Committee of Supply – Head N (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

The Chairman: Head N, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr Vikram Nair.

Major Powers and Multilateralism

Mr Vikram Nair (Sembawang): Mr Chairman, I beg to move, "That the total sum to be allocated for Head N of the Estimates be reduced by $100."

In 1945, following the end of World War II, the countries of the world came together to set up the United Nations. The leaders behind this initiative included the US, the Soviet Union, the Republic of China, the United Kingdom and France, the five permanent members of the Security Council. The Charter of the United Nations (UN) included articles prohibiting the use of force, save in limited circumstances.

The same concept had been applied a year earlier in 1944 at Bretton Woods when the world community came together to set up the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, which later became the World Bank. These institutions became operational in 1945, once enough countries signed up.

Two years later in 1947, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) was entered into, which laid the foundation for international trade and the World Trade Organization (WTO).

After the horrors of World War II, the idea behind these international agreements was to set up systems for a multilateral world where countries could mutually benefit and prosper. The UN would facilitate collective action in relation to security matters. The IMF would help regulate financial and currency markets; the World Bank would provide loans, initially, to help reconstruct countries ravaged by the war, but later, to help developing countries in need; and GATT, which laid the foundation for world trade, was to help countries prosper through international trade.

On the back of these organisations, many countries, Singapore included, lived in a world that was relatively safe and provided the means for any country big or small to prosper and develop.

Of course, there was no panacea to eliminate conflict altogether and poverty. But, certainly, as a whole, the end of World War II has marked a heightened awareness and compliance with these international norms than any century before.

Against this backdrop, the events in recent years have marked strong pressures amongst nations to pull back from multilateralism. The fast-moving business cycles and dynamism of creative destruction have left many workers in countries feeling displaced as the companies they worked in were restructured or disrupted. At the same time, those who did the disruption profited handsomely, with fresh billionaires being minted every year, particularly in the technology sector.

Free trade has been under continuing pressure, with the two largest economies, China and the US, having an intense rivalry in recent years that has made both more insular with their economic focus.

The multilateral response to uphold the prohibition against the use of force is also under intense pressure. Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a direct violation of Article 24 of the UN Charter. However, as Russia is a Security Council member of the UN, a coordinated response by the UN Security Council is not possible.

It would be possible for countries to take action outside the auspices of the UN, say, if they were invited by Ukraine's government to assist. But other countries, including those in NATO, have been reluctant to get involved militarily as they are concerned this may escalate matters into a full-blown European war. As a result, Ukraine has been left to fight the war on its own.

The weakening of this multilateral system is a serious concern for me, particularly where it appears to be that the major powers who were the architects of the system are themselves pulling away from it. This makes it more likely that major powers will clash and that smaller countries may get swallowed up or trampled on during these confrontations.

What is Singapore's best approach in such an environment? I would like to ask whether MFA believes that Singapore can take any steps on our part to uphold the multilateral systems and the international order.

Question proposed.

Multilateralism

Mr Liang Eng Hwa (Bukit Panjang): Mr Chairman, are multinational platforms still relevant and effective in dealing with our global problems today?

We have seen our multilateral platforms like the WTO, World Health Organization (WHO) and UN being helpless and ineffective in dealing with crisis and resolving deep-seated global issues and very often end up just being a platform for grandstanding and rhetoric. In an increasingly polarised world, we have also seen major powers manoeuvring and wielding disproportionate influence at such multilateral platforms.

Why does Singapore continue to place a heavy emphasis on multilateralism? Should we instead channel our efforts and resources more to bilateral and regional forums like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and so on where we can better galvanise actions and make real impact?

US-China Relations

Mr Baey Yam Keng (Tampines): The grave frictions between the US and China over areas, such as trade, security and technology, pose risks to the fragile recovery in the global economy and to regional stability. The weakening of people-to-people linkages between the US and China amid the COVID-19 pandemic has not helped. Both superpowers are also trying to strengthen their engagement of our region through their multilateral initiatives, such as the US' Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy and China's Belt and Road Initiative.

We have seen this new political tussle between the US and China played out on the global stage and closer to home, in the South China Sea and during ASEAN meetings. This tension was also felt at non-political events, such as the Summit for Democracy, by which countries were invited by the US, and the diplomatic boycotts of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games.

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Singapore enjoys close ties with both the US and China. We welcomed US Vice-President Kamala Harris to Singapore in August 2021, while President Halimah Yacob visited Beijing just last month. China and the US were also among Singapore's top trading partners in 2021. Singapore's defence relationship with the US is underpinned by milestone bilateral agreements, such as the 1990 MOU regarding the US' use of facilities in Singapore, which was renewed during Prime Minister Lee's visit to the US in September 2019.

Meanwhile, besides being China's largest foreign investor since 2013, Singapore also has three high level government-to-government projects with China, including the Chongqing Connectivity Initiative launched in 2015.

Sir, as the Chinese saying goes, 顺得哥情失嫂意 – being good friends with both the US and China, there is, inevitably, pressure to choose sides when there are disagreements between the two, even more so when the strategic competition between these two countries has intensified and is happening in our neighbourhood. I would thus like to seek an update from MFA on how the continued rivalry between the world's two largest economies will affect Singapore.

The Chairman: Ms Janet Ang. Not here. Mr Vikram Nair.

COVID-19 and MFA Priorities

Mr Vikram Nair: Chairman, over the last two years, the pandemic has changed the way we live and travel. When COVID-19 first broke out two years ago, we had many Singaporeans abroad who wanted to return, at a time when flights and travel were high-risk activities, and those returning Singaporeans also posed the risk of bringing COVID-19 home when they returned.

More recently, when flights to many countries resumed, including the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) and shorter quarantine periods, Singaporeans resumed travel and I expect a number would have captured COVID-19 overseas. I myself mentioned earlier that I was part of this statistic when my family travelled to London and both my daughter and I tested positive. But my own experience with the High Commission in London was very positive and I am grateful for the assistance they rendered to help us navigate what needed to be done.

Looking at the statistics, the number of people getting COVID-19, I can imagine there are likely to be many other Singaporeans who are getting COVID-19 abroad. In this regard, I would like to ask what was MFA's role like during the pandemic and whether its policy priorities have changed.

Fight Against COVID-19

Mr Lim Biow Chuan (Mountbatten): Sir, COVID-19 has affected Singapore badly for the past two years. I was hoping that COVID-19, like SARS, would go away after a few months. However, this seems to be far from the case. Part of the reason may be the fact that we are now a more connected world and people who travel between countries are the norm. Many of my residents were affected by the restrictions imposed on them or their relatives due to COVID-19. Children studying overseas had to disrupt their studies to either come back or they had to make a decision to remain out of Singapore.

Those residents with business interests overseas were also adversely affected as they cannot travel to their offices or factories in other countries. This means that whatever the COVID-19 situation in other countries will, inevitably, affect Singapore. So, may I ask the Minister how has MFA supported the national and global efforts against COVID-19? Are we in a position to help other countries with surgical masks, sanitisers, vaccines or even test kits in order to build on our relationship with other countries? As a small nation, we need to remain relevant and to have more friends.

Non-traditional Challenges

Mr Seah Kian Peng (Marine Parade): Mr Chairman, as a small country that must navigate various forces, we must be wary of not just traditional geopolitical realities, but new and non-traditional challenges. Besides cybersecurity and climate change, what are some emerging and salient issues that are currently discussed at multilateral fora and how is Singapore addressing them? For example, interconnectedness through increased globalisation has reshaped threats to the modern state, such as terrorist groups, piracy networks and other non-state actions. We no longer just have a singular focus on military affairs, but we need to also think about non-military threats and also from the rise of non-state groups. Dealing with such threats and risks requires diplomacy and non-military responses.

Living through a pandemic today on an island that is vulnerable to rising sea levels as our climate changes, importing all our energy needs, we are a young nation, porous to overseas values and cultural debates which may fracture our historical fault lines. Paying close attention to such issues translates into the way we manage social and moral issues, such as equality and race relations, as well as more pragmatic ones, such as supplies of food and vaccines.

Let us not take for granted that as a small country with little geopolitical weight, we were one of the earliest to secure vaccines for everyone living on this island. Finally, can the Minister tell us what are some of these emerging issues and how we have planned to deal with these, not just as a Government, but as a people?

Situation in Ukraine

Mr Vikram Nair: Chairman, I had filed this cut prior to the Russian invasion to ask for MFA's response in relation to the situation in Ukraine. Since then, the invasion has taken place and I think the Minister has made Singapore's position clear in the Ministerial Statement. I do have a few related questions, though. As we speak, the fighting is still ongoing. According to reports, Ukraine is significantly outnumbered by Russia's military and military resources, but they have been putting up fierce resistance. It is not clear how long Ukraine will be able to hold out for or how long this conflict will last.

There has been news coverage, both of Ukrainians in Singapore, as well as Singaporeans in Ukraine. Does MFA see itself playing any further role in this issue, including facilitating the exit of Singaporeans from Ukraine, and/or facilitating the stay of the Ukrainians in Singapore, in the event something untoward happens and they are unable to return home?

Mr Lim Biow Chuan: Sir, it has been a painful week reading the various headlines about the war in Ukraine. The destruction and loss of innocent lives caused by the invasion of Ukraine by Russia are simply unacceptable as this is a blatant interference with the sovereignty of another country. Minister Vivian Balakrishnan had issued a Ministerial Statement about the Ukraine situation on Monday. I agree and fully support the stand taken by the Singapore Government. As a small country, we have to insist on the principles of respect for national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and also on the rule of law.

As Singapore has already imposed sanctions on Russia, may I ask the Minister, what else can Singapore do to garner support from other countries and, in particular, our ASEAN neighbours, to have all our neighbours agree to uphold international law and to respect each country's sovereignty? What else can we do to promote peace between our neighbours? What else can we do to provide support to the people of Ukraine?

Mr Eric Chua (Tanjong Pagar): Chairman, Singapore is a small state. In the global order, small states have little intrinsic relevance. In the face of regional and global geopolitical developments, small states are often price takers. In many ways, 24 February this year will go down in the history books as the day history repeats itself. As curtains to the full-on military conflict in Ukraine were raised, what George Bernard Shaw said that "We learn from history that we learn nothing from history" takes on fresh relevance.

Minister Vivian Balakrishnan has delivered a Ministerial Statement on Monday explaining our response and sanctions on Russia. I fully agree with the Minister when he says that this crisis is of existential concern to small states like Singapore. International law and principles enshrined in the UN Charter must be upheld. We should avoid getting ourselves caught up in geopolitical games.

Internally, we must be united and, at the same time, always stand ready to stand for our interests and our sovereignty. Like many Singaporeans, I watch the daily developments in Ukraine with much unease. While the conflict in Ukraine remains somewhat a distant theatre of operations, what can we do to be sure that Singapore and Singaporeans really pick up and internalise relevant lessons because those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it?

Our Relations with Southeast Asia

Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry (Kebun Baru): Chairman, our bilateral relations with our Southeast Asian (SEA) neighbours, as well as their relations with one another, are of paramount importance to us.

Firstly, Southeast Asia, through ASEAN, has maintained peace among the nations, creating conditions for peaceful development for all.

Secondly, the collective heft of SEA under ASEAN, allows us to come together to negotiate with the major powers.

Thirdly, SEA remains a key engine of growth for Singapore because (a) SEA, collectively, has a large and relatively young population, as well as a large and growing middle class; (b) SEA remains committed to free trade and regional integration; and (c) the ASEAN Economic Community, which all SEA nations are part of, could rise from being the seventh-largest economy today to becoming the fourth largest by 2030.

Given the importance of our immediate region, can MFA provide an update on our relations with our Southeast Asian neighbours?

Relations with Malaysia

Mr Chong Kee Hiong (Bishan-Toa Payoh): Chairman, Malaysia is one of Singapore’s closest neighbours. Most of us have friends and loved ones on both sides of the Causeway and, prior to the pandemic, had often travelled to each other’s country for leisure and work.

We have cooperated closely in many areas, including trade and investment, maritime security and environmental protection. Singapore and Malaysia are each other’s second most important trading partners.

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted travel arrangements as well as other projects and engagements. I know our two governments have continued to work closely together and share a desire to gradually restore cross-border travel and resume other activities for the mutual benefit of both countries.

I would thus like to seek an update on Singapore’s relations with one of our closest partners. How has Singapore maintained our relations with Malaysia amidst the COVID-19 pandemic?

Strengthening Cooperation with Indonesia

Miss Rachel Ong (West Coast): Chairman, the Singapore-Indonesia Leaders’ Retreat held in Bintan on 25 January 2022 brought about significant milestones in the bilateral relations of our countries through an expanded framework of agreements in our Flight Information Regions, Defence Cooperation and the Extradition Treaty. MOUs on Green and Circular Economy Development and an MOU on Energy Cooperation were also signed between the two nations, with impact on green growth opportunities, low-carbon energy infrastructure, and development of new emerging green technology. What are some initiatives we can expect to see rolled out this year following the above two MOUs? And how will Singapore continue to work with Indonesia to strengthen bilateral cooperation, including at the central and regional levels, following the Singapore-Indonesia Leaders’ Retreat held in Bintan on 25 January 2022?

Relations with Brunei

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim (Chua Chu Kang): Our relations with Brunei have been very close and mutually beneficial for many years. In 2021, Brunei assumed the chairmanship of ASEAN in the midst of great challenges brought upon by the COVID-19 pandemic in Southeast Asia and other issues as well, such as the military coup in Myanmar and the ongoing maritime disputes in the South China Sea. ASEAN, under the chairmanship of Brunei, would have to cooperate, navigate and chart a post-pandemic future together to achieve stability and prosperity in the region.

In this regard, can the Minister please elaborate on how we have maintained our excellent relations with Brunei in the midst of these challenges? And what are the highlights of Brunei's chairmanship of ASEAN in 2021?

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ASEAN

Mr Liang Eng Hwa: Sir, given the increasing geopolitical tensions and rivalry between major powers, ASEAN centrality, unity and credibility become even more vital in order to stay relevant and not being sidelined on matters of strategic importance to the region. It was not how the concept of ASEAN was originally founded on where the grouping's role is meant to be limited, with a strong adherence to the principle of non-interference in each member state's internal affairs.

ASEAN has strengthened its engagement with external partners over the years with the setting up of extra-regional platforms such as, ASEAN Plus Three, ASEAN Regional Forums, ASEAN Defence Ministers Plus, Extended ASEAN Maritime Forum, to name a few. The engagement agenda has also gotten more substantial and taken on a more ASEAN-centric stand to regional or global issues.

Can I seek an update from the Minister on how Singapore will continue to play its part in maintaining ASEAN's centrality, unity and credibility?

The Chairman: Ms Sylvia Lim. She is not here. Mr Henry Kwek.

ASEAN Response to Myanmar

Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry: Chairman, the unending civil war in Myanmar is nothing short of a humanitarian disaster.

Singaporeans are rightfully concerned because of our relationships with the people of Myanmar and our business ties with Myanmar.

At the same time, how ASEAN responds to the civil war in Myanmar is also a major test for ASEAN. ASEAN countries will need to balance our deeply-held belief of non-interference in the affairs of member states, with our natural instincts of encouraging conditions of peace and stability not just among ASEAN nations, but also within ASEAN nations. As such, can MFA provide an update on the ASEAN response to Myanmar?

The Chairman: Mr Alex Yam. He is not here. Mr Chong Kee Hiong.

Relations with Middle East

Mr Chong Kee Hiong: Chairman, our leaders had a series of high-level exchanges with their counterparts from the Middle East, particularly the Gulf countries, recently.

Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Education Mohamad Maliki Osman visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Saudi Arabia to engage their political leaders in October last year.

In mid-January this year, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister His Highness Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud visited Singapore. A few days later, our Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu visited the UAE to attend the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. This was shortly followed by Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean’s visit to the UAE to officiate the Singapore Day ceremony at Expo 2020 Dubai. He also met the leaders of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

More recently, the Government had moved to launch the deferred VTLs with the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Would the Ministry share how Singapore is maintaining its relations with the Gulf countries, considering the impact of the pandemic? How have Singapore’s relations with the Gulf countries developed given the recent visits to and from the region?

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim: Chairman, in Malay.

(In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Since last August, Saudi Arabia has welcomed international vaccinated Umrah pilgrims, after a gap of one and a half years due to COVID-19. In fact, many Singaporeans performed their Umrah during this pandemic. As Umrah for international pilgrims has resumed since last August, could we expect the Haj to resume for Singapore pilgrims for this year, too?

In last August too, I asked a Parliamentary Question during the tensions in Palestine. Minister for Foreign Affairs explained how the Government has, through the Enhanced Technical Assistance Programme (ETAP), trained over 500 Palestinian officials in public administration, economic and urban development. Singapore also sponsored Palestinian students to pursue post-graduate degrees in our local Universities. Many thanks to our MFA officers.

Can the Minister for Foreign Affairs update us on efforts to support capacity building in the Palestinian Authority?

Singapore's Relations with other Key Partners

Mr Sharael Taha (Pasir Ris-Punggol): Chairman, beyond our relationship with the US and China, it is also important that Singapore continues to strengthen its global network of friends. In light of the tension between the US and China, what more can we do to strengthen this network and enhance these partnerships with other key partners?

Singapore's Relations with the US

Mr Vikram Nair: Chairman, the US has been an important power in the world and the region since World War II. The US was a reluctant entrant in that war, but its entry into the war was definitive in the Pacific theatre. Since then, whenever there have been violations of Article 24 of the UN Charter, the US has played, again, a decisive role in these matters, including in the invasion of Kuwait.

More recently, though, the US seems to be heavily preoccupied with internal matters, particularly with the mid-term elections coming in November and it looks like control of both Houses may be in the balance.

The recent US withdrawal from Afghanistan as well as the strong statements ruling out military involvement in Ukraine seemed to suggest that its appetite for involvement in foreign conflicts is limited.

There is a risk that if the world perceives that the US and the major powers are less prepared to uphold law and order, then potential aggressors would be emboldened to act in violation of international law. Are there any steps that we can take to continue to engage the US and to keep them involved and interested in the region?

Indo-Pacific Economic Framework

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong (Hougang): Mr Chairman, Singapore and the US have been close partners in support of the rules-based economic and security order within our region since our Independence. A recent example of how we have assisted in the area of security is our offer of military planes to help with evacuation efforts in Afghanistan last August.

Economy-wise, the US remains, by far, consistently the largest foreign investor in Singapore. The US is also Singapore’s top trading partner in services and Singapore’s third largest partner in merchandise trade.

The most recent development is on the proposed Indo-Pacific Economic Framework put forward by the Biden administration.

While still light on details, a White House factsheet on the Indo-Pacific Strategy of the US gives us insights on the areas of engagement, including labour and environmental standards, a new digital economy framework, building resilient and secure supply chains, and making shared investments in decarbonisation and clean energy. If actualised, the plan presents significant opportunities for Singapore.

However, with the said opportunities come risks. One that comes to mind is the question of US commitment. The domestic political atmosphere in the US is one that is sceptical of trade and other economic deals that are perceived to place American businesses and workers at a disadvantage.

Such conditions are apparent across the political spectrum. This could affect the degree of US commitment to the framework.

There may also be concerns in Beijing that Singapore may be cooperating in an effort that undermines Chinese interests. Such considerations may be especially important, given the current heightened levels of suspicion and competition between the US and China.

Beyond navigating ties between the US and China, how will Singapore balance joining the Framework and fit in with various other economic arrangements which Singapore is currently committed to? I would, therefore, like to ask the Minister how does Singapore plan to engage with the US under this Indo-Pacific Economic Framework.

Relations – China, Japan and South Korea

Mr Don Wee (Chua Chu Kang): Chairman, Singapore has had a long and cordial relationship with China. We have been cooperating in many areas, including investment and trading, and have deep and robust ties through our joint entities and our people. Since 2013, China has been Singapore’s largest trading partner, and Singapore has been China’s largest foreign investor. Quite a number of Singaporeans and Chinese also share family ties. Both countries are committed to the many growing areas of cooperation and it can be seen in how both established a fast lane in early June 2020 to facilitate essential business and official travel. This is significant because the fast lane was China’s first with a Southeast Asian country.

Singapore has enjoyed good relations with Japan and South Korea as well. Many Japanese and Korean companies have made investments and set up offices in Singapore. Singaporeans are very familiar with Japanese and South Korean products, entertainment and cultural influence. Japan and South Korea have been two of the most popular travel destinations among Singaporeans. There are many Japanese and Korean families living and working here as well.

What steps have we taken to broaden our bilateral ties and strengthen our cooperation with China, Japan and the Republic of Korea amidst the pandemic? How will these ties translate into cooperation in technological and business development on the ground for the benefit of all parties?

Relationship with India

Mr Vikram Nair: Chairman, we have had a strong relationship with India over the years. Historically, it was India's independence that paved the way for many former colonies of the United Kingdom, including Singapore, to also become independent, in the post-war wave of decolonisation.

In more recent years, ties have been strong between India and Singapore with multiple top-level meetings taking place between Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Relations have been cemented with the Singapore-India Strategic Partnership signed during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Singapore in 2015 and updated in 2017 and 2018. There were several high-level, Ministerial visits taking place between the countries during 2018 and 2019 as well prior to the pandemic.

Over the last two years, though, actual visits have been difficult. I would like to ask the Minister what the state of Singapore-India relations was like during the pandemic and whether there have been any potential areas where we can further develop the partnership in the coming year.

Relations with Australia and New Zealand

Ms Rahayu Mahzam (Jurong): Chairman, in June last year, our Prime Minister hosted Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison at the 6th Singapore-Australia Annual Leaders’ Meeting in Singapore. They noted the good progress made in the Singapore-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) over the past year despite challenges presented by COVID-19. The Prime Ministers also agreed to keep the CSP forward-looking by furthering cooperation in emerging areas such as low-emissions solutions and fintech. In August, Singapore and Australia agreed to a dose sharing arrangement of COVID-19 vaccines. This arrangement enabled both countries to support each other in optimising our respective schedules for vaccinating our populations against COVID-19.

Since November 2021, fully vaccinated Singapore Citizens have been able to travel to most Australian cities quarantine-free. This is much welcomed news for many Singaporeans.

Another Oceania country we have close relations with is New Zealand. We share many interests and strategic views and cooperate closely both bilaterally and multilaterally. When New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern visited Singapore in 2019, we upgraded bilateral relations to an Enhanced Partnership (EP). We have developed 26 bilateral cooperation initiatives across the EP’s four pillars: trade and economics; security and defence; science, technology and innovation; and people-to-people links. When the pandemic struck, Singapore and New Zealand reaffirmed our commitment to maintaining trade flows for essential goods by co-sponsoring the Joint Statement on Open Markets, Flow of Essential Goods and Supply Chain Connectivity issued by the UN in May 2020.

There are great opportunities for Singapore with these two countries. I would like to ask the Minister what new areas of cooperation are being explored between Singapore and Australia as well as New Zealand?

Diplomacy in a Polarised World

Ms Janet Ang (Nominated Member): Mr Chairman, thank you for the privilege to participate in this debate.

Earlier in the week, Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan gave this House an insightful and heart-wrenching Ministerial Statement on the situation in Ukraine and its implications. Singaporeans must not think that it can never happen to us.

As I said in my Budget debate speech, Singapore's Total Defence along with our diplomatic corps cannot be over-emphasised. Singaporeans cannot take our existence as a nation for granted. We must do our best not to be taken for granted by others.

Mr Chairman, let me start by sharing three reflections.

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My first reflection is that our Singapore voice must be heard clearly but humbly. Singapore is a small country and a young nation in a big world. In the global economy, it is imperative that we stay relevant to global corporates, global markets, global supply chains, global financial networks, so as to create good jobs for our people, strong growth for our businesses and sustainability for our country.

In global geopolitics, it is paramount that we develop and maintain strong diplomatic relations with everyone without compromising our independence, values and principles.

It is pertinent, therefore, that our Singapore voice be heard clearly but humbly. We must have the courage to speak and act with integrity to protect the sovereignty of our country.

If you heard Singapore's Permanent Representative Burhan Gafoor take the stage as last speaker at the UN General Assembly's special emergency session to present Singapore's view, that is our collective courage.

That takes me to my second reflection: Singapore must not be used by anyone. The terrorists in Ukraine should remind us of the dangers of division and fragmentation of a society, falling prey to foreign influence or foreign might. We must never be the vassal state of any other power.

My third reflection is that even though we are small, Singapore and Singaporeans can play our part as channels of peace, dialogue and reconciliation.

Mr Chairman, we live in an increasingly polarised and uncertain world. The strategic competition between the US and China has widened and deepened, pulling other countries into the fray. We have seen this playing out in fields such as the deployment of 5G networks. There is also growing talk of a new cold war in Europe arising from the tragic situation in Ukraine, invoking the imagery of opposing ideologies that cannot be reconciled.

Closer to home, the situation in Myanmar continues to be a challenge for ASEAN.

These developments have and will continue to have significant geopolitical and economic ramifications on all countries, including Singapore. Amidst these challenges, how does Singapore continue to maintain an independent foreign policy and how do we balance between being your brother's keeper and minding your own business when it comes to diplomacy?

Let me close with this one line, which I took away from Pope Francis' message to all ambassadors at the meeting in the Vatican earlier this year: "We should be unafraid to make room for peace in our lives by cultivating dialogue and fraternity among one another."

The Chairman: Mr Gan Thiam Poh. Not here. Mr Desmond Choo.

Consular Assistance

Mr Desmond Choo (Tampines): Chairman, there are 200,000 Singaporeans living abroad. For fellow Singaporeans living away from home, MFA's overseas missions are their primary point of contact when they require any assistance.

Now, consular assistance does not affect most Singaporean travelers. However, the pandemic has highlighted the importance of MFA's consular assistance. MFA had faced an unprecedented number of requests for assistance since the pandemic. MFA officers worked tirelessly to bring our citizens home even when international borders were shut.

I wish to thank our MFA officers for working round the clock to serve our fellow residents. In particular, some of the officers have not been home since the pandemic. Their dedication and commitment in serving our fellow citizens abroad are commendable.

In addition to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation, we are now facing an uncertain global security climate. MFA must ensure their operational capabilities remain effective and meet Singaporeans' demand for prompt and effective consular services.

Could MFA update on its efforts to improve the delivery of consular assistance to Singaporeans overseas? What challenges does MFA face that require public support?

I also understand that MFA has over 50 overseas missions worldwide. Despite this, we face issues relating to repatriation efforts during the pandemic as there are some Singaporeans located in countries where the Ministry has no ground presence.

Is there a need for MFA to establish ground presence in more countries? How about the support to Singaporeans affected by the Ukrainian-Russian conflict? Furthermore, despite international borders reopening, there are still a few countries that remain closed to international travellers. How would MFA assist Singaporeans who need to travel to these countries for compassionate reasons amidst the pandemic?

The Chairman: Mr Alex Yam. Not here. Ms Joan Pereira.

Independent Foreign Policy for Singapore

Ms Joan Pereira (Tanjong Pagar): Mr Chairman, we live in an increasingly uncertain world. Russia has invaded Ukraine. The strategic competition between the US and China has intensified. Other countries have inevitably found themselves drawn into it and found themselves confronted with difficult choices. Countries are also grappling with global issues such as supply chain disruptions, technology bifurcation and climate change and the impact these have on their peoples and economies.

Singapore has to respond to these fast-changing developments and make very difficult choices as well and we need Singaporeans to believe and understand that our chosen courses of action are taken after very careful consideration in their best interests.

But the considerations that drive our decision making on foreign policy issues are complex and often hard to understand or translate into layman's terms.

Would the Ministry share what it is doing to deepen Singaporeans' understanding of the key tenets of our foreign policy and the considerations for them? How can foreign policy issues be made easy for the man in the street to understand? How can we highlight the ways in which good foreign policy contributes to the well-being of Singapore and Singaporeans and get domestic support for our foreign policy decisions?

This is extremely important because the understanding will help build trust between the Government and the people. The unity gives us a strong coherent voice in our interactions with foreign countries. Would the Minister consider providing easy-to-read information to schools, tertiary institutions, grassroots, community partners and even religious organisations?

The Chairman: Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs (Dr Vivian Balakrishnan): Mr Chairman, it has been a very busy year. As always, we are trying to secure our place in a very volatile and, I would say, dangerous world.

The key issues confronting us are: first, COVID-19 and its aftermath; second, navigating major power rivalry, fostering peace, upholding international law, strengthening multilateralism; third, protecting the global commons, including addressing non-traditional challenges; fourth, nurturing Singapore's relations with our neighbours; and fifth, ASEAN.

First, let me deal with COVID-19 because Mr Vikram Nair, Mr Desmond Choo and Mr Lim Biow Chuan have asked how COVID-19 has affected our foreign policy.

The pandemic has impacted – in fact, disrupted – the lives of many overseas Singaporeans. MFA's duty in the last two years has been to make sure that we left no Singaporean behind. I say that again, we left no Singaporean behind. We have helped to bring home more than 4,600 Singaporeans who had difficulty getting back for some reason or the another in the last two years.

MFA also supported the launch of Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs) and the mutual recognition of health certificates in order to facilitate the safe resumption of international travel.

Singapore has also supported global COVID-19 vaccination – because no one is safe until everyone is safe in the world. We have contributed to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment and the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund. I would add that we donated our entitlements to our neighbours.

We also responded quickly to urgent medical needs by sending medical supplies, including more than 500 tonnes of liquid oxygen to Indonesia through our "Oxygen Shuttle" programme and 120,000 vaccine doses to Batam and the Riau Islands, as well as 100,000 and 200,000 vaccine doses to Malaysia and Brunei respectively.

We also sent a consignment of 256 oxygen cylinders to support India's pandemic response at the height of its second wave last April.

I wish to commend the dedication of all MFA staff, both those serving in Singapore as well as in our Overseas Missions. Over 300 MFA officers have served Singapore at our Overseas Missions during this period and I am very proud that not a single officer has asked to leave their posts because of the risk of the pandemic.

Despite our best efforts and health precautions, about 40 of our officers serving overseas as well as another 150 foreigners who are employed by our Missions overseas did succumb to COVID-19. Fortunately, they have recovered. But again, it is a symbol of their commitment and their willingness to sacrifice for the sake of Singapore and Singaporeans. We owe them a big debt of gratitude.

COVID-19 will not be the last or even the worst pandemic faced by the world. So, we will continue to work with the international community, including and especially through the WHO, in order to strengthen the global health architecture and to enhance pandemic preparedness and resilience and the ability to cooperate as a single world.

Let me move on to the next aspect – major power rivalry, fostering peace, upholding international law and multilateralism.

The ongoing developments in Ukraine are a stark reminder of the vulnerability of small states when confronted by a larger and more powerful opponent. Mr Vikram Nair, Mr Lim Biow Chuan, Mr Eric Chua, Ms Janet Ang and Mr Baey Yam Keng have all asked very salient questions about multilateralism, about the world order and about big power rivalry.

In my Ministerial Statement on 28 February, I explained why we have to be such a staunch supporter of international law and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter. We must take a stand against actions that clearly violate the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of another country, of all countries, because, ultimately, this is also about us, as a tiny city state.

When push comes to shove, smaller countries like Singapore must be prepared to defend ourselves and not get caught up in the geopolitical games of big powers. We do not take sides. But we do take a stand to uphold existential principles. We make common cause with our neighbours and our friends, within ASEAN and in the UN General Assembly to the maximum extent possible.

So, for instance, last night, there was an overwhelming vote – 141 countries at the UN General Assembly voted in favour of the resolution. In ASEAN, all our Ministers, I can tell you, were up until 1.00 am to 2.00 am last night communicating and we will shortly be issuing an ASEAN statement calling for an immediate ceasefire.

We continue to try to get humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and, of course, we continue to monitor the evacuation of Singaporeans in Ukraine. We have got another further three out, and there are still six left there.

Let me say a few words about the strategic competition between the US and China. This has intensified across multiple domains and, quite frankly, the strategic choices of both these countries will shape the emerging international order profoundly.

Under President Biden, US foreign policy has become, in a sense, more predictable. However, its fundamental approach and the policies of the US towards China have basically remained unchanged. In fact, the sanctions against Chinese entities have not been relaxed but have become even tougher.

Both political parties in America as well as the business community and even society at large have come to, generally, view China as a direct threat to the United States' interests. This is compounded by the fact that the US has never, in its history, faced a peer competitor on such a scale.

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On China's part, there is a growing perception that the US is a declining power reacting defensively and aggressively to China's inevitable growth and progress. China is promoting its own constructs to broaden and deepen its relations with other countries in the world through international schemes, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, and more recently, the Global Development Initiative. However, China will want to avoid being seen to be pressured into making concessions in its policies or posture, out of a concern that any concession on its part will only lead to continued or even increased pressure from other countries.

US and China's relationship is fraught with many spiky issues and this is complicated by domestic considerations, and the distrust, the rivalry have intensified over the past few years. Trade and economic issues can be negotiated and compromises found. However, disagreements cast in moralistic or ideological terms on issues like human rights or political systems quickly lead to deadlocks where no compromise is possible. We hope both countries will accept that there is a need to reset their postures, to work out a new modus vivendi, and to reduce zero-sum competition. Otherwise, it will be very difficult for them to cooperate constructively, even where their interests are aligned.

How the US and China compete and cooperate will determine not just their trajectories, but that of the rest of the world. It would be disastrous for both powers to focus on what they call "extreme competition", or even outright confrontation. And the old Cold War strategy of containment will not be viable.

We, therefore, welcome efforts by both the US and China to engage at the highest levels to cooperate on global challenges like climate change and the digital age, and we encourage greater people-to-people engagement as travel restrictions are removed in order to foster generations, especially younger people in both the United States and China, to understand and to appreciate each other's values, attitudes, strengths and weaknesses. We hope that these interactions will encourage greater trust and pave the way forward for a more constructive relationship.

As the former Secretary of State George Shultz wisely observed, he said – and this is worth remembering – "Trust is the coin of the realm. When trust was in the room, good things happened. When trust was not in the room, good things did not happen. Everything else is details."

On Singapore's part, we enjoy excellent ties and, in fact, I may add, high levels of trust with both the US and China. And we have been able to maintain high-level interactions even amidst COVID-19 over the past two years. In 2021 alone, we welcomed visits by US Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. I also made a working visit to Washington where I met with my counterpart, Secretary of State Antony Blinken. President Biden will be hosting an ASEAN-US Summit in Washington later this month.

We have also maintained intensive engagements with our Chinese counterparts, including through mutual support when we both needed it during COVID-19 at its worst moments, as well as bilateral cooperation and at the Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation meeting co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat in December last year.

Since 2020 – and I double-checked this number – I have met or spoken with my counterpart, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, on nine occasions. So, that is about once every three months. And our most recent engagement was in Beijing last month, when I accompanied President Halimah Yacob to the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics. And there is a standing invitation for President Halimah to make a formal State Visit to China.

It is in Singapore's interest to continue to foster stronger ties with both the US and China and to be a consistent and reliable partner to both for the long term. We will continue to engage both powers through diplomacy grounded in fundamental principles, such as adherence to international law, the resolution of disputes by peaceful means, respect for sovereignty, the sanctity of borders and upholding a rules-based multilateral system.

However, we make decisions based on our long-term national interests and we make it clear to both that we will not be a proxy vassal state or a cat's paw for one side or the other. And we have not shied away from standing up for ourselves and disagreeing on issues when necessary. And we do not have the luxury of saying different things to different partners. So, Singapore strives to be straightforward, consistent, reliable, trustworthy. To this end, we will also work with all parties to uphold an open, inclusive, stable, peaceful, rules-based international order.

There were questions just now about the TPP and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework by Mr Dennis Tan. Quite frankly, I have told my American interlocutors on numerous occasions, it was a mistake for the US to pull out of the TPP. It is still the highest level and most ambitious Free Trade Agreement with safeguards not only for trade, labour, the environment, intellectual property; and the rest of it. But all my interlocutors in America have said they cannot do it because of domestic political reasons. In a sense, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework is an alternative which they are trying to put beef on this framework. Let us see and let us encourage them. But as I have said, the key point I keep making and, in fact, the Prime Minister has made to multiple Presidents in Asia, trade is strategy. So, let us watch how progress is made on this front. And it is also no accident that now you have got the UK, China and Taiwan applying to join the CPTPP.

Mr Liang Eng Hwa asked why Singapore continues to place such heavy emphasis on multilateralism, given that powerful states are often perceived to wield outsized influence at multinational platforms, and he asked whether we should just focus on bilateral and regional arrangements. Ms Janet Ang asked how Singapore's foreign policy can remain independent while balancing and advancing our own national interests, as opposed to, and she even asked why should we be our brother's keeper.

Well, let me address these thematically. With global economic integration and the expansion of cross-border capital and trade flows over the last century, the fortunes of all countries and all peoples are now increasingly interdependent. Small states like Singapore value a system, where sovereign states, regardless of size, have equal rights and disputes can be settled peacefully in accordance with international law and agreed rules, and not to be subject to the rules of the jungle where might is right or to be forced to make invidious choices between big powers.

In fact, multilateralism and economic integration have been a formula for peace and prosperity for many decades since the end of the last (Second) World War, and especially critical for small states like us. You notice I said "last" World War. I am betraying my anxieties.

We have spared no effort to strengthen the rules-based multilateral order so that it continues to provide us with a platform to safeguard our interests. And that is why we worked with a cross-regional group of countries to establish the Forum of Small States, which, in fact, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

In today's charged geopolitical context, it is even more important that small states continue to stand up for a stronger United Nations and a robust multilateral system that levels the playing fields, takes all countries' interests into account. The rise of protectionism amidst COVID-19 has also underscored the importance of: one, upholding a free, open and rules-based multilateral trading system, as embodied by the WTO; second, deepening economic integration at multilateral fora, such as APEC and G20; third, diversifying trade relations through regional arrangements, such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and our latest free trade agreement, the Pacific Alliance-Singapore Free Trade Agreement. These regional agreements facilitate more efficient, more diversified and resilient supply chains. They increase access to global markets, encourage rules-based trading activity and foster greater connectivity.

Even in Singapore, as we face pushback from some people against economic integration, it is important to redouble and reaffirm that this is an essential pillar for our economic strategy.

Third, let me deal with our international work on the global commons and non-traditional security challenges that have been raised.

Countries are grappling with geopolitical flashpoints, insularism and major power politics. Mr Seah Kian Peng reminded us and asked about Singapore's approach to these emerging issues at multilateral fora.

Well, there is certainly no shortage of emerging non-traditional issues. The ones which often come to mind are climate change, food security, emerging diseases, the challenges and problems of the digital economy and the threats in cyberspace and, eventually, and, in fact, emerging, outer space as well.

Again, our approach is that we believe in multilateralism and that these issues should best be pursued at multilateral fora, including the United Nations, APEC, G20 and ASEAN. Basically, an opportunity for us to work together, address the challenges, the opportunities, deal with the dangers, establish common standards, norms, rules and, ultimately, hopefully, norms for state behaviours. And this is the way, in a sense, we have to protect the global commons, public health, the oceans, the environment, cyberspace, outer space.

Actually, Singapore has a history of outsized contributions in protecting the global commons.

For instance, in cybersecurity, which is a clear and present threat right now, we clearly need to work with the international community towards arriving at a global consensus, including through the creation of a multilateral architecture in cyberspace. We are members of both the United Nations Open-Ended Working Group on Cybersecurity – in fact, this is chaired by Singapore – and the UN Group of Government Experts on Cybersecurity to foster understanding and collaboration on the development of new governance principles, frameworks and standards.

Climate change, we all know, is an existential threat to mankind and as a small city-state, we are exquisitely vulnerable to the impact of climate change. Encouraging progress was made at the most recent 26th Conference of the Parties, and I am sure Minister Grace Fu will explain. But in case she is too humble, let me say that she and her team have continued this tradition of being excellent ministerial facilitators, being honest brokers and arriving at consensus and making progress for the world.

Similarly, this year, I should also add, marks the 40th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. And amidst all the oceans-related challenges today, we continue to affirm the primacy and the universality of UNCLOS, which sets out the legal framework for all activities in the oceans. And notwithstanding our small size, our pioneers, including Ambassador-at-Large professor Prof Tommy Koh, played again an outsized role and helped to bring UNCLOS to fruition 40 years ago.

So, we continue to play a constructive role in oceans-related issues and right now, Ambassador Rena Lee has been the President of the Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction Intergovernmental Conference since 2018. Most people may not be aware of this, but this is another offshoot of UNCLOS.

Fourth, peace and stability in our immediate neighbourhood are absolutely critical. Our relations with our closest neighbours, Indonesia and Malaysia, will always be of special importance. Miss Rachel Ong asked about the outcomes of the Singapore-Indonesia Leaders' Retreat in January and how this would affect the trajectory of our bilateral relations.

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I think you all know that Singapore and Indonesia are close partners. We enjoy a substantive and multifaceted relationship. The Leaders' Retreat held in January marked a significant milestone in our bilateral relations and Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean delivered a Ministerial Statement last month explaining the significance of the agreements that Singapore and Indonesia signed to address longstanding bilateral issues, namely, the Flight Information Region, the defence cooperation and the extradition of fugitives.

The Flight Information Region (FIR) Agreement will uphold the safety and efficiency of air traffic in our region in a manner that is consistent with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) rules and meet the civil aviation needs of both countries. The Defence Cooperation Agreement will strengthen cooperation between our two armed forces. It will provide clarity on the arrangements for the SAF's training in the Indonesian archipelagic and territorial waters and airspace, which is conducted with full respect for Indonesia's sovereignty, whilst preserving Singapore's rights under UNCLOS.

The Extradition Treaty will enhance cooperation in combating crime and send a positive signal to investors.

Both countries also exchanged letters to undertake that all these agreements will enter into force simultaneously.

This set of mutually beneficial and durable agreements shows the strength and maturity of our bilateral relationship. It illustrates our commitment to resolving longstanding bilateral matters in an open and constructive manner for the long-term benefit of our peoples. Prime Minister Lee and President Joko Widodo both expressed the desire to ratify and bring these agreements into force soon. Prime Minister Lee and President Joko Widodo also had good discussions on new areas of collaboration, including green economy, renewable energy, human capital development. And we look forward to making progress on all these fronts.

The key point is that we can steadily resolve all issues and we can open up new areas with win-win outcomes.

Mr Chong Kee Hiong asked about Malaysia. For Malaysia, I want to tell you that we have maintained our very close relationship. And I would say, it has probably even been strengthened by our shared experience of COVID-19. Malaysia is our closest neighbour and bilateral engagements continued both formally and informally throughout this pandemic. Our Ministers have been communicating: WhatsApp, letters, phone calls, video calls. And most importantly, at times of greatest need, we are available for each other. And one thing which I want to cite is that we made sure our supply chains both ways never failed, even in the depths of the crisis. We were still able to facilitate the safe movement of goods, services and people.

In fact, trade in goods and services increased in 2021. We collaborated closely with Malaysia to restore connectivity, launch Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs) for both land and air travel on 29 November 2021 and helped restore some – I say "some", because it is still a very small fraction – of the pre-pandemic flow of tourists and business people. We have also helped to reunite families on both sides of the Causeway and I know we all look forward to expanding cross-border travel progressively and safely, and hopefully, at some point, back to pre-pandemic levels.

On ASEAN, let me just quickly say that Mr Henry Kwek asked about the concerns with Myanmar. It is still a very dire situation. The ASEAN leaders had a meeting in April 2021 and arrived at the Five-Point Consensus. Unfortunately, there has been no significant progress at all. We will continue to work with the ASEAN Chair – Cambodia this year – as we did with Brunei last year, and, indeed, with our fellow ASEAN members to continue trying to promote, persuade, cajole, and reach a peaceful and durable resolution of the situation in Myanmar through the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus.

Mr Chairman, since MFA's establishment in 1965, our Mission has always been to uphold the independence and sovereignty of Singapore, to protect and advance the interests of Singaporeans, both at home and overseas. And we must thus continue to invest in this effort of diplomacy, even as the Government tackles all the immediate challenges of the day.

Just as supply chains are moving from "Just-in-Time" to "Just-in-Case", for a small city-state like Singapore, we must always prepare for all possible scenarios. It is in our fundamental interest to ensure that our partners around the world have a stake in our continued peace and prosperity. We must never take our independence, sovereignty, peace and security for granted. I thank Members of Parliament for your continued support of MFA's work and for the wonderful, dedicated service of every single MFA officer. [Applause.]

Mr Chairman: Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman.

The Second Minister for Foreign Affairs (Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman): Mr Chairman, I would like to begin by following up on what Minister Vivian Balarishnan had just shared about our relations with our closest neighbours – Malaysia and Indonesia.

Mr Chong Kee Hiong’s question on how we have engaged Malaysia amidst the pandemic is a pertinent one as our two countries are deeply intertwined. Two years of living with COVID-19 have underscored the depth of our ties and the value of close cooperation for mutual benefit.

The prolonged closure of our borders has thus had a profound impact on the people on both sides, with many families and relatives separated. Given our interdependencies, the two governments have worked closely to overcome the challenges posed by COVID-19.

We coordinated to ensure the sustainable movement of supplies, goods and services, and will continue to do so. It has not been easy and we thank our Malaysian friends, including truck drivers who undergo regular testing to ensure that supplies reach us.

We convened with Malaysia the 14th Joint Ministerial Committee for Iskandar Malaysia on 21 December 2021, where we reaffirmed our commitment to strengthen the manufacturing ecosystem in Iskandar Malaysia.

As Malaysia’s closest neighbour, Singapore always stands ready to do our part to help when needed. We contributed seed money to support the Singapore Red Cross’ disaster relief and recovery efforts following the floods in Kuala Lumpur and nine other Malaysian states in December 2021, as we had done in previous similar instances. We are similarly very grateful for Malaysia's assistance. Recently, Malaysia helped to facilitate the departure of a Singaporean from Ukraine.

Beyond our relations with the federal government, we have also maintained our ties with various Malaysian states. We have contributed medical supplies and vaccines, and shared our experiences on vaccine procurement and other areas. For example, we donated over 100,000 vaccine doses and over 100,000 test kits to Johor last year and have regularly engaged the state government on the re-opening of the Singapore-Johor land border. The recent land VTL between Singapore and Malaysia has provided much relief to both Malaysians and Singaporeans as they are now able to meet their families again.

Looking ahead, we will continue our engagement of Malaysian leaders and officials across all levels while working towards the further expansion of cross-border travel and reinvigorating our economic ties.

Let me now move on to Singapore-Indonesia relations. Singapore and Indonesia enjoy strong and substantive relations. We have been Indonesia’s largest foreign investor since 2014. In 2021, investments from Singapore reached US$9.4 billion despite the pandemic. The Bilateral Investment Treaty, which entered into force last year, will promote greater bilateral investment flows. To further deepen our economic and people-to-people links, we are exploring new areas of cooperation, such as in the digital economy, the green economy and human capital development.

We have also continued our close cooperation with the various regions across Indonesia. Our economic engagements in Batam, Bintan and Karimun have progressed well. The Nongsa Digital Town was launched last year and is set to house 8,000 tech talents when completed. Its proximity to Singapore offers opportunities for Singapore-based companies to tap on Singapore and Indonesia's complementary tech ecosystems to support their digital needs.

This demonstrates Singapore and Indonesia’s mutual commitment to develop Batam as a "digital bridge" between us. Infrastructure Asia, which was set up by ESG and MAS, is also partnering the West Java provincial government to accelerate infrastructure projects focusing on urban transportation, waste management and water sectors.

This partnership will increase the attractiveness of West Java’s infrastructure projects to international investors. At the same time, it allows Singapore-based companies to better access and participate in projects in West Java.

Next, let me talk about Singapore-Brunei relations. Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked how we have maintained our excellent relations with Brunei. We have always enjoyed a longstanding, special relationship with Brunei. There remain strong links between our people, leaders and institutions. Minister Vivian Balakrishnan visited Brunei in March 2021, while Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean attended the Sultan’s 75th birthday celebrations in July 2021. We have also worked together to tackle the challenges of the pandemic. For instance, in September 2021, we sent 100,000 doses of the Moderna vaccines to Brunei. In exchange, Brunei will provide the same quantity of vaccines back to Singapore at a later date.

Mr Zhulkarnain also asked about the highlights of Brunei’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2021. Singapore appreciated Brunei’s steady leadership in guiding ASEAN through a challenging year. Brunei led ASEAN’s efforts to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, including utilising the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund to procure much-needed vaccines for our ASEAN Member States, and coordinated ASEAN’s response to address the situation in Myanmar.

Sir, let me now move on to the Middle East. Mr Chong Kee Hiong asked how our relations with the Gulf countries have developed. A number of our Ministers, including myself, have visited the Gulf in recent months. I made a working visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and Qatar last October. Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng also co-chaired the inaugural Saudi-Singapore Joint Committee in December 2021, which we hope will catalyse greater trade and investment between Singapore and Saudi Arabia.

In turn, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud visited Singapore in January 2022, his first to Southeast Asia. During his phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud last month, Prime Minister Lee had welcomed the deepening of ties between our two countries. Mr Chairman, allow me to speak briefly in Malay, please.

(In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Mr Zhulkarnain had asked whether we can expect Haj to resume for Singapore pilgrims in 2022 since Umrah for international pilgrims has resumed.

I am glad that Singaporean Muslims have been able to travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, after being unable to do so for much of 2020 and 2021. I understand the eagerness of the community for the Haj to resume. This was discussed during the Prime Minister’s recent phone call with the Saudi Crown Prince during which Prime Minister Lee requested for our Haj quota to be increased. We look forward to receiving more details on whether Haj 2022 will be open to international pilgrims and also an increase in our Haj quota.

I understand that Mr Alex Yam also wanted to know about developments in the Middle East, including the impact of the Abraham Accords.

While the geopolitical situation in the Middle East remains fluid, there have been some positive developments. Following the signing of the Abraham Accords, relations between Israel and the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco have advanced quickly. We hope that the Abraham Accords will serve as a foundation for peace and stability in the region.

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Sir, however, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains unresolved. Last May’s escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas in Gaza was their fifth major conflict in the last 15 years. We were saddened by the loss of civilian lives on both sides. Nevertheless, the situation in Gaza is partly a manifestation of intra-Palestinian political rivalries. The West Bank is governed by the Palestinian Authority (PA) and controlled by the Fatah Party, while Hamas seized unilateral control of Gaza in 2007. This political divide has persisted despite past attempts at forging a national unity government. Unlike Fatah, Hamas does not officially recognise Israel’s right to exist and believes in armed conflict.

Sir, for the cycle of violence to stop, there must be political will on both the Israeli and Palestinian sides to reach an agreement through peaceful negotiations. Singapore remains steadfast in our support for a negotiated two-state solution that allows Israelis and the Palestinians to live side-by-side in peace and security, consistent with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. This is the only viable option to achieve a durable, just and comprehensive solution.

Mr Zhulkarnain sought an update on MFA's efforts to support capacity building in the Palestinian Authority (PA).

We continue to do so through the Enhanced Technical Assistance Package (ETAP) which we doubled from $5 million to $10 million in 2016. The ETAP has benefited more than 600 Palestinian officials who have participated in courses, in areas, such as public administration, economic development and urban development. This training has continued online during the pandemic. We have also expanded the postgraduate scholarships for Palestinians to include Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. At present, we have two Palestinian scholars in Singapore pursuing their postgraduate studies. I was happy to meet one of the students last week, who is pursuing a Master’s degree in International Relations at RSIS in NTU. We look forward to doing more under the ETAP.

Sir, besides the developments in the Middle East, I will touch on several key issues that Singapore faces in today's increasingly complex and volatile world.

First, the COVID-19 pandemic situation. For MFA, extending consular assistance to overseas Singaporeans remains our key priority.

At the same time, we must also continue to support global and regional efforts against COVID-19.

Second, geopolitical flashpoints and major power rivalry and the implications for Singapore. We must continue to make decisions based on our national interests and fundamental principles, and to fight for these principles to be upheld.

Third, non-traditional security challenges, such as climate change and food security. Singapore remains committed to working together with our partners, bilaterally as well as through multilateral fora, such as ASEAN, to address them.

Fourth, maintaining good relations with our neighbours to promote peace and security.

And fifth, upholding ASEAN's credibility to work towards a peaceful and durable resolution in Myanmar through the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus.

(In English): Mr Chairman, allow me to continue my speech in English, please.

Mr Henry Kwek sought an update on our ties with other Southeast Asian countries. We enjoy warm and friendly relations with our fellow ASEAN Member States, including Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia and Laos. Just last week, we welcomed Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc for his State Visit to Singapore.

We will continue to closely engage and pursue collaborative interests with our Southeast Asian partners, including the diversification of our food and energy options, as well as in emerging areas, such as digital economy and sustainable development. For example, in April 2021, MAS and the Bank of Thailand launched the linkage of Singapore’s PayNow and Thailand’s PromptPay, the first of its kind in the world for cross-border real-time retail payment, which has brought convenience to users from both countries. We will continue to be a steadfast friend during both good and trying times.

When Typhoon Rai struck the Philippines in December 2021, we contributed seed money to support the Singapore Red Cross' public fundraising for disaster relief and recovery efforts.

This brings me to ASEAN. ASEAN remains a cornerstone of Singapore’s foreign policy and we will continue to build up ASEAN’s resilience and responsiveness to future public health emergencies and support ASEAN’s post-pandemic recovery. For example, the ASEAN (Travel) Corridor Arrangement Framework, when operationalised, will allow for the safe resumption of travel, both for business and leisure, within the region.

ASEAN also continues to serve as a vital regional architecture for external powers to engage ASEAN member states and one another. In 2021, ASEAN established Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships with China and Australia and held an ASEAN-China Special Summit in November. We are now discussing similar proposals by the US and India, and the US has invited ASEAN Leaders to an ASEAN-US Special Summit this year.

Given ASEAN’s importance, Mr Liang Eng Hwa’s query on Singapore’s role in maintaining ASEAN’s centrality, unity and credibility is apt. Singapore stands ready to work with the ASEAN Chair, Cambodia, to advance ASEAN’s community-building and regional economic integration efforts. These include the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which entered into force in January 2022.

In our capacity as ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN) Shepherd, we also hope to work with Cambodia, ASEAN's current chair, to advance cooperation on Smart Cities. I am happy to note that thus far, 72% of 65 ASCN projects are being implemented in 26 ASCN cities.

Mr Vikram Nair asked if there are potential areas that Singapore can develop further in our relations with India. India remains a key partner for Singapore. We continue to have active engagements in the economic, security and people-to-people domains.

India has a vibrant and youthful population, a thriving tech sector, and its economy is well-positioned to strengthen in the years ahead. India’s economic growth will benefit the rest of Asia, including Singapore. Singapore is one of the largest foreign investors in India, with our Direct Investment Abroad to India in 2020 standing at S$66.1 billion. As of 2020, there were 5,800 Singapore-based companies that either exported to or invested in India. These include SMEs such as EnvironSens, which develops water toxicity monitoring technology, as well as another SME, Graymatics, a cloud-based video analytics service provider. We are keen to enhance our digital connectivity with India and are also exploring ways to develop more mutually beneficial partnerships in areas, such as fintech, innovation and skills. Likewise, Indian investments in Singapore remain healthy, standing at S$25.78 billion in 2020.

Ms Rahayu Mahzam asked about new areas of cooperation that we are exploring with Australia and New Zealand. With Australia, we are constantly exploring new areas of cooperation under our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. After signing the Singapore-Australia Digital Economy Agreement in 2020, we have launched formal negotiations on a Green Economy Agreement in September 2021. The agreement will be the first of its kind, once concluded, and will facilitate trade and investment in environmentally-sustainable goods and services.

As for New Zealand, we are looking to refresh our Enhanced Partnership and we signed an MOU on Low Carbon Hydrogen in July 2021, which will open up opportunities for our companies to build new capabilities and participate in global hydrogen value chains.

Sir, I understand that Mr Gan Thiam Poh is also keen to know about our engagement with emerging markets, such as Latin America. In January 2022, the Pacific Alliance-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, or PASFTA, was signed between Singapore, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. The Pacific Alliance is a major economic bloc with a combined GDP of over US$2 trillion in nominal terms.

This landmark agreement makes Singapore the Pacific Alliance’s first Associate State that will open up more opportunities for our businesses, through access into these markets and the assurance that their investments will be supported by a robust trade architecture. The appointment of our first Non-Resident Ambassadors to Colombia and Costa Rica also signals our interest to enhance our diplomatic engagement in Latin America.

Our relations with the South Pacific also reached new heights as Singapore was admitted as a Dialogue Partner to the Pacific Islands Forum in 2021. This will enable us to better contribute to the South Pacific’s development journey by sharing our development experience through the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP). Thus far, 5,300 officials from this region have benefited from our SCP. We also contributed seed money towards relief and recovery efforts in Tonga after the volcanic eruption and tsunami in January 2022.

Mr Chairman, allow me to just conclude by reiterating MFA’s commitment to enhance our ties with our global partners amidst an uncertain external environment, harness opportunities that emerge as we ensure peace and prosperity for Singapore and the region.

[Deputy Speaker (Ms Jessica Tan Soon Neo) in the Chair]

The Chairman: Senior Minister of State Sim Ann.

The Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Ms Sim Ann): Mdm Chairman, as we are making good time, may I ask for a few extra minutes for my speech?

The Chairman: Go ahead.

Ms Sim Ann: Thank you. Mdm Chairman, in Mandarin, please.

(In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Mr Don Wee asked how we have broadened our ties with China amidst the pandemic. Singapore and China have enjoyed close bilateral relations and established a wide range of cooperation mechanisms – the Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC), the eight provincial-level Economic and Trade councils, and three Government-to-Government projects.

Prior to the pandemic, bilateral visits were frequent. As the pandemic situation evolved, it has been harder for us to visit each other due to differences in our approach to public health policy and border controls.

Nonetheless, we have continued to keep up the momentum of collaboration and high-level exchanges via virtual meetings. At the 17th JCBC last December, we agreed on new areas of bilateral cooperation. Economic cooperation continued to flourish.

Last month, President Halimah Yacob attended the Opening Ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games – our first high-level visit to Beijing since 2020. Her friendly discussions with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang served to cement our bilateral relationship and affirmed the substantive, wide-ranging and forward-looking nature of our unique "All-Round Cooperative Partnership Progressing with the Times" established in 2015.

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As China embarks on a new development paradigm, we look forward to strengthening the bilateral partnership to better seize opportunities in the future, especially in the digital economy and green development. Naturally, in-person interactions are more effective than virtual meetings. Whether it is official visits, people-to-people exchanges, overseas studies, study visits or investment activities, we hope to resume air connectivity with China in a safe and appropriate manner and recover pre-pandemic levels of frequent in-person exchanges.

(In English): Mdm Chairman, allow me to continue in English. Mr Dennis Tan and Mr Vikram Nair asked how we can continue engaging the US. Our relationship with the US is robust and longstanding, with multifaceted cooperation in defence, security, trade and economic domains, as well as people-to-people ties. Singapore is the US’ only “Major Security Cooperation Partner”, demonstrating the strength and depth of the relationship. Our relations have continued to strengthen despite the pandemic.

Our Prime Minister Lee and US President Joe Biden had a fruitful meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Meeting in Rome last October. We were honoured to receive US Vice President Kamala Harris in Singapore last August. On our part, Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Ministers Ng Eng Hen, Vivian Balakrishnan and Gan Kim Yong visited the US last year to engage their counterparts and other key stakeholders, and discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation and our strategic partnership.

Amidst intensifying geopolitical tensions, Singapore will continue to engage the US meaningfully and urge it to remain engaged in the Asia Pacific.

Domestic preoccupations will continue to be top-of-mind for the Biden Administration, particularly with the November mid-term elections. We will work to keep up the good pace of engagement, find ways to support US policy priorities where opportune, and continue supporting US engagement of Southeast Asia. We will also work to enhance existing cooperation and explore new areas of collaboration.

To Mr Dennis Tan’s query, Singapore welcomes the US’ intention to shape a robust and comprehensive regional economic strategy, including through its proposed Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and will contribute meaningfully towards enhancing the US’ open and inclusive engagement of Southeast Asia.

Now, a few words about how to strengthen our global network of friends.

Mr Don Wee asked what steps we have taken to strengthen cooperation with Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) during the pandemic. We have kept up close cooperation with both countries, including in the digital economy and safe resumption of travel. High-level visits have gradually resumed. Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin and Minister Edwin Tong visited Japan last August for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, while Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Hagiuda Koichi visited Singapore in January this year. ROK Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong made an introductory visit here last June, while Minister Tan See Leng visited Seoul last November.

We have steadfast partners in Europe including the United Kingdom, with whom we share deep historical ties and close partnership. Another milestone was reached last week when we signed the UK-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement – the first digital pact between an Asian and a European country, and a pathfinder in setting high-standard digital trade rules between both regions. We will continue exploring further opportunities for collaboration, particularly in the green sector.

We will continue working with other key European partners, in particular the European Union (EU), on post-pandemic recovery and enhance cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, the digital economy and the green sector. We welcome efforts by the EU and its member states to step up engagement of the region through their Indo-Pacific strategies and will encourage their further engagement with ASEAN through the areas outlined in the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.

Mr Gan Thiam Poh has indicated interest in knowing how Singapore contributes to the development of other developing countries. The Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP) is our way of giving back to the international community, having benefited from similar assistance during our formative years.

2022 marks the SCP’s 30th anniversary. We have hosted some 137,000 foreign government officials to our programmes over the past three decades. Many have come to Singapore as strangers but left as friends. We continue to update our programmes so that they remain relevant and cover areas, such as public health governance, sustainable development and digital transformation.

This is part of our contribution to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We will continue to focus our capacity-building efforts on developing countries and small states, such as through the “FOSS for Good” technical assistance package, which was launched in conjunction with the 30th anniversary of the Forum of Small States (FOSS) this year.

A core function of MFA’s work is our consular assistance to Singaporeans across the globe, especially during this pandemic. As more Singaporeans live, work and travel abroad, MFA will need resources to support those in need. Mr Alex Yam has indicated interest in knowing more about how MFA has facilitated the return of overseas Singaporeans, given the unpredictable epidemiological situation and border control measures. Let me give some examples of the good work done by our MFA officers over the past year.

On 16 December last year, Typhoon Odette landed in Siargao Island and swept through the Visayas, affecting mobile networks, power and water supplies. Our Embassy in Manila reached out to the 12 Singaporeans in the Visayas e-registered with MFA and confirmed their safety. However, four Singaporeans in Cebu needed assistance and our Embassy worked with airlines to have emergency supplies sent to them from Metro Manila to provide temporary relief.

Nearer home, MFA has assisted the return of over 450 Singaporeans stranded in Malaysia since March 2020.

Mr Desmond Choo asked how MFA can assist Singaporeans who need to travel overseas for compassionate reasons and improve the delivery of its consular assistance to overseas Singaporeans. MFA has explored new initiatives to address consular needs arising from the COVID-19 situation. For instance, Singapore launched the Death and Critical Illness Emergency Visits (DCEV) scheme with Malaysia last May. Under this unique bilateral arrangement, Singapore residents can make urgent trips to Malaysia to visit immediate family members who are critically ill, or to pay their last respects, without serving the full quarantine duration in Malaysia. Malaysia residents can similarly use the DCEV scheme to visit immediate family members in Singapore for similar reasons. Last September, MFA and MOH launched dedicated vaccination channels for overseas Singaporeans which made it more convenient for them to return home for inoculation. Since its establishment, there have been over 360 successful sign-ups.

As more VTLs are established, MFA has received increased requests for consular assistance from travelling Singaporeans, particularly those caught off-guard by changes to travel regulations and border policies announced at short notice. Similarly, more Singaporeans have requested consular advice and assistance to return home after contracting COVID-19 overseas. MFA has been using social media and our website to provide advice and travel information updates where possible. We have also explored the use of technology to improve our consular services. This includes newly-launched e-Services to report loss of passports and apply for Documents of Identity (DOIs) online. This will help mitigate the inconveniences Singaporeans face after losing travel documents while overseas.

We thank Mr Vikram Nair and other Members of the House for the appreciation shown for the work done by our officers.

The pandemic reminds us of our vulnerability and interdependence in a fast-changing global environment. But fundamentally, foreign policy begins at home. Our diplomacy is only credible if we maintain domestic consensus and nurture a deeper understanding of Singapore’s foreign policy priorities. This includes our interests and vulnerabilities as a small state, such as our consistent, unequivocal support for a robust, rules-based multilateral system that gives Singapore an equal voice.

Ms Joan Pereira asked how we can deepen Singaporeans’ understanding of the key tenets and considerations of our foreign policy. MFA has undertaken sustained efforts to engage Singaporeans on this through different means. Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Second Minister Maliki Osman and myself, as well as MFA’s senior management and foreign service officers regularly communicate key messages on our foreign policy through engagement sessions, media interviews and digital media platforms. We also reach out to students through dialogue sessions to help them understand key foreign policy issues and challenges. Our goal is to keep the Singapore public well-informed about the geostrategic forces at play, encourage critical thinking about our national interests, and strengthen resilience against foreign influence and agendas that do not benefit Singapore.

In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that Singapore’s continued success is contingent on many factors. Both domestic and foreign policy considerations play a role. In keeping with our Mission to protect and advance Singaporeans' interests, MFA will continue to invest in our relations with global partners, and support international norms that help Singapore navigate challenges thrown up by a complex global landscape. MFA will also strengthen our consular support of Singaporeans during this pandemic period and beyond.

The Chairman: Clarifications? Assoc Prof Jamus Lim.

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim (Sengkang): Thank you, Mdm Chairman. Just a quick clarification for the Minister. He mentioned earlier on in his speech that the specific announcements with regard to Ukraine, in terms of how Singapore will respond in terms of embargoes, were still being worked out. But I wonder if he could elaborate on whether Singapore has plans to block Russian airlines and private aircraft from Russia from landing at Changi.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: I am not in a position to make specific announcements yet. So, we will do so in due time.

The Chairman: Mr Vikram Nair, do you wish to withdraw your amendment?

Mr Vikram Nair (Sembawang): I would like to thank Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Second Minister Maliki Osman and Senior Minister of State Sim Ann for sharing with this House the hard work of MFA. I think it has been a particularly trying year with COVID-19 and all the extra work they had to do. So, thank you to all the Consular staff as well. With that, Mdm Chairman, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

The sum of $482,360,900 for Head N ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates.

The sum of $16,000,000 for Head N ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates.