As the world becomes increasingly contested and more unstable than before, Singapore will focus on deepening regional integration and strengthening partnerships beyond the region to make ASEAN a more effective single market when it takes on the ASEAN chairmanship in 2027, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said in his National Day Rally speech on Aug 23.
The Republic will also bring diverse partners together, building common ground and keeping channels for dialogue and cooperation open, PM Wong said.
Singapore takes over the chairmanship from the Philippines on Jan 1, 2027 and will serve its role till Dec 31. It last held the position in 2018.
Bolstering ASEAN’s unity will be even more crucial, as a fractured and more dangerous world will be the new normal that Singapore will have to “endure and survive for many years to come”, PM Wong noted.
He added: “Our response cannot be to retreat and turn inwards.”
Instead, Singapore should continue to connect to and create value for the world, and trust in the Republic is vital for it to deepen its connections globally.
As a vital hub for global supply chains, business and finance, bringing together markets, capital, talent and ideas, the trust that countries, businesses and investors have placed in Singapore is one of the Republic’s greatest strengths, said PM Wong.
This is especially more crucial when trust between countries is already eroding further amid geopolitical tensions.
“They know Singapore is a place where the rule of law prevails, institutions are strong, and contracts and commitments are honoured,” PM Wong said. “When Singapore gives our word, we keep it.”
He added that Singapore will continue to build more connections and reach out to more partners, even as countries are pulling apart from one another, to ensure the Republic stays relevant and more opportunities are created for Singaporeans.
At the same time, the Republic must still focus on strengthening its own resilience to face any potential crisis as it cannot solely rely on other countries for help.
“Even as we work with others, we cannot assume that they will come to our rescue when troubles come,” PM Wong said.
“Ultimately, we must be able to stand on our own, and take care of our own.”
He cited the example of how the Government responded to the Middle East conflict, which broke out on Feb 28. He said the Government’s immediate priority was to “steady the ship” and help Singaporeans through the period of turbulence.
For instance, it was swift in bringing stranded Singaporeans back home, with 618 Singaporeans and their dependents evacuated on four repatriation flights by March 13, two weeks after the conflict began.
In the wake of the energy crisis arising from the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz preventing oil tankers from passing through, Singapore secured essential supplies for energy needs, as well as other essential fuel products like jet fuel and motor petrol.
The Government also rolled out two support packages amounting to $2 billion for workers, households and businesses. These included CDC vouchers, rebates to offset higher utilities due to rising energy costs, as well as cash grants for small- and medium-sized enterprises.
Going forward, PM Wong said, the Government will continue to plan and build for the long term, ensuring that Singaporeans remain supported and prepared for the deeper changes that will come as a result of geopolitical tensions and technological advancements.
Singapore will continue to stay open and connected, while keeping its society cohesive and united.
“These are not separate agendas. They are all part of one larger mission – to keep Singapore trusted, relevant and resilient, ready for whatever lies ahead,” PM Wong said. THE STRAITS TIMES
