Defence & foreign affairs — Topics

24 Feb 2023

Committee of supply – Head J (Ministry of Defence)

Multiple MPs raised concerns about escalating global and regional tensions, including the Russia-Ukraine war and US-China rivalry, urging MINDEF to update on monitoring these trends and their implications for Singapore’s security and defence posture.
The need to enhance military capabilities was highlighted, particularly in light of evolving warfare (e.g., cyber threats, drones, hybrid tactics), with calls for progress updates on the Next Generation SAF, Digital and Intelligence Service, and investments in technology and unmanned systems.
Defence spending trends were discussed, noting increases globally and in Singapore, with questions on future projections, trade-offs, and the impact of fiscal pressures, as well as requests for greater transparency in budget breakdowns despite operational secrecy.
MPs emphasized the importance of preparing for potential disruptions to sea and air lanes, sustaining operations at distance, and addressing manpower challenges like low fertility rates, while maintaining public confidence in the SAF’s readiness and transformation.

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24 Feb 2023

Singapore's Contribution to Loss and Damage Fund Set Up in COP27

Leon Perera asked if Singapore would contribute to the Loss and Damage Fund established at COP27, the amount, and reasons if not, while highlighting pledges from other countries.
Minister Grace Fu emphasized Singapore's stance as a developing nation and small island state vulnerable to climate impacts, noting the need for developed countries to lead funding and that details are still being finalized by a Transitional Committee.
The Minister clarified that Singapore has not yet decided whether to contribute or claim from the fund, prioritizing its own adaptation efforts with significant domestic resources, and will engage constructively in international discussions.

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22 Feb 2023

Review of Allowances for Full-time National Servicemen Given Inflationary Pressures

Gerald Giam raised concerns about inflation affecting full-time National Servicemen’s allowances and suggested pegging increases to inflation indices.
The Senior Minister of State for Defence noted that NSFs’ allowances are reviewed regularly, with three adjustments in the past decade, the latest in March 2020, and that MINDEF will continue periodic reviews.
Giam emphasized that inflation has risen since 2021 and asked for the next review to be brought forward, while the Minister explained that allowances already account for costs covered by SAF and Home Team, and future reviews will consider all factors.

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14 Feb 2023

Checks on Singapore Companies to Prohibit Transfer to Myanmar of Items with Potential Military Application

Dennis Tan Lip Fong questioned whether the government would check all Singapore companies for compliance with prohibitions on transferring items with potential military application to Myanmar, following a report alleging Singapore is a strategic transit point for such items.
Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan stated that Singapore complies with international arms transfer obligations, prohibits arms and dual-use item transfers to Myanmar, and enforces laws like the Strategic Goods (Control) Act, noting that past assertions mostly pre-date the 2021 coup and no defence sales have occurred for over a decade.
Tan asked what checks were made after the report's allegations and what regular measures exist for monitoring company compliance, with Balakrishnan responding that past assertions are old, no recent defence sales exist, and the government actively flags red flags for all submissions under existing laws to prevent any risky transfers.

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14 Feb 2023

Legislative Levers to Strengthen Internal Security Department's Capacity Given Increase in Cases of Youths being Self-radicalised

Murali Pillai questioned if additional legislative measures are needed to help the Internal Security Department effectively counter self-radicalised youths, especially given the difficulty in identifying such threats.
The Minister of State affirmed a zero-tolerance approach, citing the effectiveness of the Internal Security Act and existing laws like the Broadcasting Act and Online Safety Act to block extremist content online.
The Ministry of Home Affairs is developing a new framework to tackle online criminal activity, including terrorism, which will complement current laws and introduce further legislative levers.
Pillai commended the ISD's timely interventions that prevented potential harm and asked for specifics on the legislative levers being contemplated to address self-radicalisation.
The Minister of State confirmed that more details on the proposed framework and new legislative levers would be released shortly.

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7 Feb 2023

Reports of Employers Acting Unfairly towards NSmen with Reservist Obligations

Since 2017, MINDEF has received four reported cases of unfair treatment by employers towards NSmen with reservist obligations, with most feedback resolved through clarifications or mediation.
Actions taken include the Ministry of Manpower and TAFEP intervening in cases, resulting in one employer reimbursing overtime allowances and others receiving advice on mutually acceptable arrangements.
Employers who fail to grant leave or maintain employment for NSmen are liable under the Enlistment Act, facing custodial sentences and fines.
MINDEF actively engages employers and provides recognition through awards like the NS Mark accreditation and NS Advocate Award for exemplary support of NSmen.

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6 Feb 2023

Reasons for Continued Increase in Armed Robbery Cases Onboard Commercial Vessels in Singapore Strait

The Minister confirmed a rise to 55 reported sea robbery incidents in the Singapore Strait in 2022, up from 49 in 2021, with most occurring outside Singapore's waters and involving petty theft of items like engine spares and ship stores.
He explained that since the Strait involves the territorial waters of Malaysia and Indonesia, Singapore collaborates with both countries through coordinated patrols and information-sharing initiatives to combat such incidents.
He noted Singapore’s role in international cooperation, including the ReCAAP agreement and the Republic of Singapore Navy’s Information Fusion Centre, which shares real-time maritime security information with neighbouring countries’ authorities.

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6 Feb 2023

Popular Vocation Choices amongst full-time National Servicemen for Deployment under Preference Indication Scheme

Abdul Samad asked the Minister for Defence about the most popular vocation choices indicated by full-time National Servicemen under the preference indication scheme.
The Vocation Interest Initiative allows pre-enlistees to indicate their interests, which are considered alongside suitability and operational needs.
Popular vocations include air defence, artillery, intelligence, island defence, signals, and transport.
The scheme aims to align NS deployment with individual preferences while meeting national requirements.
The Minister confirmed that these choices reflect current trends among pre-enlistees.

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10 Jan 2023

Subscription to the International Development Association

Singapore authorized a US$70 million subscription to the International Development Association's 20th Replenishment, maintaining its 0.20% contribution share to support least developed countries.
The Second Minister for Finance highlighted Singapore's history of contributing to IDA and other global institutions, framing the subscription as part of a balanced approach to international aid that prioritizes national needs while giving back to the global community.
Assoc Prof Jamus Lim supported the motion and suggested creating a dedicated Singapore foreign aid agency, "SingAid," to systematize and target development assistance more directly to regional neighbors.
The Minister responded that Singapore already engages through various multilateral institutions and direct contributions, emphasizing a prudent, flexible approach without committing to a new agency, due to resource constraints and the effectiveness of existing frameworks.

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9 Jan 2023

Data on Full-time and Reservist National Servicemen who Passed Away while in Service or Suffered Permanent Disability and Compensation Paid

Over the past 20 years, 42 national servicemen passed away due to service and 52 suffered permanent disability from service injuries, with the SAF recording the highest numbers in both categories.
Compensation for deaths and disabilities is based on insurance coverage and additional payouts, with amounts ranging from several thousand to over $1.5 million and typically four times higher than industrial benchmarks.
Every serviceman is covered by life and injury insurance, which was doubled in 2023 to provide up to $300,000 in baseline payout.
The rates of death and permanent disability due to service are very low (under 0.002%), and authorities investigate incidents to improve safety, aiming for a zero-fatality rate.
Servicemen receive free long-term medical treatment for service-related injuries at military or public healthcare facilities.

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9 Jan 2023

Cost for Acquiring and Maintaining Four Invincible-class Submarines

Gerald Giam asked for the total acquisition cost of four Invincible-class submarines, their annual maintenance cost, a comparison with the ownership cost of the current Archer-class and Challenger-class submarines, and the reasons for replacing the older submarines.
MINDEF declined to disclose exact figures for security reasons but cited comparable costs from Turkey and Korea, estimating each submarine at about $600 million and a fleet of four at $2.4 billion, with annual maintenance typically 2% to 3% of the capital cost.
The new submarines will significantly enhance maritime security for Singapore, replacing the older Challenger and Archer submarines that are over 60 and 40 years old, respectively, and have served to build expertise.
The acquisition of the Invincible-class submarines is timed to meet future operational needs and security challenges for the next 30 years, following over 20 years of operation with the older vessels.

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9 Jan 2023

ASEAN's Approach to Dealing with Political Situation in Myanmar

ASEAN member states expressed deep disappointment over the slow implementation of the Five-Point Consensus adopted in April 2021 to address Myanmar’s post-coup situation.
The bloc reaffirmed its commitment to the consensus during the November 2022 ASEAN Summit and agreed on steps to send a clear signal to Myanmar’s military.
ASEAN continues to urge the Tatmadaw to fully implement the consensus and cooperate with the Special Envoy to ensure progress and access to all parties.

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28 Nov 2022

Impact from US and India's Upgraded Ties with ASEAN

Singapore welcomed the US and India’s upgraded ties with ASEAN, expecting economic benefits from initiatives like the ASEAN-India trade agreement review and new US-ASEAN partnerships in electric vehicles, infrastructure, smart cities, and public health.
Deeper collaboration with India is anticipated in regional connectivity, cybersecurity, and the digital economy to support businesses and people.
Cooperation with the US aims to advance ASEAN’s clean energy transition, enhance energy security and grid resilience, and develop low-carbon and green energy infrastructure.

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28 Nov 2022

Key Outcomes from German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Visit to Singapore

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Singapore on 14 November 2022 and met with Singaporean leaders including the President and Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Lee and Chancellor Scholz endorsed a Joint Declaration to strengthen cooperation in renewable energy, the digital economy, and cybersecurity.
Chancellor Scholz delivered a keynote speech at the Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business to promote business ties, and the Germany-Singapore Framework for Sustainability and Innovation was signed.

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28 Nov 2022

SAF's Assessment and Promotion of Sustainability in Its Operations and Training

Louis Ng asked how the SAF assesses and promotes sustainability, particularly in reducing single-use items, whether it tracks such items, and if not, whether it will start tracking them.
Ng Eng Hen responded that the SAF is committed to national sustainability goals while maintaining operational effectiveness, has launched a sustainability challenge for units, and has already reduced single-use items like bottled water and plastic bags in canteens and eMarts.
The SAF also recycles items such as electronic waste, waste oil, and scrap metals, and plans to continue consulting experts and tracking progress where feasible.

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9 Nov 2022

Impact of Malaysia's Intended Legal Action at ICJ on Singapore's Development Plans In and Around Pedra Branca

Gerald Giam asked whether Malaysia's potential ICJ legal action on Pedra Branca affects Singapore's development and reclamation plans there.
Vivian Balakrishnan stated that the 2008 ICJ ruling awarded Pedra Branca to Singapore, and both nations accepted it as final.
Under ICJ rules, a revision request was possible only until May 2018, and Malaysia has not provided any details on intended legal action.
Singapore will robustly defend its sovereignty over Pedra Branca and continues development works within its territorial waters in line with international law.

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8 Nov 2022

Update on Development and Land Reclamation Works on and around Pedra Branca

Gerald Giam Yean Song requested an update on the development and land reclamation works around Pedra Branca, their estimated total cost, and their expected benefits to Singapore.
Desmond Lee stated that the works, which started in September 2021, are for infrastructural upgrades to support maritime security agencies in detection, response, and search and rescue operations, enhancing Singapore's maritime safety and security role.
The works also aim to improve safety and conditions for personnel stationed at Pedra Branca, who are critical to safeguarding maritime safety.
The total cost of the works is currently being reviewed in light of prevailing cost norms.
The benefits include strengthening Singapore's ability to contribute to maritime safety and security as a responsible international community member.

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8 Nov 2022

Update on Development of SAF Digital and Intelligence Service

The SAF Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) was officially inaugurated in October 2022 as a new service to address evolving hybrid threats that operate across air, land, sea, and digital domains.
The DIS is tasked with providing early warning and intelligence, ensuring networked force connectivity, defending cyber and electronic systems, and bolstering psychological resilience within the SAF.
Internationally, the DIS collaborates with other government agencies to fortify Singapore's national digital and cyber defence capabilities.
Organisational structures and operational commands are being established, with a Digital Ops-Tech Centre and Digital Ranges under construction to enhance training and simulation.
The DIS is actively expanding recruitment and development efforts, with plans to double its workforce by 2030.

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7 Nov 2022

Stance on Tatmadaw Arising from Ongoing Situation in Myanmar

Singapore has maintained a consistent stance of deep concern over the Myanmar military's actions since the 2021 coup, expressing disappointment with the lack of progress on the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus.
Singapore and ASEAN continue to urge the Tatmadaw to fully implement the consensus, cooperate with the ASEAN Special Envoy, and have discussed the situation in recent meetings.
ASEAN leaders will assess implementation progress at the November 2022 summits and make decisions on next steps, with Singapore committed to working with ASEAN and external partners to facilitate peace.

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20 Oct 2022

Requests for Assistance Received by Overseas Missions of Missing Overseas Singaporeans

Over the past decade, Singapore's overseas missions received approximately 30 requests annually for assistance regarding missing overseas Singaporeans.
Cases of missing Singaporeans abroad often involve individuals who were hospitalized, arrested, deceased, temporarily uncontactable due to poor connectivity, or deliberately avoiding contact for personal reasons.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides advice and support to families in such cases and encourages Singaporeans abroad to e-register on the MFA website.

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