Defence & foreign affairs

Wan Rizal asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on measures ensuring the safety of Singaporeans, particularly students, in the Middle East amid recent military actions between Israel and Iran. Vivian Balakrishnan indicated that the question had already been addressed in a previous parliamentary reply regarding the safety of Singaporeans in the region, notably in the context of escalating tensions. The response referenced a prior discussion on maintaining communication with Singaporeans in countries like Jordan and Egypt.

Christopher de Souza raised concerns about how the escalation of tension in the Middle East will affect Southeast Asia's geopolitics and how the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is preparing for this situation. Vivian Balakrishnan highlighted that Southeast Asia is impacted by the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the risk of a wider regional conflict and its global economic implications. ASEAN Foreign Ministers have issued statements urging an end to violence, respect for humanitarian law, and the release of hostages while calling for humanitarian assistance. In December 2023, ASEAN Member States voted in favor of a UN resolution for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, reflecting a shared commitment to key issues despite differing national perspectives. Singapore aims to maintain strong partnerships within ASEAN amid the developments in the Middle East.

Christopher de Souza asked about Singapore's relations with Israel and the US amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Vivian Balakrishnan confirmed that Singapore maintains strong ties with Israel, the Palestinian Authority, the US, and other Middle Eastern partners based on mutual respect and cooperation. Singapore has engaged in constructive discussions, expressing concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and advocating for a humanitarian ceasefire and the release of hostages. The country supports a negotiated two-state solution as the viable path to resolving the conflict, in line with UN Security Council resolutions.

Leong Mun Wai asked about the number of second-generation permanent residents (PRs) who renounced their PR status before serving National Service (NS) and the number of new citizens or PRs who renounced or declined citizenship after completing NS since 2014. Ng Eng Hen reported an average of 450 male second-generation PRs renounced their status annually before NS, while about 1,900 enlisted each year. Those who renounce PR without completing NS face consequences for future immigration applications. Additionally, around 140 new citizens who completed NS renounced their citizenship each year, with 96% doing so at age 40 or older.

Leong Mun Wai raised questions about the proportion of full-time National Servicemen assigned to non-combat roles such as clerks and storemen since 2000, and whether these proportions have changed and are expected to change due to health issues in the population. Ng Eng Hen responded that since 2016, approximately 8% of National Servicemen have been deployed as clerks, 4% as storemen, and 3% in other non-combat roles, with these figures remaining stable over the past eight years. He noted an increase in the number of enlistees with mental or health issues, prompting the SAF to redesign its medical classification and vocational deployment systems to better accommodate servicemen with varying health conditions. The SAF aims to optimize contributions from all servicemen by leveraging technology and re-evaluating role requirements.

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim raised concerns about the safety of Singaporeans in the Middle East amidst escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, asking how the Ministry for Foreign Affairs (MFA) would ensure their safety and awareness of evacuation plans. Vivian Balakrishnan emphasized that the safety of Singaporeans abroad is a priority for MFA, which is monitoring the situation and updating travel advisories. MFA is maintaining contact with Singaporean communities and student liaison officers in places like Cairo and Jeddah for consular assistance. Singaporeans in the region are advised to remain vigilant, take precautions, purchase travel insurance, and register with MFA.

Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap raised concerns about Singapore's stance on the Israeli ground offensive in Rafah, asking about communications with key parties and potential assistance for Palestinians. Vivian Balakrishnan affirmed Singapore's deep concerns regarding the humanitarian impact of the offensive and reiterated calls for a humanitarian ceasefire and the release of hostages. Singapore has provided several humanitarian aid efforts, including military support for medical operations and food supply drops into Gaza. Additionally, Singapore continues to support the Palestinian Authority through its S$10 million Enhanced Technical Assistance Programme, training over 700 officials in various fields.

Alex Yam Ziming asked the Minister for Defence about Singapore's humanitarian airdrop mission in Gaza, focusing on cooperation with regional partners, mission success, and future aid considerations. Ng Eng Hen reported that Singapore has provided significant humanitarian assistance to Gaza, coordinating through the SAF's Changi Regional Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief Coordination Centre and conducting various missions to deliver aid. The recent airdrop operation involved the RSAF successfully delivering over 20 tonnes of food supplies to Gaza in partnership with the Jordanian Armed Forces. The operation enhanced SAF's operational readiness and validated their procedures, with ongoing assessments planned for future humanitarian support in the region.

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim raised concerns about an offensive social media post by the Israeli Embassy in Singapore and questioned if further actions would be taken and whether diplomatic immunity applies to such postings. Minister K Shanmugam acknowledged the potential for social tensions due to external conflicts and noted Singapore's efforts to maintain harmony among its diverse communities. The Minister stated that while embassies enjoy diplomatic immunity, the Government promptly communicated concerns to the Israeli Embassy, leading to the post's removal and an apology from the Ambassador. Shanmugam also emphasized that offensive remarks could disrupt social harmony, and intervention would occur if necessary, while highlighting the importance of maintaining mutual respect across communities.

• Singapore's Foreign Minister condemned the Iranian aerial attacks on Israel and the broader escalation, calling for restraint and focusing on securing a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza along with hostage releases and aid delivery.
• The escalating tensions pose safety risks to Singaporeans living in the Middle East and could adversely affect Singaporean companies operating in the region.
• Wider regional instability is expected to cause volatility in international energy markets, disrupt commercial aviation, and impact global supply chains, with direct implications for Singapore.

• The Speaker welcomed King Sultan Ibrahim of Malaysia, highlighting his diverse military and diplomatic background and his role in strengthening Johor-Singapore ties during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The Speaker noted the King’s prior recognition by the National University of Singapore and emphasized the strong, ongoing bilateral relations between Singapore and Malaysia, including regular political exchanges and joint projects.
• Singapore and Malaysia are collaborating on key initiatives like the Rapid Transit System Link and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, with plans to expand into new areas such as energy.
• This year marks the centennial of the Causeway, and next year will celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations, with the visit seen as a precursor to stronger future ties.

• The Internal Security Department has dealt with 60 self-radicalised individuals since 2007, including 48 Singaporeans, using a comprehensive rehabilitation approach involving religious guidance, psychological support, and social assistance.
• Rehabilitation efforts have shown a high success rate, with 23 out of 30 detained Singaporean detainees released and 14 out of 18 under Restriction Orders having their orders lapse.
• ISD has refined its approach for self-radicalised youths by addressing factors like poor critical thinking and mental resilience, and has introduced a mentoring programme to support their reintegration.

• Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim inquired whether Singaporean citizens and permanent residents may join foreign entities like the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and Chinese Overseas Friendship Association if they register with Singapore authorities and their activities are not politically directed in Singapore.
• Minister K Shanmugam clarified that there is no outright prohibition on such memberships, but under the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act (FICA), Singapore citizens must declare membership in foreign legislatures or political organisations to the Registry of Foreign and Political Disclosures, with failure to declare being an offence.
• FICA requires this declaration to allow government oversight of citizens' foreign affiliations, and citizens must consider whether their participation could conflict with Singapore’s interests.
• For Politically Significant Persons (PSPs) under FICA, there is added scrutiny on foreign affiliations, and the Registrar can issue directives to end arrangements with foreign entities if activities are deemed against public interest.
• The government emphasises that while membership is not banned per se, FICA provides mechanisms to manage risks associated with foreign interference.

• Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for Home Affairs about the number of Singapore citizens who had declared membership in foreign legislatures or political organisations under the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act as of 1 March 2024, and whether the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority screens permanent residency and citizenship applicants for such participation.
• Minister K Shanmugam stated that as of 1 March 2024, five Singapore citizens had declared their memberships in foreign legislatures or foreign political organisations to the Registry of Foreign and Political Disclosures.
• The Minister confirmed that Singapore citizenship and permanent residency applicants are required to declare their memberships in professional societies, clubs, associations, and other organisations, which includes screening for involvement in foreign legislatures or political organisations.

• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides continuous professional training and development for diplomatic staff through the MFA Diplomatic Academy, including briefings and workshops on economic, finance, and trade issues.
• Officers are seconded to and from relevant Government agencies to deepen their understanding of whole-of-Government priorities and facilitate cross-pollination of ideas.
• Before overseas postings, officers receive briefings from finance, economic, and trade agencies and work closely with experts from MTI, EDB, ESG, and MAS to uphold Singapore's interests.
• Diplomatic staff collaborate with EDB and ESG representations in key overseas markets on trade and investment issues to support Singapore's economic development.

• Nexus developed resource packages on Singapore's nationhood journey, common identity, shared values, national challenges, and contemporaneous global issues such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, food and energy security, and the Israel-Hamas conflict.
• These resource packages are used by national education partners and practitioners for programmes and activities, and are also publicly available online via the SG101 website.
• The Israel-Hamas conflict resource package outlines Singapore's national position and emphasizes the importance of crisis preparedness, social cohesion, and racial and religious harmony amid external divisive events.
• The resources are conveyed to national servicemen as part of National Education, though the specific delivery methods to this group are not detailed in the response.

• The government emphasized that it does not typically provide secured communications for international events, as foreign participants usually arrange their own encryption and security measures.
• The Ministry of Defence implements proactive cybersecurity measures for Singapore-organized sensitive events, including vulnerability assessments, but does not cover foreign militaries' internal meetings.
• Officials highlighted that open communication lines used by visitors are not the government's responsibility, and encouraged everyone to practice cyber hygiene, especially when using public Wi-Fi.

• MINDEF and SAF have doubled mental health professionals to 80 and established Care Hubs in BMT camps to provide integrated support, while continuing pre-enlistment screening and deferring severe cases from NS until assessed safe.
• All BMT recruits receive psychological first aid training and commanders are trained to identify distress, supplemented by a 24-hour anonymous hotline and close monitoring by mental health teams throughout service.
• A MINDEF/SAF Mental Health Office was set up in 2022 to coordinate efforts, promote well-being campaigns, and collaborate with other ministries to address mental health as a national challenge.

• Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin questioned the Ministry for Trade and Industry on the rationale for allowing Israeli defence firms to showcase arms at the Singapore Airshow 2024, given that some equipment may be used in the Gaza conflict.
• The Minister for Trade and Industry, Gan Kim Yong, explained that the Airshow organizer has the discretion to invite exhibitors provided they are not under UN or Singaporean sanctions, aligning with the government’s neutral stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
• This position was previously articulated by the Minister for Foreign Affairs during the Committee of Supply session on 29 February 2024, emphasizing consistency with Singapore’s foreign policy.

• Singapore signed the Artemis Accords in March 2022 to promote peaceful and sustainable space use, aiming to shape international space norms and foster collaborations with like-minded partners, including the US, through initiatives like a bilateral Space Dialogue and industry roundtables.
• The government involves local industries and research institutions via programmes such as the Space Technology Development Programme, which facilitates collaboration between government entities, companies, and academic institutions to build technical capabilities and nurture competitive firms.
• Participation in the Artemis programme aligns with Singapore's capabilities in space technology, with a focus on areas like satellite use for earth observation and maritime and aviation applications, leveraging existing expertise and resources.
• The government anticipates economic opportunities from the Artemis Accords, including business opportunities for local companies and enhanced international partnerships, to support Singapore's growth in the space sector.