Raising Public Awareness of Singapore's National Interests with regard to Russia-Ukraine Conflict and Countering Misinformation
Ministry of Foreign AffairsSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song's inquiry on increasing public awareness of Singapore's national interests regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict and countering misinformation. Minister for Communications and Information Mrs Josephine Teo stated that the Government communicates its principled position through diverse platforms, including social media, schools, and grassroots organizations. She noted high public support for the nation's stance while affirming that the Government will continue addressing misinformation as the situation develops. The Minister clarified that the Government cannot independently verify all conflict reports but has provided third-party fact-checking resources via the National Library Board. Finally, she urged Singaporeans to exercise caution and maintain a critical eye regarding all information they consume about the conflict.
Transcript
57 Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Communications and Information (a) what is being done to increase public education and enhance awareness of Singapore’s national interests with regard to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Singapore’s relations with the US and China; and (b) whether the Ministry has considered (i) pushing out factual information on the situation through messaging apps and social media and (ii) providing information about independent fact-checking websites which the public can use to counter misinformation.
Mrs Josephine Teo: The Member asked what is being done to increase public awareness and understanding of Singapore’s national interest in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. He also asked what we are doing to put out accurate information on the conflict.
First, understanding Singapore’s position on the conflict. The Government has taken a strong and unambiguous position, starting with the Ministerial Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs in February. Government agencies and their community partners have explained this position on a wide range of platforms – not only on social media and messaging platforms, but also in print and broadcast media, as well as directly to schools, business associations, grassroots organisations, youths and public officers, National Servicemen, as well as the general public. It is of the utmost importance that Singaporeans know the national position, the principles at stake for Singapore, why the Government has taken certain actions as a result and why our position has nothing to do with taking sides.
Most Singaporeans understand and agree. A publicly available poll conducted by Blackbox Research found last month that 95% of Singaporeans supported or sympathised with Ukraine. Almost 70% blamed Russia for the conflict; 60% supported Singapore’s sanctions on Russia; while 35% said they were unsure or had no opinion.
We accept that there are some differences in views and opinions among Singaporeans. That is understandable in any country. The Government will continue to communicate our position clearly as the situation develops and counter whatever misinformation there might be about our position.
But as for pushing out factual information on the conflict itself, this cannot be the Singapore Government’s responsibility. We are in no position to independently verify the truth or otherwise of every report, image, photograph, video or post emanating from or on Ukraine. For the most part, we are dependent on the international media, including our own, to vet this avalanche of information. The National Library Board has published a set of third-party fact-checking resources about the conflict on its website. We urge all Singaporeans to exercise caution and apply a critical eye to all that they read and view on the conflict.