Explaining Misinformation and Singapore Government's Positions on Polarising Overseas Conflicts

120 Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs in light of conflicts overseas that may have a polarising effect on Singaporeans (a) what is the Ministry doing to (i) equip the public with easy-to-understand information and (ii) explain the rationale behind the Government’s position; and (b) how can community leaders be equipped to help provide clarity on the Government's position and address misinformation or rumours.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: The Government has stepped up engagement to explain our foreign policy fundamentals and approaches to Singaporeans and hear their views. We do this through dialogue sessions and workshops across segments of society, including students, youths, businesses and the media. For example, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) regularly conducts Foreign Policy Engagement Sessions with all pre-tertiary institutions to explain the fundamentals of Singapore's foreign policy. Through such engagements, we also hope to equip the leaders of various segments of our society with the ability to help address questions from their respective grounds. We will continue to enhance the public's understanding of foreign policy through such engagements as well as through social media content that is more easily understood and relatable.

In this era of constant information and views from a wide variety of sources and commentators, it is important for Singaporeans to be discerning of what we hear or read. While it is natural for Singaporeans to have a diversity of views, it is crucial for us to stay united and not allow external conflicts or divisive rhetoric to fragment our society. This is a whole-of-society effort. MFA will continue to work with community leaders in our shared efforts to help fellow Singaporeans understand Singapore's national interests that guide our foreign policy and be vigilant.