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

COVID-19 and Singapore's Place in the World

Mr Alex Yam (Marsiling-Yew Tee): Chairman, I beg to move, “That the total sum to be allocated for Head N of the Estimates be reduced by $100”.

COVID-19 has brought about tensions in foreign relations amongst various nations. Borders were hurriedly closed as governments attempted to stem the spread of the virus, and added to this was the tension arising from even the transnational supply of medical equipment. Nationalism was rearing its ugly face and multilateralism was elbowed aside.

In closing the 75th session of the UN General Assembly last September, Assembly President Volkan Bozkir noted that the pandemic has been a test, demonstrating that multilateral cooperation is the key to overcoming global challenges, and he stressed the need for collective action to tackle common threats and “vaccine multilateralism” to combat the coronavirus.

In this pandemic the absence of cooperation is somewhat puzzling because global public health generally requires cooperation to control its spread and to minimise the damage to the global economy. Dr Joshua Busby of the Robert S Strauss Center for International Security and Law pointed out that, in the past, if we looked at various diseases and epidemics, the US and the Soviet Union found it within their interests to cooperate – and even outdo each other – such as on the eradication of smallpox in the midst of the Cold War.

The dissonance among leading nations, amidst this pandemic, prompted even Pope Francis last October to issue an encyclical, to lament the poor cooperation amongst countries and to warn that the forces of “myopic, extremist, resentful and aggressive nationalism are on the rise”.

I quote from that encyclical: “Aside from the different ways that various countries responded to the crisis, their inability to work together has become quite evident. For all our hyper-connectivity, we are witnessing a fragmentation that made it more difficult to resolve problems that affect all of us.”

With the then US administration vigorously advancing its America First policy, a mixture of nationalism, unilateralism and xenophobia, and its rivalry with China, the world was left, perhaps, with a leadership vacuum. The resultant fallout was a relative decline in multilateralism and the weaponisation of global interdependence. This is fast becoming a "new normal".

I recall that in the early days of the crisis, the great uncertainty that permeated as borders started closing and the then unknown virus was spreading rapidly. I also remember many a frantic resident contacting to ask for advice as they or their family members tried to leave parts of the world, such as China, to return home for safety. Our MFA consular officers were tested up to the hilt to mobilise resources to bring Singaporeans overseas home to their families during this crisis. A debt of gratitude to all those who worked so tirelessly then and now to bring them home.

Can the Minister, therefore, speak on our efforts to bring Singaporeans home over the course of the pandemic as borders closed? These border closures also disrupted much of our supply chain. How did the Ministry do its part to ensure that our supply chain continuously connected us to the world?

As we begin our vaccination campaign in earnest, it is worthwhile stating that Singapore is an early supporter of COVAX, the COVID-19 Vaccination Global Access initiative. How is Singapore playing its role as a responsible global partner and neighbour in this regard? Chairman, I beg to move.

Question proposed.

Singapore's Relevance to the World

Mr Don Wee (Chua Chu Kang): Chairman, as a small nation, we have to work harder to protect our sovereignty and independence, and avoid being dominated by bigger countries. To secure our place in the world, we need support and cooperation from other friendly nations who are also committed to an open rules-based global order and multilateralism. There are many common threats which we can only overcome by working together with our allies. These challenges include climate change, pandemics, terrorism, cyberattacks, water shortage, food insecurity, just to name a few. We are also dependent on partnerships for trade and other exchanges vital to our survival.

Hence, we have put in much effort over the years to build strong and productive relationships with our neighbours and nations further ashore. We have been actively engaged with the international community and contribute to common goals. In many areas, we are punching above our weight. We have established a track record as a fair, reliable and valuable partner. Amidst the global uncertainty and growing geopolitical tensions, we need to re-strategise.

What are some of the practical measures that we have taken to maintain or strengthen Singapore’s reputation as a constructive and responsible member of the international community?

Maintaining Singapore's Hub Position

Ms Poh Li San (Sembawang): Chairman, Sir, for decades, Singapore has managed a free market economy and is well-positioned as an international and regional hub. COVID-19 pandemic has severely disrupted economies globally.

Would the Minister for Foreign Affairs share how will Singapore maintain its status as a hub for trade, shipping and finance given the economic uncertainties caused by this pandemic and what is our strategy to emerge stronger should the inflow of resources and talents be constrained by the pandemic?

Fostering Our Connections and Resilience

Mr Edward Chia Bing Hui (Holland-Bukit Timah): Mr Chairman, Sir, it is likely that the path to recovery will be long-drawn, uncertain and uneven in a post-COVID-19 world.

As mentioned in one of my earlier speeches in Parliament, I strongly feel that there is a need for Singapore to have a deeper cultural understanding of our ASEAN region, in view of greater potential growth opportunities, especially since ASEAN forms a strong economic powerhouse. This greater interconnectedness is necessary, especially with the growing uncertainties and instabilities, such as rising protectionism over supply chains, resources, data and technology, as well as extraordinary levels of public debt globally to fund the exceptional financial responses during this pandemic.

To achieve this, I propose that the Continuing Education and Training (CET) as well as SkillsFuture components for each ITM include understanding industry models, the supply chains, the business strategies and the cultural context of how things are done in our neighbouring countries. These cultural knowledges developed through CET are essential for fostering people-to-people connections within the ASEAN region and to ensure stable business partnerships. COVID-19 has underscored the importance of Singapore towards strengthening its adaptability and resilience to cope with uncertainties and instabilities. As such, how may MFA assist to provide these opportunities within CET and SkillsFuture to support pre- and post-tertiary education and lifelong learning? How may MFA strengthen our resilience via relationships, partnerships and people-to-people connections with other countries?

Combating COVID-19 Beyond Borders

Ms Tin Pei Ling (MacPherson): Chairman, Sir, in June 2020, Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan spoke in a virtual townhall with our Foreign Service officers and, within the excerpts of the speech published in The Straits Times, Minister Vivian highlighted that “finding relevance remains an existential imperative for us”. I agree.

During a pandemic, “No one is safe until everyone is safe”. But over the past year, we witnessed how some advanced economies were absorbed in their fight against COVID-19 with multiple lockdowns, or were embroiled in factious politics, leaving little capacity to fulfil their global role as they should. Given the lack of global leadership, each of us then must try and do our best to help combat the pandemic. Despite the challenges and, small as we may be, Singapore must still do our part, to be helpful, relevant and be a responsible global citizen.

A Chinese idiom comes to mind – “雪中送炭”, which literally means delivering charcoal when snowing. It is always tougher to give help to others when we are not having it easy, too. But it is during tough times that we show our mettle and demonstrate genuine friendship.

Therefore, I would like to ask how is Singapore contributing to the international effort in combatting COVID-19 and how might our Singapore response evolve looking ahead?

COVAX

Ms Sylvia Lim (Aljunied): Sir, the competition to fight for precious vaccine supplies has already given rise to vaccine nationalism. In contrast, Singapore has endorsed the elevated stance that advocates for fair and equitable access for vaccines, or one of vaccine multilateralism. Vaccine multilateralism is simply pragmatically necessary if international borders are to reopen. To this end, Singapore has been an active participant in various global initiatives. I have some questions on our contributions to these efforts.

One of the key initiatives is the COVAX Facility, a global risk sharing mechanism aimed at equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. More than 190 countries are now involved in COVAX.

In December last year, Singapore announced a contribution of US$5 million to the COVAX Advanced Market Commitment or AMC financing instrument. How was this contribution sum of US$5 million determined and how does it compare with the contributions of other nations?

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The current US administration is committing up to US$4 billion to the facility and G7 leaders have just issued statement calling for all partners to increase support for COVAX. Will Singapore be heeding this call?

On the conditions of our donation, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted recently that the WHO could accommodate requests from governments that wish to earmark some of their donations to specific countries. With ASEAN centrality in mind, has Singapore avail itself of this option so that it can channel parts of this donation to ASEAN countries?

Singapore is also serving as a co-chair of the friends of COVAX Facility alongside Switzerland. Could the Minister elaborate on what Singapore's role is as the co-chair and the actions plan by the grouping to assist the COVAX Facility? Most specifically, how can the friends of COVAX Facility help discourage vaccine hoarding, especially by the richer developed countries?

Vaccine for International Community

Mr Chong Kee Hiong (Bishan-Toa Payoh): Chairman, the COVID-19 pandemic is the crisis of our generation. The impact on the lives and livelihoods of people around the world had been devastating. In Singapore, we suffered the worst economic recession in our history.

COVID-19 vaccines have been identified as the only long-term solution to counter the pandemic. As MOH had assessed, Singapore has the capacity and capability to vaccinate our entire population by the end of the year at the latest, if all our vaccine batches continue to arrive as planned. We can then look forward to resuming even more activities.

However, we are all keenly aware that our economy is highly dependent on broader economic developments beyond our shores. As a global hub, we need open borders between nations and the freedom to travel in order to thrive. Our survival requires continued engagement with other countries through trade and many other areas of cooperation and exchanges.

Thus, it is important for our economic recovery that everyone in the world, not just Singaporeans, has access to safe and efficacious vaccines. This is because no one is safe until everyone is safe in this pandemic.

The threat of this evolving disease requires international cooperation and as some had described it, vaccine multilateralism.

Will the Minister share with us details and updates on how Singapore is helping to promote vaccine access to the wider international community?

As one of the contributors to the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access (COVAX) Advance Market Commitment (AMC) mechanism, what are our roles and contributions to the international effort? The objective of the COVAX Facility is to obtain and distribute two billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines equitably by the end of this year. It will help people in low and lower middle income countries have access to COVID-19 vaccines.

Six members of ASEAN are among the countries eligible for COVAX assistance. As a member of ASEAN, what more can we do to help our closest neighbours? How can we work with their leadership to ensure that the vaccines can also reach their needy, especially those in zones of conflict and unrest? In addition to monetary contributions, will Singapore be deploying manpower or other resources to help?

Beyond our region, is there a role for us to assist in areas further afield, to lend a helping hand to our other allies? Would the Minister provide an update on these initiatives?

Climate Action Collaboration

Mr Seah Kian Peng (Marine Parade): Mr Chairman, across the world, in the past one year, we have seen how cooperation is needed to solve many large and complex problems, distinguished by three key facets of modern life – porosity across borders, movement and mobility and high inequality.

In the current pandemic, vaccines have become an important weapon against the virus. But just 10 countries, including Singapore, have administered 75% of all vaccines, and 130 countries have no doses at all.

This is a mirror to the challenges that we face in climate change. Environmental problems too are porous. They affect everyone and financial strength offers no protection because we are all in this together.

Like the virus, environmental pollution is no respecter of national borders. There is no apportioning of blame because we are all users. So how is Singapore collaborating with partners to maintain the positive momentum on climate change?

Global Efforts against Climate Change

Mr Shawn Huang Wei Zhong (Jurong): Mr Chairman, after a year of fighting COVID-19, much resources have been committed to stopping the spread of the virus. There is much toll in the economic, social, emotional aspects and no effort was spared galvanising the nation, saving communities and helping those who were most affected.

Given these immense challenges, will there be sufficient capacity for the greater challenge that remains – climate change and our existential need to achieve sustainability?

We must. The warming of the earth over the next decade is unavoidable. Many other planetary limits have been breached and we are on the verge of a tipping point where the loss of biodiversity, degradation of water, air and cooling systems of the world will be irreversible.

Mitigating climate change through decarbonisation is a key and necessary response.

The Paris Agreement stated that that all parties will reduce their carbon footprint by more than 50% by 2030 and eliminate it by 2050. However, this was based on a growth and temperature rise estimates that have since exceeded assumptions. We have to do more. I understand that despite all challenges, Singapore pressed ahead to submit its nationally determined contribution and long-term low emissions development strategy.

Could the Minister for Foreign Affairs provide an update on how will Singapore continue to contribute to the global efforts against climate change?

Multilateralism

Dr Wan Rizal (Jalan Besar): Chairman, in recent years, we see countries behaving in an insular manner. Protectionism is on the rise as well as nationalistic sentiments. Now, the pandemic also undermine international bodies for the alleged biases, leanings and political pressures. However, Singapore still needs to open up, work together with other nations through the various multilateral platforms.

Now, besides the pandemic, can the Ministry shine some light on what are the other important challenges facing Singapore that we are working with the international community and at multilateral platforms?

Safety and Efficiency of Digital Flows

Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry (Kebun Baru): Mr Chairman, the pandemic has accelerated the digital revolution and its role in driving economic growth. Therefore, there is a pressing need for new regulations to ensure the safety and security of digital data flows, such as consumers' personal information.

Can MFA share how we are working bilaterally with other countries as well as with platforms like the UN and ASEAN, to develop and strengthen international norms, not only to take digital cooperation forward, but also to ensure that cyberspace remains safe, secure and open for our citizens.

I would also like to take this chance to thank our MFA officers, especially those based overseas, who put in their lives on the line for the past one year, to defend Singapore's diplomatic interests and to assist Singaporeans overseas who are in need.

US-China Relations

Ms Yeo Wan Ling (Pasir Ris-Punggol): Mr Chairman, Sir, even as relations between the US and China remain uncertain, Singapore is in a sweet spot and we are happy where we are. Our position of diplomatic neutrality must continue, though economically, we cannot afford to be indifferent to these tensions.

Nowadays, wars are not fought with guns, but with market access, economic protection and the movement of people. Naturally, the effects of these tensions are felt intimately by our SME towkays here in Singapore and they will definitely be watching how US-China tensions unfold.

It is our hope that our neutral stance will continue to find resolve in the midst of these tensions. Economically, however, we seek updates on how the Government is preparing the heavily globalised Singaporean economy to remain resilient in light of economic uncertainties that businesses, especially SMES might face?

Myanmar Coup

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong (Hougang): Mr Chairman, can I take my two cuts together?

The Chairman: No. Separate it. Do your cut first.

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong: One after the other? What I meant is, I can continue with the following cut?

The Chairman: Yes, you can take both cuts together as Mr Vikram Nair is not here.

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong: Thank you. Mr Chairman, Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan recently responded to questions on the situation in Myanmar. Following the coup by the Tatmadaw. He stated that an escalation of the situation will have serious consequences for both Myanmar and the region.

Indeed, reports that developments remain highly fluid contrary to hopes for greater stability. The death toll of protestors being killed by Security Forces has reportedly been increasing. And yesterday, it was reported at least 18 have been killed. This is disconcerting.

Dr Balakrishnan, in his earlier responses, has indicated a need for consensus to hold an ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting on the Myanmar situation.

Given the continued uncertainty and tenseness of developments, will the Foreign Minister provide an update on Singapore's position on the crisis? Will he also inform the House of Singapore's role in facilitating the emergence of a consensus for a meeting, if there is one, and what we hope can be achieved from this meeting?

ASEAN's ability demonstrate initiative on the Myanmar issue may be key. We speak repeatedly about ASEAN unity and centrality but that centrality only matters if it is meaningful and can make a difference. This is important because an effective ASEAN helps members like Singapore maintain our autonomy and a platform to make our voices heard.

Singapore is invested in ASEAN success. So, it is imperative for the Government to bring Singaporeans on board with what it is doing to support our ASEAN's ability to play a practical and positive role when faced with unfolding situation in Myanmar. Political instability in the region, even away from Singapore, can have an impact for us here.

Further, Southeast Asia is also a focal point or intensifying competition between the US and China, and any inability ASEAN to address such an ability could spur further contestation among major powers in our region. This may possibly cause severe and even irreversible divisions in ASEAN in ways that paralleled the recent crisis within the Pacific Islands forum.

Calls in Myanmar for the boycotting of Singapore firms began after Dr Balakrishnan's earlier answer to the House which included a line on separating business and politics. Our Government's views, notwithstanding, perceptions in Myanmar and elsewhere in the world may differ. So, this has to be sensitively managed.

Finally, I would like to ask what is being done to reach Singaporeans who may be stranded in Singapore but are unable to contact the Embassy in the event of any connectivity issue. Being in a position to extend support may be especially critical in the event of a further escalation of violence and instability. Singaporeans in Myanmar should know of the contingency plans for extraction should the need arise. My next cut.

Relationship with US and China

Singapore's foreign policy towards the US and China has been one where we have reiterated that we do not wish to choose sides and want to retain the ability to make choices for ourselves.

Our Prime Minister has even implored both Beijing and Washington to stabilise the US-China relationship and focus on building constructive ties. This position rests on the view that many areas of significant overlap in interest exists between the US and China, and will continue to exist if not expend. But this does seem at odds with recent global developments.

Mr Chairman, I think it is clear that the world has entered a new phase of renewed major power rivalry between the US and China. Many are now familiar with US President Joe Biden's foreseeing extreme competition in US-China relations and General Secretary Xi Jinping's framing of a wide range of issues as PRC's core interests that the US should respect. A recent South China Morning Post editorial even noted that disputes between China and the US appear unavoidable.

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Realistically, no amount of pleading or reasoning from Singapore is ultimately going to change minds in either Washington or Beijing. Any believe that a Kumbaya moment will come at any time soon, may be optimistic, but potentially naive.

As a smaller actor, Singapore will probably do well to be prepared for the worst that may yet to come. Given the current trajectory in US-China relations and the very real possibility of a more tense environment, several key questions loom large with Singapore.

I would like to ask the Minister to spend some time in laying out Singapore's strategic vision to deal with the potential challenges that lie ahead.

First, I would like to ask, how Singapore's autonomy and freedom of action can be protected under the more contentious circumstances that we find ourselves in today? Second, how will Singapore maintain positive and robust ties with the two majors, competing against one another without getting drawn unnecessarily into the friction and risk being ground up in the process? Third, how does Singapore avoid one party perceiving our efforts to stand for our own interests as being detrimental to theirs, and earning suspicion for siding with their rival?

Let me be clear. I am not asking for operational details. I am asking these questions because Singaporeans need to understand and by into the Government's strategic vision on these aspects of our foreign and even security policies and the guiding principles there too, for us to have any chance at success in navigating these very tricky waters.

The Chairman: Miss Rachel Ong.

Miss Rachel Ong (West Coast): Chairman, may I have permission to take both my cuts together?

The Chairman: Yes, please.

Bilateral Relations with Malaysia

Miss Rachel Ong: First, some bilateral relations with Malaysia. Singapore shares strong ties with Malaysia beyond economic, defence and trade to our people-to-people interactions and social relations. Our interdependencies in the areas of jobs, food and water supply, transport links, tourism and trade, have only been further magnified in the last year from border restrictions arising from the pandemic.

There are two concerns I would like to raise. The first, re-opening of borders with Johor. Prior to the pandemic, travelers using the Causeway between Johor and Singapore averaged over 300,000 per day, with over a third being Malaysians who commute daily for work and study. Since the Movement Control Order in March and the suspension of the Reciprocal Green Lane, movement has been reduced to travel under the PCA and commercial vehicles.

This has a multi-fold impact on trade, tourism and also social ties between Singaporeans and Malaysians with family members across the border. With the roll out of the vaccination programs in Johor and Singapore, I would like to ask the Ministry if there are upcoming plans to reopen borders with Johor?

The second is the high-level interactions with Malaysia. Regular and active exchange of visits between our political leaders have, in the past, helped our leadership on both sides develop relations and better understand each other. These exchanges are important to set the tone and overall direction for our bilateral relationships.

The COVID-19 pandemic and border restrictions have effectively put a halt to these physical interactions. How have these impacted our high-level interactions with Malaysia?

Bilateral Relations with Indonesia

May I continue with my second cut on bilateral relations with Indonesia. Indonesia is one of our closest neighbours. We have a deep and multi-faceted relationship that is rooted in mutually beneficial cooperation across multiple sectors. Similarly, our regular physical exchanges have been disrupted by COVID-19. It is essential that we maintain the close linkages between Singapore and Indonesia, so that we are ready to emerge stronger from the pandemic, which has impacted both our economies.

Singapore's economy, contracted by 5.08% in 2020, while Indonesia's contracted by 2.07%. Nonetheless, Singapore remained Indonesia's largest foreign investor in 2020. We also rank among each other's largest trading partners, with Indonesia ranking number 6 amongst Singapore's top trading partners in 2020 and a merchandise value of $48.8 billion. It is encouraging to know we continue to collaborate on key economic projects such as the Industry 4.0 Programme.

May I ask how the Ministry has sought to build on the Singapore-Indonesia relationship over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic? How will our two nations work together to overcome the challenges posed by COVID-19, and maintain essential connections and economic links?

Relations with Malaysia and Brunei

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim (Chua Chu Kang): Chairman, Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei are interlinked across social, economic, political, and security fronts. Singapore and Malaysia share a close relationship where many of our citizens live and work in both countries. Prior to the pandemic, more than 300,000 travellers crossed the Causeway every day.

Despite the pandemic, bilateral cooperation between the governments of Singapore and Malaysia has resulted in the formation of the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) and Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA) travel schemes. However, given the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in Malaysia, Singapore has suspended the RGL for a period of three months, beginning from February 2021. Given the disruptions to cross-border flows, could MFA explain how we have maintained our close linkages?

Brunei is another close neighbour with whom we share a special relationship. Singapore and Brunei have long-standing arrangements such as the Currency Interchangeability Agreement and also cooperate extensively in defence, finance, trade and investment. In March 2020, the Singapore Government contributed 3,000 diagnostic tests and one PCR machine to support the Brunei Government's fight against COVID-19.

In April 2020, a joint ministerial statement released by nine countries, including Singapore and Brunei, affirmed commitment to ensuring supply chain connectivity, to facilitate the flow of goods including essential supplies, amidst COVID-19. In September 2020, Singapore and Brunei initiated a RGL to facilitate essential business and official travel for residents from both countries. I would like to ask the Minister, what are the latest developments in Singapore-Brunei relations?

Relations with Indonesia and Africa

Ms Joan Pereira (Tanjong Pagar): Chairman, Indonesia is one of our closest neighbours and our relations have been underpinned by family ties between the people of both nations, cultural exchanges, interdependence and substantive collaboration across multiple domains. Singaporeans and Indonesians travel between both countries frequently, to visit relatives and friends, for leisure, for study, work and business. Our ties run deep and go back a very long way.

The on-going COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in travel restrictions and caused much hardship for people on both sides. It is much harder now to do everything, whether it is seeing loved ones or continuing cross-border business projects. How have we maintained or deepened this relationship during this challenging period? What are some of the initiatives and projects to keep our relations strong?

Next, I would like to ask the Minister for an update about Singapore companies in Sub-Saharan Africa. Would the Minister provide an update on how our companies are tapping this growing market and which sectors they are developing? While it is less familiar to most Singaporeans, it is an emerging market with great potential. Due to its young population, Sub-Saharan Africa is growing quickly and presents many opportunities which will do us well to seize them.

I understand that Singapore is one of the larger investors in Africa among Southeast Asian countries. As of 2019, there were more than 60 Singapore companies operating there. They covered a wide range of sectors, including agribusiness, manufacturing, logistics and digital services. How has our trade with them been progressing and would the Minister share some details about our investment figures and market share? How else is the Ministry supporting Singaporeans working and doing business there, especially in this COVID-19 environment?

Strengthening ASEAN

Ms Sylvia Lim: Despite the devastation from COVID-19 last year, ASEAN was able to adapt. For instance, at the ASEAN held on 15 November, the landmark Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership or RCEP was signed. The signing of the RCEP serves to broaden and deepen ASEAN's engagement with Australia, China, Japan, Korea and New Zealand.

At the same time, there are also fault lines which could unravel and undo all the progress ASEAN has achieved to date.

These fault lines play on the differences between ASEAN member states. A recent survey entitled State of Southeast Asia 2021, was conducted by the Yusof Ishak Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, among more than 1,000 academics, policy-makers, business people, civil society leaders, media and other organisations, from the 10 ASEAN member states. The survey results showed that overall, six in 10 respondents in ASEAN would choose the US over China, if forced.

When broken down by country, survey respondents from three countries should greater support for China, than the US, namely Myanmar, Brunei and Laos, while the respondents from the other seven countries showed stronger support for the US than China. Sir, the territorial disputes in South China Sea, still remain thorny issues. Recent happenings in Myanmar are highly regressive from a human rights perspective. ASEAN's operating principle of working through consensus, may be seen as a stumbling block at such times.

Given the above, I would like to ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs on how Singapore will seek to strengthen ASEAN's centrality and coordination? How will we work further through the ASEAN economic community and the ASEAN political security community? What about the potential of NGOs and the people to strengthen ASEAN?

Singapore as a Global-Asia Node

Mr Murali Pillai (Bukit Batok): Sir, Deputy Prime Minister Heng in his Budget speech highlighted that the strategy for our country to emerge stronger must involve deepening Singapore's position as a Global-Asia node. He also signalled that Singapore must deepen its capacity to collaborate and innovate with partners around the world, especially the ASEAN countries.

It may seem incredible, but over the course of the past one year, where all eyes appear to be focused on the Herculean effort in healthcare, social compliance and understanding the virus itself, two things happened under the radar, which shows that we have kept faith with the vision and how it stood us in good stead.

First, the securing of sufficient supply of vaccines ahead of other countries. This is no small feat. And today, Singapore is in a very good position to emerge from the pandemic. We must not take for granted that a small country with no bargaining power can secure a reliable supply of such a precious commodity and provide logistics, not just for Singapore, but for others in the region.

Second, investments in Singapore have continued unabated. We have heard of expansion of global firms in Singapore. In 2020, Singapore attracted Singapore attracted $17.2 billion in investments, despite its worst recession since Independence. We are therefore in a good position to realise the ambitions of a Global-Asia node. The question arises as to how MFA can facilitate these ambitions? How does MFA's work to enhance cooperation with these countries contribute to this imperative? Will the integration of ASEAN markets happen?

Deputy Prime Minister Heng has identified three areas for focus. The first is in the area of setting standards. Second, the area of human capital development, and the third, international business linkages.

All these rely on innovation, enterprise and technology. These must not be the esoteric domain of glass and steel in biopolis, but must flow into the conversations of coffeeshops in our housing estates, into "what I want to be when I grow up" essays in primary schools. The Global-Asia node cannot be an ambition for the few, but a lived reality for all.

Can the Minister tell us how MFA's efforts to make Singapore as a global Asia hub, improve the daily lives of Singaporeans, especially during these difficult times?

Supporting ASEAN Chair

Mr Derrick Goh (Nee Soon): Chairman, Singapore has always been strongly committed to free trade and connectivity as this is the foundation of how we make a living as a nation.

From this perspective, ASEAN is an important grouping for Singapore to strengthen our connectivity with Southeast Asia, to deepen our role as a hub for the region and sharing the vision of realising the ASEAN Community by 2025. Can Minister share how will Singapore be supporting ASEAN, especially this year's Chair, Brunei, to forge a closer ASEAN for the benefit of all?

Relations with Other Key Partners

Mr Abdul Samad (Nominated Member): Mr Chairman, Singapore has and will continue to thrive because of our openness to connect to all our partners around the world. We are friends with every country of the world and I believe we will and must continue to be so.

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We worked hard to maintain strong and cordial relations with our neighbours in the ASEAN countries. We have also been cooperating closely with them to advance ASEAN's community-building efforts and develop new areas of collaboration such as smart cities and digitalisation.

While we should press on with such efforts in our neighbourhood, this pandemic has also shown the importance of having a wider engagement strategy to shore up our country's resilience. In this regard, I would like to ask how is the Ministry deepening Singapore's engagement with other key partners beyond the ASEAN region?

I look forward to hearing from the Ministry the new efforts and measures they will put in place to sustain the relationship and engagement that has been built over the years for the present and the future.

Relations with Middle East Partners

Mr Saktiandi Supaat (Bishan-Toa Payoh): Mr Chairman, due to the pandemic travel restrictions, many Singaporean Muslims have not been able to perform the Haj and the Umrah since last year. Haj 2020 was deferred. Umrah pilgrimages are on hold until at least the third quarter of 2021. The Saudi government also limited the number of Haj pilgrims and only to residents within Saudi Arabia last year.

How is the Ministry working with the Saudi Arabian authorities to ensure our citizens have opportunities to perform their pilgrimage safely when restrictions are lifted? Can the Minister advise when Singaporean Muslims can look forward to making their annual pilgrimages? Would their vaccination status, for example, have any impact on their opportunities for them to do so?

Relations with Middle East

Mr Alex Yam (Marsiling-Yew Tee): Mr Chairman, amid the closing of borders and lockdowns, and the gloom due to the pandemic, paradoxically, the Middle East has shown some promise of peace in the region last one year. The Abraham Accords normalised relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as well as Bahrain. In another new chapter in the region, Saudi Arabia and three other Arab countries have reinstated diplomatic relations with Qatar – three years after ties were cut with Doha.

These agreements would perhaps signal a major shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics, which have long been characterised by the refusal of Gulf Arab states to engage in talks with Israel. The agreement can perhaps motivate additional Arab nations to negotiate bilaterally to normalise relationships with Israel. There are, of course, others who feel that the agreement would again ignore the most controversial regional issues such as the Palestinian question or the fraught relationship with Tehran.

Singapore and the Middle East have always had high-level exchanges, economic cooperation and people-to-people linkages. There are exchanges in a number of sectors, including healthcare, governance, culture and the environment.

We have the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (GSFTA) and we are the first country outside of the Middle East to conclude a free trade agreement (FTA) with the GCC. We have also a good relationship with Israel and the Singapore-Israel Industrial Research and Development Foundation has been supporting joint industrial R&D projects between companies from both countries.

Yet, while peace portents well for the world, we are reminded that the region is still very much a tinder box with the new US administration's tense new relationship with Saudi Arabia, continued acrimony with Iran and unease with some of the Israeli administration's policies.

Given these major developments in the Middle East, what are the implications for our foreign policy?

Emerging Markets Beyond Asia

Mr Gan Thiam Poh (Ang Mo Kio): Mr Chairman, trade is one of the most important pillars of our economy. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many of our established markets and it is timely for us to consider greater diversification. We should consider tapping into opportunities in other markets, especially those beyond Asia. Emerging economies in central and eastern Europe, the Middle East and Latin America are developing strongly with young populations. While they may not be obvious choices for our entrepreneurs, these are promising markets worth considering.

How are we engaging these emerging markets beyond Asia? Would the Minister provide an update on the measures and frameworks, such as trade agreements, to support Singapore companies there? How else is the Ministry supporting local companies interested in exploring opportunities in these markets?

New US Administration

Mr Baey Yam Keng (Tampines): Mr Chairman, in delivering Singapore's National Statement at the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2019, the Prime Minister said, "For small countries like Singapore, multilateral institutions, systems and laws are critical for our survival. These give us a stake in the global commons and a means to defend and advance our interests. A rules-based system imposes responsibilities on all countries and creates a stable environment for all. This is why Singapore is a staunch advocate of the United Nations (UN), international law and of the multilateral system."

For many decades, the United States has played the leadership role in forging a global multilateral system. However, the immediate past US President Donald Trump had very different views or rather, he had his own way to perform the role.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in July 2020, the US administration officially gave notice to withdraw from World Health Organization. On the environment front, there were nearly 100 rollbacks under the Trump administration to loosen regulations on everything from air and water quality to wildlife. In 2017, Trump announced his intention to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. The United States formally left the global pact on 4 November 2020, which, ironically, was the day after the US elections, which gave us Joe Biden as the 46th American president.

Mr Biden called climate change an existential threat to the health of our planet and to our very survival. He vowed to reverse some of the Trump administration's policies as well as enact more of his own to combat climate change. On the first day after his inauguration, Biden signed 15 executive orders, including one to re-join the Paris Agreement.

There is a Chinese saying, 朝更暮改, which literally means: what was just changed in the morning, changes again at night.

However, it would be wrong to label the United States, a global superpower, as fickle in its policies. Its institutions would be able to provide a good level of policy consistency from administration to administration. On the other hand, the United States has become more polarised as a nation. While Trump lost the elections, he still won more votes than any other presidential candidate, with the exception of Joe Biden.

With such a domestic landscape, how does Singapore see political considerations shaping future policy developments in US international relations? Can the Minister share how Singapore will seek to work with the new Biden administration?

State of Relations with China

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim (Chua Chu Kang): Mr Chairman, last year, Singapore and China celebrated the 30th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations. Singapore's economy depends heavily on trade and China is Singapore's biggest trading partner. In December 2020, both countries came together for the 16th Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation. It is the highest level of bilateral platforms between both countries.

Connectivity, digitalisation and sustainable development are increasingly critical areas for collaboration in a post-COVID-19 world. We have to ensure that the Singapore-China economic relationship is mutually beneficial and not one which is a win-lose.

Does COVID-19 have an adverse impact on existing areas of cooperation? What is the state of our relations with China and the progress of our government-to-government projects?

Singapore-China Relations

Mr Liang Eng Hwa (Bukit Panjang): Mr Chairman, Singaporean businesses have internationalised well in the China market and with many great success stories. This is to a large extent due to the substantive and multi-faceted relations that the two countries have built and enjoyed over the decades. Economic ties between the two countries are robust and continually being improved upon with regular enhancements to bilateral free trade agreements and new cooperation initiatives.

The series of government-to-government projects like the latest China-Singapore (Chongqing) Connectivity Initiative demonstrate strong state-level relations and have helped add further impetus to the economic relations at both the strategic and the business levels.

For Singaporean businesses, the annual Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) meetings, co-chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister Heng and China's Vice Premier Han Zheng, are often highly anticipated events where businesses look out for announcements in new areas of cooperation or for better mutual accesses to each other's markets.

The recent conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) would hopefully further invigorate Singapore-China trade.

China is a massive and diverse market, with each region and province offering varying business opportunities and investment potential. It is not possible for Singaporean businesses to be in every part of China. It makes sense for Singaporean businesses to operate, where possible, in areas where we have consular and economic agencies' support.

Can I ask the Minister how would MFA shape Singapore-China relations in the new global landscape and what would be the new focuses in the area of economic, trade and investment relations? What opportunities are there for Singaporean businesses in China, especially at the provincial and at the city levels?

Consular Assistance and Foreign Policy

Mr Desmond Choo (Tampines): Mr Chairman, there are currently 200,000 Singaporeans living abroad. For these Singaporeans, the MFA's Overseas Mission serves as the primary point of contact when they require any assistance. COVID-19 has placed some of these Singaporeans in a precarious state, especially for those in countries where the virus is less well-contained. Many of them would still be unable to return to Singapore for work or health reasons. COVID-19 has accentuated the need for Overseas Missions.

Could the MFA provide an update on how it has provided consular assistance to Singaporeans abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic? What roles do MFA's Overseas Missions play in providing consular assistance and what should Singaporeans in need of such assistance do? What challenges does MFA face that require the public's support?

Next, the strategic balance in the world is shifting due to the tussle between the United States and China. The world powers are going through a complex adaption to the new world order. Regional blocs and smaller countries have to similarly find its place in the new system. Furthermore, with Singapore as the fifth largest recipient of foreign direct investment inflows in the world, external developments will have a marked bearing on the future of every Singaporean. The COVID-19 pandemic's impact on critical food, medical supplies and vaccines are a good example of how complex international relations can have acute impact on Singapore's survivability in the longer run.

Against the backdrop of a more participative and cosmopolitan citizenry and international relations frequently being played out on social media, can the MFA share how it has engaged with Singaporeans on our foreign policy and how fellow Singaporeans can play their part in it? How can the Ministry better share complex foreign policies regularly so that Singaporeans can better understand our bilateral and multilateral initiatives?

Strengthening Singapore's Relevance

Mr Don Wee (Chua Chu Kang): Mr Chairman, Singapore had flourished, despite our lack of natural resources, by being attuned to the needs of our region and the world. By fulfilling these needs and adding value, we had aligned the interests of our allies with our own and had thus been able to earn our place in the world. Our relevance had enabled us to survive and thrive.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to many disruptions and changes. Our status as a hub – air hub, maritime hub, financial hub and more – is being threatened by uncertainty, travel restrictions and tighter border controls. In addition, ever improving online connectivity has shrunk distances between nations, bypassed physical obstacles and blunted certain geographical advantages. To stay relevant within this new order, we will have to change course, invest more in certain sectors and partnerships, reduce resource allocations for others or even give up certain endeavours.

Would the Ministry share how Singapore is working to retain its relevance internationally in this challenging environment? How can we remake ourselves so that we remain a valued member in the international community? In the face of weakening multilateralism, what is Singapore's strategy to secure our place amidst international engagements?

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A Broader Base of International Support

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song (Aljunied): A cornerstone of Singapore's foreign policies defending our interest at multilateral organisations, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization and International Maritime Organization. Singapore has won a seat on the councils of both organisations. Last year, we achieved another milestone in having a Singaporean, Mr Daren Tang, elected as a Secretary-General of the World Intellectual Property Organization.

Towards securing our candidatures, we need to depend on the support of more than just our major and regional partners. Singapore also has to engage countries in Africa, Latin America, the Carribean and the Pacific Islands. However, engaging these countries is a mammoth task. In MFA, there are about eight desk officers who cover about a hundred countries in these regions and only three resident embassies in these regions. Inevitably, we sacrifice depth of knowledge for width of engagement. Can I ask the Minister, are the current resources sufficient, given increased competition from other countries?

Second, is MFA receiving enough support from other Government agencies? While it is understandable that domestic issues are prioritised over hosting foreign visitors, sharing expertise and offering technical assistance, the latter set of actions are a key aspect of our engagement in our larger foreign policy goals. I am glad that the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP) has moved some courses online. The SCP is a useful tool in building goodwill for Singapore and it is vital that its effectiveness is maintained despite COVID-19.

The on-going pandemic has reduced the number of opportunities for direct high-level physical contacts with these countries. Has MFA been able to maintain or step up such contacts through virtual meetings?

Protection for Diplomatic Staff

Mr Raj Joshua Thomas (Nominated Member): Sitting on the coffee table at my firm's lobby is a book titled "The Singapore Foreign Service: The First 40 Years". I received this as a young Foreign Service Officer in my first job. I placed it at my lobby so that visitors can peruse it while waiting for their meetings or interviews and in a small way, help to educate people on the important work that our foreign service does.

I recall then-Foreign Minister George Yeo, not long after the launch of this book in 2006, saying in this House that our Foreign Service Officers (FSOs) are a "special group of people". And indeed they are.

When the pandemic broke, our FSOs played a critical role in providing consular support and comfort to Singaporeans overseas, helping to bring many of them home. As the pandemic grew more widespread, our FSOs remained overseas, many in countries where the pandemic was raging and in which it was unsafe for them to remain. They continue to be there now, protecting and advancing Singapore’s interests.

Sir, it is easy to be out of mind when one is out of sight. So, while we are safely cloistered here at home, largely unaffected by the pandemic, let us remember that there are fellow Singaporeans overseas, doing their part at the absolute frontlines of this battle against COVID-19.

On this note, I would like to echo Member Henry Kwek in thanking all of our Foreign Service Officers and diplomatic staff overseas for their dedication, courage, loyalty and service to Singapore and Singaporeans.

In this connection, Sir, I would like to ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs what are the measures being taken at missions to protect our foreign service officers against COVID-19 and what are the plans for them as regards getting vaccinated against COVID-19?

The Chairman: Order. I propose to take a break now.

Thereupon Mr Speaker left the Chair of the Committee and took the Chair of the House.

Mr Speaker: Order. I suspend the Sitting and will take the Chair at 2.55 pm.

Sitting accordingly suspended

at 2.34 pm until 2.55 pm.

Sitting resumed at 2.55 pm.

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Debate in Committee of Supply resumed.

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Head N (cont) –

The Minister for Foreign Affairs (Dr Vivian Balakrishnan): Mr Chairman, when I spoke at last year's Committee of Supply (COS), at that point in time we had just repatriated 266 people from Wuhan, our own citizens. And this just in the initial days of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, 2020 has been a very busy year. At MFA, we undertook our largest ever consular operation in our history. Mr Alex Yam would know that we worked round the clock and have brought back so far, over 4,500 Singaporeans and their family members. There were many challenges, but we were determined to leave no Singaporean behind. Around the world, flights were disrupted, borders were closed, public health situations were deteriorating. And we had an unprecedented number of requests for consular assistance. In some countries like India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, we were able to mount repatriation flights to bring large groups home.

But there were other places where Singaporeans were stuck in areas where we had no ground presence, no embassies. I am glad that members of this House have conveyed their appreciation to the men and women of MFA, all of whom, I want to emphasise, have remained unflinchingly at post overseas throughout this crisis, even as it worsened. Many of them are still separated from their family members, after one year. More than 300 of our officers continue serving at our overseas missions. They fly our flag abroad, keep in touch with Singaporeans overseas, help those who wish to come home, provide support to those who choose to remain. They also work closely with our economic and health agencies to sustain our flows of food, medical supplies and vaccines. They are part of the whole-of-Government of Singapore.

I should also say, although I will not reveal the numbers, that some of our MFA officers have been infected with COVID-19 whilst they were overseas at post. For privacy reasons and operational reasons, I hope you will not ask me for the numbers, But let me assure this House that fortunately, all of them have recovered and are well.

But again, this reflects our debt to them. Their grit and their resilience and their commitment to duty in the face of a crisis.

Our Foreign Service Officers have worked over many years to build up diplomatic capital and in the last one year, we have drawn down on this capital. For example, where we had no embassies, we reached out to our partners including Malaysia, Japan, France, the UK, Israel and Taiwan to help bring our people home. Similarly, where we could, we also facilitated the return and transits of other countries’ nationals using our aircraft or transiting through Changi Airport.

Across the Causeway, we have been working closely with the Malaysian authorities to help more than 350 Singaporeans who are elderly, or minors, or people with disabilities, so that they could reunite with their families in Singapore throughout these border closures.

Mr Alex Yam had also asked about how we helped to ensure supply chain connectivity. In the early days of the crisis, when borders were closing, we worked with partners like Australia, Canada, Chile, New Zealand and our fellow ASEAN countries to keep the supplies of essential goods flowing. And this was absolutely crucial in that time of disruption and upheaval.

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Let me give you one example. We established an air freight connectivity partnership with New Zealand, where flights transported food from New Zealand to Singapore and medical supplies Singapore to New Zealand.

Efforts over the years to enhance our presence at multilateral fora have also paid off. We have participated actively at the UN, at the WHO and the WTO. And our networks were also key to securing our vaccine supplies early and to minimise delays.

But beyond shoring up our foundation in a time of crisis, we are also building up resilience for a post-COVID-19 future. In this shifting, uncertain and volatile environment, strengthening our resilience is inextricably intertwined with increasing our relevance to the world. Mr Lee Kuan Yew's reminder to us to always seek relevance, has never rung more true than today.

Let me touch on five priorities.

First, diversifying and deepening our trade relationships. COVID-19 amplified the push for shorter supply chains, for greater efficiency and security, and many countries were stampeded into this. Nationalism, protectionism, became politically attractive in many parts of the world, especially when there is fear and uncertainty.

So, the fact that we were still able to sign the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, or RCEP, last year, was an important boost for trade and economic integration but also a statement and affirmation in itself, of the importance of maintaining multilateral trade relationships. It reaffirmed the role of free trade for shared prosperity and peace.

Both the RCEP and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, or CPTPP, remain open, the door remains open for like-minded economies to join, and as pathfinders to what we hope will ultimately be even wider agreements.

For Singapore, I do not think I need to remind the House that trade remains three times our GDP. So, this is not a debating point, trade is our lifeblood. Sustaining international support for trade helps bolster our economic growth, as well as create jobs for Singaporeans.

Second priority, to enhance our nexus for trade, shipping, finance, and data, and even more important, ideas. Throughout this crisis, Singapore has continued to be a transit hub for foreign nationals who needed desperately to get home, as well as for crew changes for the maritime industry so that essential supplies and food, and medication can continue to move across the globe.

This is one reason why MOT has been very busy. Changi Airport, our port could never close. This is the other reason why, you will continue to see from time to time, we will have cases, apparently imported. Because, unlike other countries, complete isolation and shut down is not a viable strategy for Singapore.

Even now, we are facilitating Singapore's economic recovery by continuing to negotiate reciprocal green lanes, RGLs, and other safe travel arrangements. Although, Members of the House will also appreciate that green lanes' bubbles will have to open and shut according to circumstances. We need flexibility.

But the more important point is that we have continued to be a paragon of reliability, trustworthiness, that we have honoured at all times, the sanctity of contracts. We have never impounded supplies even when the crisis was deep.

The third priority is to promote multi-stakeholder partnerships. COVID-19 has in fact shown that we can achieve new levels of partnership between government, civil society and industry – across borders – when we are united around a common purpose.

For example, we have seen unprecedented levels of international scientific and medical cooperation throughout this crisis. Let me give you an example.

China scientists actually published the genome of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in January last year. Very early, in the pandemic. Because they published it and because Singapore also played a small but important role in curating and processing the genome – and in fact, subsequent massive amounts of data on the genome database for COVID-19 – diagnostic tests were quickly developed all over the world, including in Singapore. There has been effective cooperation across borders to share research and to develop tests, vaccines and treatments.

Ms Tin Pei Ling asked how Singapore has contributed to international efforts to fight COVID-19. Apart from our work on diagnostic kits, we were also amongst the first in the world to launch digital contact tracing solutions and one of the first to develop a contact tracing protocol, which we then open-sourced so others could access it, use it, modify it.

Singapore also played a key role in establishing the COVAX collective vaccine purchase mechanism, which I believe several Members – Ms Sylvia Lim and Mr Chong Kee Hiong – have asked about this. We must start with the principle, that fair and equitable access to vaccines across the globe is essential. This is not an ideological position, this is a practical proposition, because no one is safe, until everyone is safe. This is especially so for a small, open country like Singapore. No matter how well we control the pandemic within our borders, life cannot resume and get back to the status quo ante, unless the rest of the world is also made safer.

This is why Singapore was an early supporter of the COVAX Facility, which seeks to harmonise public and private incentives for global vaccine development. We founded and we co-chair the Friends of the COVAX Facility group, to provide impetus and support for the Facility's development. It is very easy now to say, "Oh, that's obvious. Why don't you do more?" But we will put our hands up when it was not obvious and when everyone was focused internally.

Under the COVAX mechanism, self-funded countries like Singapore will be allocated a certain small amount. But really, what this facility does is to ensure that subsidised vaccines will be allocated to other 92 low- and lower middle income countries. So, on this count, Singapore is a net donor. Have no doubt about that.

Now, in a panic, in a crisis, it is actually quite natural for every country to look to secure supplies for themselves first. But we know that the virus knows no borders. COVAX's primary value is in supporting wider access to vaccines. Without it, we would all be collectively worse off.

In fact, Members may or may not be aware that it was Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong who introduced the term "vaccine multilateralism", which everyone bandies about now. He used it in June last year and it has since been acknowledged by the WHO Director General, and it has entered the international anti-COVID lexicon.

We also contributed US$5 million to COVAX to help low-income countries access vaccines through this facility. Our quantum took into account the needs of the larger international community, and also our status as a tiny city state, but a responsible and contributing member of the international community.

The need for a multilateral approach to fight COVID-19 is therefore, self-evident. This virus, I repeat, does not discriminate across language, race, religion or borders. And therefore, it is in our collective interest to help each other.

The fourth priority is climate change and many Members have referred to this. I am pleased to report that even in the midst of the pandemic, many countries continued to push ahead with implementing their obligations under the Paris Agreement. China, South Korea and Japan announced net zero targets.

And we welcome the return of the US to the Paris Agreement. As a small island state, Singapore is disproportionately affected by climate change, but this is not a problem we can solve on our own. We must continue to work with the international community to operationalise, in a real and practical way, the Paris Agreement.

For Singapore, MFA will work with other Ministries to do our part as a responsible member of the international community. We will seek new areas of cooperation, in innovating to build greener, more liveable cities, and because the world has now reached the point where more than half of humanity live in cities, urban solutions that we generate in Singapore will have salience and will be relevant all over the world. Therefore, we will help sustain global momentum towards a more sustainable future.

This brings me to the fifth area, digital cooperation, which Mr Henry Kwek addressed. The digital revolution was actually well under way before the onset of COVID-19. The pandemic actually acted as a stress test, it was a catalyst, it sped up our movement online, voluntarily or otherwise; and everyone had to rely on digital tools for work, for school, for purchases, for transactions.

To sustain growth and help us move ahead in the digital economy, we need to develop common frameworks, common global standards to ensure that cross-border transactions and engagements and digital exchanges, including e-payments and data flows, are safe, secure and efficient. This is why we concluded Digital Economy Agreements with Australia, Chile and New Zealand, and are exploring more with other partners.

At home and abroad, we are also supporting capacity-building. Deputy Prime Minister Heng put a lot into education and skills and training, and that is to make sure that Singaporeans will have the skills and the capacity to be at the forefront of this global revolution.

At the UN, ASEAN and other platforms, we will continue to work with our partners to develop and strengthen norms of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace. Here you know I am referring to cybersecurity, which, in fact, remains a clear and present danger for all of us. Even more so now, that we are so dependent on digital technologies.

Making progress on these priorities that I have just outlined, will not be easy. The world will continue to feel the pandemic's after-effects for several years to come. There will still be great geopolitical and macroeconomic risk for Singapore. I want to spend some time addressing this question of "risk to Singapore".

First, global debt is already rising at unprecedented levels in the post-financial crisis era, that was 2007, 2008. Now, with COVID-19, you have seen a doubling of the global debt overhang. Governments have rolled out fiscal measures, loosened monetary measures, corporations have borrowed to stay afloat during the pandemic.

In the short term, these steps have helped to avert the worst economic consequences for the globe. But you know these are ultimately not sustainable in the long run. That means, managing the transition will be a perilous journey for all of us, and especially for Singapore because of the role that we play in the global economy. So, that is one.

The second is that the economic impact of COVID-19 has deepened fault lines, all across the globe and led to divisions both within and between countries and societies. Politically, that is why we are witnessing growing friction and distrust rather than cooperation and confidence-building. There has been increased pressure for governments to take a nationalistic, protectionist and isolationist approach. We have already seen this happen, whether it is the scramble for masks or PPE, or even now, in the distribution of vaccines.

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The third risk that we are going to confront is that COVID-19 has, in fact, accelerated the pre-existing downward spiral of the US-China relations. Over the past year, we have witnessed sharp exchanges between senior figures on both sides. And this is deeply worrying. The US-China relationship remains the linchpin for geopolitical stability.

But the fundamental shift in relations between two superpowers preceded the outbreak of COVID-19.

China is increasing its influence, asserting its place in the world. The younger generation in China who grown up in the last 40 years have only known ascendency and they will not tolerate being treated or even perceive being treated unfairly by any foreign power.

At the same time – and I tell you as a person who has had to travel frequently to the United States over the past five years, except for last year –now there is absolutely no doubt that there bipartisan support in the US for a tougher stance against China, to rectify what they believe are unfair practices, trade practices as well as to deal with a contest, a competition with a strategic rival on a scale that United States has never faced before. Even with new Biden administration, it is unlikely that the measures and tariffs against China will be removed in the near future.

Friction over trade, emerging technologies, human rights, defence, finance and cybersecurity have all continued unabated.

But I still believe, or perhaps you can say that it is a hope, that the US and China will find ways to manage their relations. Practical cooperation is possible, especially if it is conducted within a rules-based multilateral system, with established rules and norms of engagement.

Some areas, in fact, COVID-19 is an example, which has starkly reminded the world of our interdependence and it would have been far more effective if the US and China had been able to cooperate effectively from day one.

Another area where you need effective cooperation between the two superpowers is climate change. And here, I speak from personal experience. In 2015, as a Ministerial facilitator for the negotiations that ultimately led to the Paris Agreement, I witnessed first-hand how effective cooperation between the US and China enabled us to achieve what would otherwise have been unattainable in 2015.

President Biden and President Xi had their first official phone call recently – I am sure it was carefully selected – the date was on the eve of Chinese New Year.

It was a polite but firm conversation. They spoke about their respective concerns and differences. But they also discussed tackling COVID-19, the global health system, climate change and countering proliferation. I think that is a good start but without wishing away all the fundamental hurdles, obstacles and prickliness to their relationship.

In our own region, it will be crucial to maintain ASEAN Centrality amidst this greater geopolitical competition and uncertainty.

We must continue strengthening ASEAN integration in concrete ways, whether in public health, economic cooperation or establishing protocols to prepare for safe re-opening. And this will reinforce the concentric circles of an open and inclusive regional architecture, which includes mechanisms like the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN Regional Forum and help ASEAN hold together, even as external forces try to push us or pull us one way or another, as it will invariably happen.

But ASEAN also has additional internal challenges. And Myanmar, unfortunately, is a case in point. The recent developments in Myanmar are a source of grave concern to Singapore and indeed, to the larger ASEAN family.

The immediate priority is to halt all acts of violence and the use of lethal force and to step back from a rapidly deteriorating situation. Yesterday, I think you all know there was a significant escalation in violence across the cities in Myanmar. Security forces shot at civilians with live rounds, rubber bullets, stun grenades and tear gas. Many deaths and injuries were caused. We are appalled by the use of lethal force against civilians. We express our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives and we hope that the injured will recover quickly. We strongly reiterate that the use of lethal weapons against unarmed civilians is inexcusable under all circumstances. We call on the Myanmar military authorities to exercise the utmost restraint, to desist from the use of lethal force and to take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation in order to prevent further bloodshed, violence and deaths.

Prolonged instability in Myanmar will have serious consequences for Myanmar, for ASEAN and across our region. We therefore call on all parties in Myanmar to engage in discussions and to negotiate in good faith, to pursue long-term peaceful political solutions for them to achieve national reconciliation, including a path to find a way to get back to the path of democratic transition. And we believe this can only begin if President Win Myint, and State Counsellor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Ky and the other detainees are immediately released.

Despite ASEAN's core principles of consensus and non-interference, ASEAN can still play a constructive role in facilitating, hopefully, a return to normalcy and stability in Myanmar. This was why Singapore strongly supported ASEAN's efforts from the start, including the ASEAN Chair's Statement. We believe in engagement and dialogue in good faith with all relevant stakeholders. A special ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting will be convened via video conference tomorrow and where we will listen to the representative of the Myanmar military authorities.

ASEAN will also work closely with all our external partners to foster an inclusive dialogue with all key stakeholders. And we must ensure that the mutually beneficial relations that ASEAN and our partners have built up do not become paralysed by this issue.

If we can hold together and maintain ASEAN Centrality, the longer term prospects for our region are still robust.

In case people do not appreciate the use of the word "centrality", it is not just jargon. You see, the choice for Southeast Asia is either we hang together, as what Mr Rajaratnam said at our founding, or for us to become fragmented into battleground and proxy states and vessel states. So, when we say "centrality" and "integration", these are crucial for all the 10 members of Southeast Asia, all the more so when there is geopolitical instability. But if we can hold together, hang together, maintain centrality, then our longer term prospects for our region, in fact, are bright.

Despite the pandemic, consider the fundamentals of growth in our region. We have 650 million people. ASEAN has a growing middle class and, in fact, will be one of the parts of the world in the next 20 years with the fastest growing middle class. We also have a rapidly expanding digital economy. It is no accident that we have a disproportionate number of unicorns, not just in Singapore, but also in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and expanding across ASEAN.

We are also well-placed to leverage the reconfiguration of supply chains that is occurring now in the world. Accelerated no doubt by COVID-19 but really, fundamental trends that were already there beforehand. And so, it is imperative that we press on with economic integration, fulfil the ASEAN Community Blueprints, and continue to expand cooperation with all of ASEAN's external partners in an inclusive way.

Let me now turn more specifically to how Singapore will navigate the relationship between the US and China.

We have a longstanding, strong relationship with the US. It is a cooperation that is multi-faceted. It includes vital areas: defence, security, economic, cybersecurity and people-to-people education.

And as the digital economy grows, we should all remember that the US is home to a vast pool of innovation, technology and talent that they harvest from all over the world. Its companies in Silicon Valley and beyond are global champions. It remains at the forefront of developments in science and technology. American companies like Pfizer and Moderna have been trailblazers on vaccines and treatments. American innovation and enterprise remain engines for global growth. American companies will continue to lead the digital revolution. This is why I never count the Americans out.

The cumulative stock of US foreign direct investment (FDI) in Southeast Asia stands at more than US$338 billion. The exact number is not so important. What is more important is that this sum is more than what the US has invested in India, Japan, South Korea and China combined. Stop for a moment to think about that. The US has more invested in Southeast Asia than it has in India, China, Japan and South Korea combined. Every time I met President Trump, I reminded him of this statistic. And there is another factoid. Approximately 85% of the US total investments in Southeast Asia are in Singapore – which creates many good jobs here. So, you understand then why our relationship with the US remains crucial.

And the US military presence has underpinned peace and stability in our region for over half a century. I recently spoke separately with newly-appointed US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. Fortunately, both are old friends. I am familiar with them. I have known them in various incarnations before their current positions. We reaffirmed our excellent relationship and robust cooperation and discussed doing more in areas like global health, cybersecurity and the digital economy so that together, we can better tackle the challenges of our generation.

With China, we share a deep, historical, cultural, linguistic legacy. We have a wide-ranging and important relationship, and I will get Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat to speak more about that after this. But I want to highlight a few points.

China remains our largest trading partner, and surprisingly, we are China's largest foreign investor. We have three government-to-government projects: the Suzhou Industrial Park, the Tianjin Eco City and Chongqing Connectivity Initiative and all these have made commendable progress over the years. And you will know that Deputy Prime Minister Heng just co-chaired the Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC).

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Despite the pandemic, we have kept up our pace of cooperation and engagement with China. We sent medical equipment and supplies to each other at crucial stages of the crisis respectively. For operational reasons, I cannot go into details but let me assure you – when the chips were down on either side – fortunately, at different times – we stepped up and we helped.

That is how you build trust. That is how you prove that you are a reliable partner, when a crisis breaks out and the chips are down.

Therefore, you should not be surprised that China was the first country with which we established a reciprocal agreement – both because we have both been able to control the pandemic domestically and also because of this large reservoir of trust.

Politburo Member Yang Jiechi visited Singapore last August and I also met State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his transit in Singapore in October. Needless to say, I have been on the phone with him several times in the last year.

Going forward, we will continue to strengthen existing collaboration, with Singapore plugged into China's dual-circulation strategy. And we will look for new opportunities and break new ground.

So, given our deep friendships and our investments with both the US and China, it is inevitable that we will feel the tug of great power competition from time to time. We must expect this. We must not be upset or panic whenever we feel these tugs. In fact, I would say this is a design feature of the way we engage the two superpowers.

It is normal for two superpowers to try to influence others to their way of thinking, particularly, if we are considered to be an important account, worth pushing and pulling.

But I want to stress it is normal – in fact, it is imperative – for Singapore, or for any country, for that matter, to want to be able to choose for ourselves instead of being forced into making decisions by other people – in other words, not to be forced into making invidious choices.

So, in navigating between the two superpowers, we must continue to maintain a consistent and principled foreign policy. For me, in simple terms, it means, I say the same thing to Wang Yi as I say to Antony Blinken. I do not have the luxury of saying different things to both of them and then hoping they do not compare notes. By being consistent.

Next, we exercise our sovereign rights but with full respect for a rules-based multilateral world order and international law, and regardless of inducements or threats. What that means is that from time to time, we will have to say "no" to one or the other or both.

When that happens – if you look back over the last five years, there have been incidents. We depend on the confidence, cohesion and unity of the Singaporean public and of Members of this House, across party lines, to stick together. That is how we maintain our relevance and our strategic autonomy and that is how we preserve our independence and our unique identity as a multi-racial, multicultural city state in the heart of Southeast Asia. By being relevant to both and at the same time, making it very clear to both of them that we will never be a stalking horse or a Trojan Horse for the other.

This same principle actually applies in our dealings with our closest neighbours, which I think Miss Rachel Ong and others have asked about.

With Malaysia, we have always sought a win-win approach in the many areas where we have common interests. I had previously spoken about how we had helped to bring each other's citizens home – I told Minister Hishammuddin we "tumpang" each other's transport – and we facilitated travel between our countries for those with urgent and compassionate needs because so many of us have relatives across the Causeway.

We have coordinated well with Malaysia on our COVID-19 safeguards in order to minimise the disruptions to our companies, workers and citizens as well as the cross-border flow of goods and supplies.

Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein is a good friend whom I have known for two decades now. We met at the Causeway but with the boundary separating us on 26 July last year to discuss our travel arrangements in light of the border closures. Shortly after, we launched the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) and the Periodic Commuting Arrangement on 10 August 2020 for essential work, business and official travel.

Given the resurgence of COVID-19 worldwide, including in Malaysia in recent months, we had to suspend the Reciprocal Green Lane for three months from 1 February 2021 but we will review this after the suspension period. We will continue to work with Malaysia to gradually resume the cross-border movement of people, but this will need to include mutually agreed public health protocols to preserve the public health and safety of our peoples, while taking into account the medical resources available on both sides.

I will continue to maintain regular communication with both the Foreign Minister Hishammuddin and the Menteri Besar of Johor Hasni Mohammad.

We have managed to make progress on bilateral projects and issues. For example, we concluded negotiations to resume the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link Project in July last year. When completed, the RTS Link will ease Causeway congestion, improve connectivity and foster more convenient people-to-people ties and generate shared economic and social benefits.

Where we have had differences, we have also been able to manage them in a calm and rational way. For example, Malaysia allowed the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) Bilateral Agreement (BA) to be terminated on 31 December 2020 and has agreed to compensate Singapore for costs already incurred by Singapore in fulfilling our obligations under the HSR BA in accordance with this agreement.

We had been flexible in trying to work out an arrangement that was acceptable to both sides and had agreed to suspend the construction of the HSR Project in September 2018. And then, in May 2020, we agreed to extend the suspension period to 31 December 2020. However – and I think Minister Ong has explained to this House before – we could not accept Malaysia's latest HSR proposal as it constituted a fundamental departure from our prior agreement.

Ultimately, whilst we seek cooperation with our neighbours, we must always ensure that Singapore's long-term interests and rights are also protected. Still, it is good that both sides have been able to handle this amicably and will continue cooperation in other areas.

In Malaysia, Movement Control Orders have also been implemented in the different states. Malaysia declared a State of Emergency which will last until August 2021. Both the pandemic and the political situation will remain fluid and we probably will see an election in Malaysia later this year. Regardless of the outcome, we continue to look for opportunities to work with Malaysia and to make progress where we can.

On Indonesia, we continue to have a close and substantive partnership, even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic. High-level exchanges have continued, including Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi's recent visit to Singapore. In fact, I have been in almost daily contact with her, either by phone or via WhatsApp message for quite some time. We will continue to work together towards a strong recovery.

Areas for cooperation between Singapore and Indonesia include public health, economic growth and investments, financial cooperation and safe travel. There has already been progress on some of these areas. I will just give you a quick few examples.

Prime Minister Lee and President Joko Widodo endorsed the renewal of our Bilateral Financial Arrangement in 2020, which will help support monetary and financial stability in both our countries. We also launched an RGL with Indonesia in October 2020 to keep up business activities and people-to-people exchanges in a safe way. Whilst this Reciprocal Green Lane is currently suspended, we look forward to working with Indonesia to resume this when both sides are ready to do so, when the pandemic is under better control.

We have also been providing medical supplies, including diagnostic test kits, PCR machines and personal protective equipment (PPE) to both the central and regional governments as well as various non-governmental organisations.

In addition, we have taken steps on outstanding bilateral issues. At the last Singapore-Indonesia Leaders' Retreat, Prime Minister Lee and President Jokowi also welcomed our agreed "Framework for Discussions", where military training and the Flight Information Region (FIR) will be discussed separately but concurrently. And I am pleased that officials on both sides have continued discussions to move these issues forward.

It speaks to the strength of our relationship that though the current situation may be challenging, we continue to look for ways to work constructively together.

Mr Chairman, as we look ahead, there is much uncertainty on the horizon, particularly the foreign horizon. The waters around us remain turbulent. There will continue to be unexpected currents, gales, typhoons, maybe even tsunamis that could potentially throw us off course.

But the last year has shown that – as Singapore Inc, as the Singapore people and the ship of Singapore – we have demonstrated our resilience as a people and as a country. We have made sacrifices for each other, we have looked out for each other's well-being and safety, we have kept the public health situation under control, and leaving no Singaporean behind anywhere in the world has been perhaps the best reminder about the value of citizenship. It is not just a red passport opening doors all over the rest of the world.

We have preserved our relevance and I think we have actually strengthened our reputation as a principled, reliable and credible actor on the international stage. These will stand us in good stead going forward as we continue to pursue Singapore's long-term interests, always preserving our independence and our unique identity as a multi-racial, multicultural city state in the heart of Southeast Asia.

This is our way of fulfilling Deputy Prime Minister Heng's challenge of emerging stronger. We will emerge stronger in an uncertain world. [Applause.]

The Chairman: Minister Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman.

The Second Minister for Foreign Affairs (Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman): Thank you, Mr Chairman. COVID-19 has caused major disruptions in our external environment. While the situation in Singapore has improved greatly since last year, normalcy remains some way off. Meanwhile, MFA will have to maintain and strengthen relations with our neighbours and partners to achieve peace and prosperity for ourselves and our region.

As Minister Balakrishnan has said earlier, as a responsible member of the international community, we worked with our partners to bring Singaporeans home and helped foreign nationals do likewise, despite the global impact of travel restrictions. We kept supply chains open and served as an airbridge to facilitate critical and compassionate travel and the operations of United Nation (UN) agencies such as the World Health Organization and UNICEF.

As a reliable host, we saw to the welfare of vulnerable foreigners working in Singapore. We ensured medical care, meals and phonecards for migrant workers and mandated that their salaries be paid on time.

Our relations with our immediate neighbours, Malaysia and Indonesia, remain strong. While issues have cropped up from time to time, we have addressed them constructively. We should not take this cooperation for granted.

Relations with our nearest neighbour, Malaysia, can be best characterised by the Malay saying “bagai aur dengan tebing” or like bamboo and the water’s edge. Malaysia and Singapore are deeply intertwined, with strong people-to-people and economic linkages. Although COVID-19 and the ensuing border restrictions have caused significant disruptions, both countries have cooperated to alleviate these challenges. In the early days of COVID-19, we appreciated Prime Minister Muhyiddin’s assurance that supplies from Malaysia would not be disrupted even with their lockdown.

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As Minister Vivian Balakrishnan earlier said, Singapore and Malaysia have helped each other during this difficult time. For example, in April 2020, we brought 60 Malaysians out from Bangladesh on a Singapore Airlines flight. Malaysia also helped Singaporeans return home, including 22 Singaporeans who left Nepal the same month on a Malaysian government flight.

We have also worked very closely with Malaysian authorities to facilitate Singaporeans’ travel into Malaysia for essential and compassionate reasons. Since March 2020, we have also facilitated the appeals of more than 250 Singaporean citizens and Permanent Residents to travel to Malaysia. When Malaysia implemented its Movement Control Order in March 2020, many Malaysians who used to commute to work in Singapore daily could not do so at that time. We worked with employers on short-term housing for these workers. In August 2020, we launched the Periodic Commuting arrangement to facilitate cross-border travel for work.

Let me now turn to our relationship with Indonesia, which remains strong, despite the pandemic. Singapore remained Indonesia’s largest foreign investor in 2020, a position we have held since 2014. In fact, Singapore’s investments in Indonesia increased by 50% in 2020 over 2019.

We have kept up momentum on our bilateral projects. I will now elaborate on these relationships in Malay.

(In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Mr Zhulkarnain has asked how we have maintained close ties with our nearest neighbour Malaysia, during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly given the disruptions to cross-border flows.

Singapore and Malaysia are each other’s second-largest trading partners and significant investors.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought sharp focus to the interdependence of both countries.

On 18 March 2020, Malaysia imposed its first Movement Control Order (MCO).

We reacted quickly to the developments.

We immediately formed the Singapore-Malaysia Special Working Committee on COVID-19 to ensure both sides could work together and achieve a mutually beneficial outcome as well as facilitate the safe movement of essential people, goods and services.

We have worked closely with the Perikatan Nasional government to tackle the effects of COVID-19, especially on essential cross-border movements.

This allowed us to ensure that our supply chains with Malaysia continued uninterrupted, particularly for perishable food products, despite the border restrictions.

Just like us, Malaysia has been working hard to bring its COVID-19 situation under control.

Various categories of Movement Control Orders (MCOs) have been implemented in the different states in Malaysia. Malaysia also declared a State of Emergency in January 2021.

We wish them well and stand ready to provide any assistance that might be needed.

Throughout the pandemic, our leaders and civil services have maintained good, open lines of communication.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the mode of our interactions with Malaysian leaders. Nevertheless, we have adopted other ways to continue these high-level interactions.

This has allowed us to cooperate constructively in facing the challenges posed by the pandemic.

I would also like to put on record Singapore’s appreciation for Malaysia’s successful APEC Chairmanship despite COVID-19, capped off by Malaysia’s successful hosting of the virtual APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in November 2020.

Such interactions continue to advance regional economic integration even as we tackle the pandemic together.

Now allow me to turn to Singapore’s relationship with Indonesia. Our relationship with Indonesia is deep and multifaceted, with mutually beneficial collaboration spanning trade, investment, tourism, security, and education sectors.

Singapore maintains close ties with Indonesian leaders.

We have worked well with President Joko Widodo and his Administration and look forward to sustaining this positive momentum.

We have also maintained close regional engagement with Indonesia’s provincial leaders.

Prior to the onset of the pandemic, I made a working visit to several cities in the Indonesian provinces, including Jambi City, Pekanbaru, and Batam.

This was part of our overall effort to strengthen cooperation with Indonesia’s regions and suss out new opportunities for collaboration.

Many of these opportunities are currently situated in the Province of Riau Islands (KEPRI), specifically Batam, where investment from Singapore totaled US$132 million in the first three quarters of 2020.

Singapore was also the country that invested in the largest number of projects in Batam, with investments in a total of 620 projects.

Singapore looks forward to continuing our strong links with the regional leaders and hopes to restart exchanges through physical visits when the situation allows.

Ms Joan Pereira has pointed out the substantive cooperation between Indonesia and Singapore in many different areas and enquired about our efforts to further strengthen this relationship during this COVID-19 pandemic.

We have kept up our high-level exchanges with Indonesia.

Many of our Cabinet Ministers and officials kept up regular engagements and communication with their counterparts through video and phone calls.

We have continued to maintain strong momentum on our bilateral economic projects.

We convened the Six Bilateral Economic Working Groups (6WG) Ministerial Meeting virtually, allowing us to advance mutually beneficial projects such as the Kendal Industrial Park and exploring ways to increase the volume of trade in agricultural products.

At the strategic level, we have continued discussions on the management of our Flight Information Region (FIR) and military training with Indonesia separately but concurrently under the Framework for Discussions announced at the Leaders’ Retreat in 2019.

Our defence and security establishments continue to maintain strong ties and stand ready to work together in areas such as counterterrorism.

We are also working closely to tackle common challenges such as in the environment sector.

In addition, we launched the Singapore-Indonesia Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) in October 2020.

Following its launch, the RGL successfully facilitated official and business travel.

While currently suspended, we will continue working with Indonesia to resume the RGL when both sides are ready to do so.

As a concerned neighbour, we have contributed in our own small ways to Indonesia’s fight against COVID-19.

In the early days of the pandemic, we conveyed medical supplies, including PCR machines and test kits, and PPEs.

In November last year, we arranged for the delivery of 10 million surgical masks and two million bottles of hand sanitisers to Indonesian provinces and organisations.

Mr Zhulkarnain has also asked for an update on our relationship with Brunei.

We enjoy a longstanding special relationship built on a strategic trust long forged between Singapore and Brunei.

This trust is evidenced by, among others, our strong defence cooperation and the Currency Interchangeability Agreement.

Singapore is one of Brunei’s main export destinations and main sources of imports. Singapore and Brunei also recently signed Memorandums of Understanding to cooperate on social development in September 2020, and on agri-food and agro-technology cooperation in February 2021.

DPM Heng Swee Keat and I visited Brunei in November 2020 to offer condolences on behalf of the Singapore Government on the passing of His Majesty the Sultan’s son, His Royal Highness Prince Haji ‘Abdul ‘Azim.

This was the first overseas visit by Singapore political office holders since COVID-19 travel restrictions were imposed.

We have always enjoyed strong cooperation with Brunei in various sectors.

We have leveraged our strong ties to address the challenges posed by COVID-19.

This includes the launch of the RGL between Singapore and Brunei on 1 September 2020. Singapore has also unilaterally opened our borders to travellers from Brunei.

Singapore and Brunei will continue to explore cooperation in new areas, including agri-food, agro-technology, and climate change.

These are just some ways for us to tap on the strength of our relationship with Brunei and build new avenues of cooperation in the years to come.

We will strongly support Brunei in its role as ASEAN Chairman this year.

(In English): We have received several questions on ASEAN. Ms Sylvia Lim has asked about enhancing relations among ASEAN countries, the reputation of ASEAN in the international community, and ASEAN’s efforts on the situation in the South China Sea (SCS). Mr Murali Pillai has asked how MFA can enhance cooperation with other countries, including ASEAN members, and about the integration of ASEAN markets, and how such efforts will improve the lives of Singaporeans.

Sir, ASEAN remains a cornerstone of Singapore’s foreign policy. A stable ASEAN is important for our development. ASEAN member states have drawn closer through COVID-19 initiatives and regional economic recovery efforts. Brunei’s Chairmanship of ASEAN this year aims to ramp up relations among ASEAN member states, at the NGO and the people sector. For instance, Brunei is leading efforts to establish a platform for the people of ASEAN to contribute to disaster relief efforts. Singapore will work closely with Brunei on these initiatives.

Since its establishment, ASEAN has steadily built up a reputation as a regional architecture for external powers to dialogue with member states and one another to help foster regional peace and security. We have had many video conference meetings with external partners in 2020 at the ministerial level and at the leaders’ level, which will continue this year.

The historic signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, or RCEP, in November 2020 is a positive development amidst difficult times. It will boost confidence in regional trade and investment, with the elimination of tariffs for about 92% of goods on average traded among members. This will encourage greater trade flows and open new opportunities for our businesses and our people. This is timely as we move ahead to secure our recovery from the economic impact of COVID-19.

ASEAN has a role in preserving peace and stability in our region, including the South China Sea. A key ASEAN-led process to manage the SCS disputes is the Code of Conduct, or COC, in the SCS negotiations. We have made good progress and commenced the second reading of the Single Draft Negotiating Text in 2019. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, dialogue between ASEAN and China is on-going.

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We will continue to defend our right to freedom of navigation and overflight and work through ASEAN towards an effective and substantive COC that is in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Let me now give an update on ASEAN's efforts to tackle COVID-19 pandemic and on community building.

While the pandemic has disrupted connectivity among ASEAN member states, we will encourage ASEAN member states to cooperate on post-pandemic recovery, regional supply chain connectivity, safely restoring cross-border travel and enhancing resilience against public health emergencies. Just as the Prime Minister encouraged countries to cooperate and develop a system to verify COVID-19 tests and vaccinations, I hope ASEAN will cooperate on measures to safely restore regional connectivity when conditions permit.

ASEAN has made steady progress combating the pandemic. It promptly set up the ASEAN Coordinating Council Working Group on Public Health Emergencies. This led to several initiatives including the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund. Singapore contributed US$100,000 to the Fund which will be used to purchase medical equipment and other items to help fellow ASEAN member states combat the pandemic. Singapore recognises the importance of these mechanisms, which have enhanced our ability collectively to deal with COVID-19.

Mr Derrick Goh has asked how Singapore can support this year’s ASEAN Chair, Brunei, to forge a closer ASEAN. Singapore supports Brunei’s Chairmanship agenda and will work with Brunei to advance ASEAN community building, economic integration and regional stability, and to develop cooperation in new areas of importance such as digitalisation, cybersecurity, smart cities and climate change.

As ASEAN-EU Country Coordinator, we have also strengthened cooperation between ASEAN and the European Union or EU following the recent elevation of dialogue relations to a Strategic Partnership. An ASEAN-EU FTA would present new opportunities for inter-regional collaboration on issues such as supply chain and digital connectivity. We look forward to the finalisation of the ASEAN-EU FTA.

Mr Abdul Samad has asked how we are deepening our engagement with other key partners beyond ASEAN. India is one such partner. India and Singapore must continue to collaborate on new frontiers such as innovation, the digital economy and FinTech.

Singapore was among the largest foreign investors in India for the past several years. Likewise, Indian investments in Singapore have increased from S$21.9 billion in 2009 to S$28.8 billion in 2019 in sectors such as finance, insurance and information communications technology or ICT.

Our companies see great opportunity in India. For example, Novade is a start-up providing smart field management solutions for CapitaLand and local developers in India’s construction industry. And this industry contributed over US$188 billion to India’s GDP in FY2019 and is expected to be the world’s third largest construction market by 2024. Our Singapore companies are in that market.

We look forward to collaborating with India in other areas of mutual interest, including digital connectivity and artificial intelligence, as well as facilitate our companies’ effort at harnessing the huge Indian market.

As Singapore assumes the Coordinatorship of ASEAN-India Dialogue relations in August 2021, we will seek to promote win-win cooperation between ASEAN and India.

Next, to the Middle East. Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked when our citizens will be able to travel to perform the Haj and Umrah. We understand that our Muslim community longs to perform the Haj and Umrah. MFA will work closely with MOH and MUIS to monitor the COVID-19 situation and assess when it would be safe for such travel to resume, in line with the overall national advisory for overseas travel. We seek the community’s continued understanding and patience.

At the G-to-G level, we seek to enhance economic and political collaboration with key partners where opportune. We are in the midst of establishing the Singapore-Saudi Joint Committee on economic cooperation, mooted during President Halimah Yacob’s State Visit to Saudi Arabia in November 2019. We will support our companies as they explore opportunities in the Middle East’s largest economy.

We also welcome recent positive developments in the region.

Mr Alex Yam has noted Israel and a number of Arab countries have normalised relations following the signing of the Abraham Accords in August 2020. In January, Qatar and its neighbours agreed to restore ties. We hope that these developments lead to new opportunities for cooperation and growth, and sustainable peace and stability in the region.

We continue to encourage Israel and the Palestinians to resolve their long-standing conflict. Singapore has taken a consistent and principled position, supporting a negotiated two-state solution consistent with the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions.

Now to Sub-Saharan Africa. The continent is the fastest urbanising region in the world. Its young population has the potential to unlock significant economic growth. The launch of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) in January 2021 may well create opportunities for our businesses to tap into a market of over 1.2 billion people, with a combined GDP of US$3.4 trillion.

Ms Joan Pereira has asked how Singaporean companies are tapping the continent’s market. There are currently about 60 Singapore companies operating across Sub-Saharan Africa in a wide range of sectors such as agri-business, oil and gas, and FinTech. One such company is Ascent Solutions, which specialises in the Internet of Things or "IoT" and GPS Security Tracking Solutions for the logistics industry. Its iSPOT Electronic Cargo Tracking System, for example, is deployed in several countries including Ghana, Kenya and Tanzania. In Kenya, it has helped customs agencies reduce the time taken to clear bonded cargo travelling from Mombasa to Malaba from 20 days to under three days. In Ghana, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has implemented iSPOT to track the delivery of petroleum products to 4,000 petrol retail outlets nationwide. Africa now contributes more than 20% of Ascent’s revenue.

Mr Gan Thiam Poh has asked about our efforts to deepen our engagement in emerging markets including through measures such as the FTAs. We have continued to pursue opportunities with emerging markets, including in Central and Eastern Europe, and Latin America, in areas including innovation, digitalisation and agri-food. For instance, we welcomed the first shipment of eggs from Poland in June 2020 as part of a larger food diversification initiative.

Singapore also signed the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement with Chile and New Zealand in June 2020, a first of its kind agreement that establishes new approaches and collaborations in digital trade, promotes interoperability and addresses new issues brought about by digitalisation.

We look forward to the successful completion of the Eurasian Economic Union-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (EAEUSFTA), which will facilitate increased economic exchanges with the EAEU Member States Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, as well as the region as a whole. This will create diverse economic opportunities for Singaporean businesses in the combined Eurasian market of more than 180 million people.

We are also deepening our engagement with Latin America. We are currently negotiating the Pacific Alliance-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (PASFTA) and the MERCOSUR-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (MSFTA).

Last year, we made good progress with the substantial conclusion of the FTA negotiations with the Pacific Alliance, which comprises Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru in December. We are keeping up with the momentum so that we can conclude the negotiations and sign the PASFTA this year. Once concluded, the PASFTA will establish the Pacific Alliance’s first FTA with Singapore, and our first bilateral FTA with Colombia. Singapore will become the first Associate State of the Pacific Alliance. This will provide Singapore a platform to pursue more economic collaboration with the Pacific Alliance, in areas such as the digital economy, trade facilitation, energy sector and infrastructure.

Likewise, we hope to expeditiously conclude our FTA negotiations with MERCOSUR, which is made up of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. MERCOSUR represents a market of 266 million people and a combined GDP of US$4.44 trillion.

Once concluded, these trade agreements will deepen our economic links with Latin America and strengthen Singapore’s value as a commercial bridge between Latin America and Southeast Asia.

Mr Chairman, I conclude by reiterating that despite the constraints imposed by COVID-19, we must continue cooperating with our partners for the security, peace, and prosperity of Singapore and the region. As our external environment remains in flux, our tenacity and resilience as a people have enabled us to strengthen these relationships and advance forward. In so doing, we strengthen Singapore’s resilience and relevance. As long as we remain relevant to the world, we secure the interests of Singapore and Singaporeans.

I will turn the floor to my colleague, Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat.

The Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr Chee Hong Tat): Mr Chairman, in Mandarin, please.

(In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] The US is a major economic and defence partner for Singapore. It is also our largest source of FDI. US investments and US companies create many jobs in finance, insurance, manufacturing, technology and other sectors. Cooperation with the US is critical to maintaining our defence capabilities. President Biden is familiar with Singapore, and keen to work with us.

Mr Zhulkarnain asked about the state of our relations with China. Singapore-China relations are developing well. Bilateral relations are longstanding, substantive, and multi-faceted. In 2020, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Despite the pandemic, we have kept up our exchanges and cooperation.

Over the past decades, our cooperation with China has continued to progress, and developed in a way that meets China’s developmental priorities. In the process, Singapore has contributed to and benefitted from China’s growth. We learnt from each other.

Looking ahead, we will continue to strengthen our cooperation with China and create development opportunities for Singaporean enterprises and our workers.

Mr Liang Eng Hwa asked what are the opportunities for Singaporean businesses in China at the provincial level, and how RCEP could further boost bilateral trade. Our eight provincial business councils allow us to support Singapore companies to participate in China’s economic transformation; promote the internationalisation of Chinese enterprises through Singapore as a regional hub; and deepen collaboration in new areas such as connectivity, sustainability, and modern services. The signing of the RCEP is a strong testament of the region’s commitment to deepening economic integration despite challenging times. It will boost confidence in trade and investment and open up new business opportunities with RCEP economies, including China.

With our strong historical and people-to-people links with China, Singapore is in a good position to build bridges with China. However, our value proposition must go beyond our ability to speak Mandarin or understand Chinese culture. These are useful to build connections with our Chinese counterparts, but there are already more than a billion people who speak Mandarin and understand Chinese culture in China. This is therefore not an area where Singapore can add value to China.

Our value proposition lies in our ability to continuously improve, innovate, manage our economy and society well, and to be an exceptional country. In fact, it is precisely because Singapore and China are similar in some aspects, but different in others, that there are more opportunities for both sides to learn from each other, and there is greater room for us to exchange views and cooperate. What is important is that we can seek common ground despite differences in some areas, and work together in areas of shared interests.

For instance, Lianhe Zaobao has a strong following in China. The Chinese readers find Zaobao accessible and familiar, but its value comes from the fact that it is a Singapore newspaper and not a Chinese publication. So it analyses global and regional developments from a Singaporean perspective.

It is also important that we do not take our excellent bilateral relations for granted. We should regularly renew and deepen our friendship to build on the strong foundations that our forefathers have put in place. Every generation will need to invest in strengthening our relationship, strengthen mutual trust, and continually identify areas of mutually beneficial cooperation.

Mr Chairman, Singapore’s foreign policy has always been guided by our national interests. We work hard to be friends and maintain good ties with all countries, in order to preserve and enhance our security, economic and international space. However, it is inevitable that our positions on various issues may differ from those of our partners. This includes our neighbouring countries, as well as the US, the EU, China, Japan, India, etc. Our relations with other countries will therefore have their ups and downs.

When our relations with other countries are good, we will build on the momentum and strengthen our collaborations and friendship. However, we must be prepared that countries will disagree with each other on certain issues based on different national interests. The key is to find suitable platforms to resolve these disagreements in an amicable manner, by engaging with each other constructively and where possible, coming to mutually acceptable compromises. Sometimes, we may have to agree to disagree, but we can still maintain friendly relations.

Former Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr George Yeo had used the Taiji analogy of “zhan” to characterise Singapore-China relations; I think this is a good metaphor. There will be some back and forth in the interactions, and some ups and downs along the way, but the two parties should remain in contact and stay engaged with each other.

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(In English): Mr Chairman, please allow me to continue in English. Mr Desmond Choo asked how Singaporeans can play their part on foreign policy. Mr Don Wee asked about maintaining Singapore's relevance in the international community, while Mr Gerald Giam raised our technical assistance to developing countries.

Singapore's survival is intrinsically linked to regional and international peace and stability. It is therefore in our interest for our region to grow and prosper. We have been proactively sharing our development experiences and know-how in areas where we can contribute, for example, though the Singapore Cooperation Programme. Through these initiatives, we had been able to grow our international network of friends whilst reinforcing Singapore's relevance as a constructive and responsible member of the international community.

These friendships, built over many years, have been especially important during times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sir, as Mr Desmond Choo noted, an important area where MFA helps Singaporeans abroad is through our consular work.

During the pandemic, our officers went beyond the call of duty to assist fellow Singaporeans in distress. Just across the Causeway, some Singaporeans were unable to make it back home following the Malaysian Movement Control Order (MCO) in March 2020. Some of our children were in the care of their grandparents, their guardians in Malaysia at that time. To facilitate their return, MFA officers, together with ICA, MOH, MOT and LTA, worked tirelessly and they launched several repatriation operations to reunite over 350 children with their parents in Singapore.

Our overseas Missions also worked around the clock with airlines and foreign authorities to facilitate safe passage home for overseas Singaporeans.

We have also worked with our network of Honorary Consuls around the world to extend our consular presence. Our Honorary Consul-General (HCG) in Lima Mr Winston Merchor helped with the repatriation of 14 Singaporeans and their families who were stranded in Peru last year. Unfortunately, Mr Merchor passed away last month. I would like to express my deepest condolences to his family and our appreciation for his 16 years of sterling service as our HCG in Lima. Mr Merchor was a wonderful friend to Singapore.

I also thank all our HCGs around the world for their devoted service to Singapore and Singaporeans, especially over the past year during the pandemic.

I share these examples to illustrate how our MFA officers, including those serving at our overseas Missions, are frontline workers, are frontline warriors in the fight against COVID-19. They have worked under challenging conditions to bring our citizens home and ensure that no Singaporean is left behind.

MFA will also protect our officers on the frontlines, and I thank Mr Raj Joshua Thomas for raising this. Even as the global health situation deteriorated, not a single MFA officer, not one, not a single one, has asked to leave his or her post to come home. They bravely continue to perform their duties to serve Singapore and Singaporeans out at post.

On behalf of all Singaporeans, I want to thank our MFA officers for their service during this especially difficult year and also my sincere thanks to their families for their unwavering support. Your tenacity and dedication in performing your duty to the nation despite the risk to your own lives, showcase the very best of the Singapore spirit. It shows the world why we are called Singapura – a city of lion-hearted people.

Mr Chairman, in the face of global uncertainty and upheaval, domestic resilience and national unity are crucial.

Foreign policy indeed begins at home. The support of our people gives us strength. The pursuit of our national interests guides our direction and the well-being of Singapore and Singaporeans is why MFA and our officers continue to brave the odds and go the extra mile to get our job done. [Applause.]

The Chairman: Mr Alex Yam.

Mr Alex Yam: Thank you, Chairman, for your indulgence. One clarification for the Minister.

The Minister earlier described with great depth how we are coping with great power contestation at the Government and diplomatic levels. However, could I seek the Minister's view on how we can do more at the people level to strengthen our local resilience and further the understanding of our foreign policy positions as various other countries seek to steer local sentiment through either soft power projection or influence and disinformation campaigns.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: Mr Chairman, I thank Mr Alex Yam for that very salient question. The first point I would make is I hope they all listened to Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat's speech just now. I hope it will be translated into English as well and that The Straits Times will carry it.

The fundamental fact is this: we will be pushed and pulled. And I remind my staff that right now, actually, we are in a sweet spot, in terms of our relationship with both superpowers. But whenever you are in a sweet spot, always anticipate that things can only go downhill from there. So, I am sure, sooner rather than later, an issue will arise and we will have to stand our ground. We will have to say no and it will be a test of our unity and our cohesion; and as the Member has quite rightly identified, our understanding and support of our own people because foreign policy begins at home.

I would remind Members to recall the advice that whenever we receive a message or a video, or a social media posting, always ask who does it ultimately originate from; first question. Second question, what are the facts? Third question, who benefits or loses from the perspective that is being advocated from that posting? Fourth, what are the long-term national interests of Singapore?

And I am always reminded of some very good pithy and sometimes, the prickly advice that Dr Goh Keng Swee gave us. In 1970, when he was describing the difference between conducting business and conducting foreign policy. Allow me to quote just a couple of sentences from him. He said, "In the nature of things, relations between independent sovereign states cannot be conducted on the basis of supplicant and overlord. The methods that are found so successful in business [to obtain licences, concessions, contracts and so on] these methods are not available to us as a Government."

And I think that reminder is still salient after 50 years. So, I hope that the people of Singapore will understand and take it in our stride. When relations become a bit prickly, a bit uncomfortable and we go through the inevitable episodes from time to time. And it can come from either or from both sides.

But rest assured that MFA, indeed the Prime Minister and the entire Cabinet, will always make decisions on the basis of the long-term interests of Singapore.

And Senior Minister of State Chee's reminder that our value, our unique selling point, is not to be a vassal state or to be bought or intimidated or to be a pale imitation of a larger power, but to be ourselves – authentic, reliable, trustworthy, relevant and useful – and the Member's point therefore that we need to continue to conduct foreign policy at home and to make these points to our own people and to convince them accordingly. Thank you for that question.

The Chairman: Ms Sylvia Lim.

Ms Sylvia Lim: Thank you, Chairman. I have two clarifications to the Minister for Foreign Affairs about COVAX.

The first question is, he earlier said that Singapore is a net donor to the COVAX programme and I wonder whether he could tell us whether we have actually made a request to the WHO to earmark our net donation to ASEAN countries, or have we made a decision to leave it open for general distribution by WHO? That is the first clarification.

The second clarification is, earlier during the MINDEF Committee of Supply, we were actually distributed a map showing vaccines approved around the world for use. And I think the Minister for Defence's point was that these distribution relationships do reflect a certain power play in some traditional alliances. So, I would like to ask the Minister to confirm that countries joining COVAX actually, they do not have any prohibition on continuing to reach such bilateral arrangements for COVID-19 vaccine purchases, and whether he sees that these bilateral arrangements outside of COVAX will be one of the biggest challenges for the COVAX programme to succeed?

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: Mr Chairman, I thank the Member for these two salient questions. And allow me to take a step back and explain first the rationale behind COVAX. Because, in fact, this is a unique moment in public health. Never before in history have so many vaccine candidates been developed, tested approved and deployed within one year. Let me tell you as a healthcare professional – this is unprecedented. It was essential, however, to have this because of the speed in which the global pandemic was galloping through the entire world.

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The scientific and business challenge was this. At the beginning, in fact, even, I would say right up to about September or October last year, it was not possible to be scientifically sure which one would work and the first vaccine candidate that work would not necessarily be the best. And in any case, it would take a long time, by definition, to ascertain the long-term efficacy and safety of vaccines. Therefore, the concept behind COVAX is risk pooling. What do I mean by that? It means when you are not certain which horse is going to reach the finish line, never mind which one is going to win, which horse is going to meet the finish line, you need to put some advance bets. This is not really about horse racing bets. But you are putting money on the line so that multiple pharmaceutical companies would be incentivised to develop vaccines at a pace and with significant business risk.

And if there was not such a facility to pool risk, and therefore incentivise this simultaneous rapid development of vaccines, we would not be in this happy situation. So, that is the first dimension. Risk pooling because you do not know which vaccine will work.

The second dimension of risk pooling is that some countries, have the wherewithal, and many countries do not.

In the case of a pandemic, if you just split the world on the basis of "can afford" and "cannot afford", you will actually end up with more dangerous world because the virus does not respect race, language, religion, socio-economic status, wealth or lack thereof of your country. So, the second dimension of COVAX risk pooling is to make sure that at least for essential personnel and the people at greatest risk across the world, there would be some vaccines available to them.

The way it was structured was that countries with more resources, and that included Singapore, would make advance market commitments. We would put money into the pot and say, "Well, there is money available, please commercial companies go and develop vaccines." And then, when we put money into the pot, although we would be entitled to our fair share on the basis of full market price, a significant amount actually would be committed to help support the less well-off countries.

So, I have taken some pains to explain COVAX, so that you understand it is all about risk pooling across different vaccine candidates and across different countries.

Specifically for us, apart from being one of the early birds who actually put real resources down, and I am glad that in this case, I assume that this entire House, including the Opposition, supports the Government's decisions on making advance commitments for the purchase of vaccines. But apart from doing that, to also express our willingness to help other parts of the world whom if we did not help, would become endemic reservoirs for further mutations and for this never-ending curse of COVID-19.

That is why we put US$5 million into this. I have not specifically asked for it to be earmarked for ASEAN. For ASEAN, we separately have an COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund. We have also put money into it and that we will use on a needs basis within the ASEAN family.

I hope you agree with me. I agree with your sentiment that we do need to look after our region and I hope you agree with the way which we are doing it. Over and above our contribution to the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund, you will also recall earlier in my speech, I mentioned that we had separately been giving test kids, PCR machines, PPE and other donations centrally, regional governments, NGOs throughout our region. To be honest, we have not beat our drums about it, it has been that good work has been done and it has been appreciated by our neighbours.

As to vaccine power play, I do not want to get into the details of that. But I do want to make one point which I think is salient for our local population and it is this: Singapore will make decisions on vaccines on the basis of science and healthcare needs. Rest assured, this is just another example of the way we conduct foreign policy. We cannot be bought, we cannot be bullied, we cannot be intimidated into either approving or disapproving any vaccine. We will make decisions on the basis of health and science.

But precisely because people know that is the way we decide, you will realise we become a rather important reference customer.

So, there will be pressure on us, there will be push and pulls, but we must conduct this just like another example of foreign policy in a principled manner. I hope that addresses your point.

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song: Chairman, I have a clarification for the Minister. I appreciate the Minister's remarks in response to the violence in Myanmar yesterday, including stating that Singapore is appalled at the use of lethal force against unarmed civilians.

Can I ask the Minister if he will be communicating these sentiments directly to the military leaders in Myanmar to emphasise our concern about the escalation of violence and to urge them to return to the negotiating table with the democratically elected civilian authorities?

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: Yes.

The Chairman: Mr Alex Yam, would you like to withdraw your amendment?

Mr Alex Yam: Chairman, Mr Lee Kuan Yew in 1973 said that when "the elephants fight or flirt, the grass suffers and when they make love, it is disastrous". This was in reference to our place in the world when he made these remarks at the Commonwealth Conference.

Our MFA plays crucial role in ensuring that we are not crushed as elephants roam about us. Thank you to 26 Members for filing cuts. Gratitude to Minister, Second Minister and Senior Minister of State Chee, as well as all our Foreign Service Officers for flying our flag high. Chairman, I therefore beg leave to withdraw my amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

The sum of $427,837,900 for Head N ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates.

The sum of $12,500,000 for Head N ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates.