore, Hong Kong, and Macao. The purpose of this paper is to provide, first of all, an overview of conceptual issues on governance and its potential application for addressing the rise and development of Asia's successful developmental states - Singapore, Hong Kong, and Macao. Design/methodology/approach - This introduction will show the relevance of these contributions theoretically, methodologically, and empirically in relation to the current literature on governance studies. Findings - The overview section links the theoretical and conceptual considerations with the empirical studies on either single country or a comparison between states. Originality/value - The concluding remarks point to the lessons drawn from these contributions and the implication(s) for further research in good governance.