Defence & foreign affairs

843 debates and bills about defence & foreign affairs

4 Aug 2026

Protecting Singapore-domiciled Companies from Foreign Regulatory Overreach and Preserving Singapore's Neutral Business Hub Reputation

Foreign states cannot enforce laws in Singapore without consent; doing so breaches sovereignty.
Singapore's hub reputation relies on rule of law, transparency, and principled cooperation with foreign counterparts.

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4 Aug 2026

Working with Counterparts in Malaysia and Indonesia to Strengthen Upstream Haze Prevention Efforts Ahead of Expected Severe Haze in 2H2026

Singapore maintains ongoing haze mitigation with Malaysia and Indonesia via ASEAN.
New Singapore-Indonesia MOU covers transboundary pollution, strengthening cooperation.
Efforts continue ahead of expected severe haze in second half 2026.

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4 Aug 2026

Recourse for Damage Caused to Singapore-flagged Cargo Ship Struck by Projectile at Strait of Hormuz

Singapore-flagged vessel Ever Lovely suffered minor projectile damage; crew safe and repairs completed.
Ship management may seek compensation via war risk or marine insurance claims.
Government upholds UNCLOS transit passage rights and supports international action.

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4 Aug 2026

Collaborations with Countries Bordering Straits of Malacca to Ensure Long-term Freedom of Passage

Transit passage through the Straits is guaranteed under UNCLOS and customary international law.
Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia jointly manage straits via TTEG and Co-operative Mechanism for safety.
Mechanism lets user states contribute while littoral states retain sovereignty over the straits.

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4 Aug 2026

Visit of Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn for Viewing of Parliament Proceedings

Singapore Parliament warmly welcomed Thai Princess Sirindhorn and her military delegation.
Her visit highlights deep bilateral ties in education, healthcare, and science.
Her charitable work and youth exchange programs strengthen Singapore-Thailand relations.

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7 Jul 2026

Extending SAF Driver Training and Civilian Licensing to National Servicemen, Annual Civilian Licence Uptake and Converting SAF Driving Qualifications to Civilian Licences

SAF prioritises military duties and operational training over civilian licensing for national servicemen.
Converting SAF driving qualifications to civilian licences requires meeting mileage, safety, and disciplinary standards.
About 85% of full-time NS transport operators obtained civilian licences in the past three years.

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7 Jul 2026

Military Operational Security Risks from Fitness Tracking App Data, and Usage Guidelines and Safeguards for Servicemen

MINDEF uses a tiered security plan with demarcated zones to govern fitness app use in camps and during operations.
It balances security with allowing personal devices in cleared zones for health and productivity needs.
Policies are regularly reviewed; no security breaches from fitness trackers have been detected so far.

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7 Jul 2026

Continued Frontier AI Access for Singapore Given US Order to Bar Foreign Access to Anthropic's Fable and Mythos Models

Frontier AI access is useful for niche uses but most AI needs are met by existing models.
Singapore will diversify AI providers and partnerships to build resilience against export controls.
It advocates open, collaborative AI governance internationally to preserve flexibility and options.

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7 Jul 2026

Deferment of In-camp Training for NSmen Who Attend Institutes of Higher Learning Due to Internship Opportunities

MP asked MINDEF to consider internships, including overseas ones, when granting ICT deferments.
Minister said NSmen are called up during university vacations, with deferments for studies or compulsory requirements.
Commanders may approve other deferments; MINDEF will keep reviewing the framework.

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7 Jul 2026

Singapore's Engagements with US Trade Representative to Prevent Retaliatory Tariffs on Singapore-produced Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Singapore rejects US claim of subsidized biofuel overcapacity; production is demand-driven and competitive.
Government is constructively engaging USTR to prevent retaliatory tariffs, while awaiting the ongoing investigation's outcome.

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6 May 2026

Assessment of US-Indonesia Major Defense Cooperation Partnership and Implications for Singapore's Long-term Strategic Interests and Regional Stability

Singapore views the US-Indonesia partnership as a normal example of countries seeking mutually beneficial defense ties.
Singapore will engage many partners, forging overlapping circles of friends to promote regional peace and stability.

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6 May 2026

Meal Allowances or Arrangements for SAF Full-time National Servicemen at Locations without Cookhouse Facilities

SAF NSFs get no extra meal allowance; most serve at camps with cookhouses.
Those without cookhouses can request fresh rations instead.
Monthly allowance and financial aid cover meals; rates reviewed regularly.

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6 May 2026

Medical Reviews under Refreshed NS Medical Classification That Result in Vocational Reassignments

Refresh optimizes servicemen deployment amid evolving warfare, not just combat staffing.
Precise medical grading lets 1,200 more annually take expanded roles.
Redeployment remains for medical changes; new system starts 2027.

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5 May 2026

Impact of Indonesia's Proposed Overflight Access for US Military Aircraft on Singapore-Jakarta FIR Agreement and Civilian Air Traffic Management

Gerald Giam asked if US military overflights could affect the Singapore-Jakarta FIR agreement or civilian air traffic.
Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow replied it was a bilateral matter between Indonesia and the United States.

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5 May 2026

Breakdown of Singaporeans and Permanent Residents Recruited for SAF Volunteer Corps by Gender from 2015 to 2025

SAFVC has about 1,100 in-service volunteers: 52% male, 48% female; 70% are new citizens or PRs.
Annual applications rose from 600 (2014-2020) to 900 (recent 5 years), reaching 1,300 in 2025.
Minister gave overall figures instead of the requested yearly gender and residency breakdown.

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5 May 2026

Internal Security Audit Protocols for Corruption Cases Involving Staff Members in Defence-Related Organisations

Defence Ministry has protocols to audit corruption cases for security breaches.
Specifics on secret compromise and procurement oversight are withheld for security.

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5 May 2026

Safeguarding against Disadvantage to Servicemen in Their Future Civilian Careers and Insurance Eligibility with Changes to NS Medical Classification System

Strict confidentiality of servicemen's medical and mental health data will continue under refreshed MCS.
Data access stays restricted to authorised personnel; never shared with civilian employers or insurers.
Measures balance manpower optimisation with safeguarding future careers and insurance eligibility.

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8 Apr 2026

Arrangements to Ensure Essential Supply Lines to Singapore during Regional Conflicts or Naval Disruptions

Singapore secures supply lines by diversifying sources and keeping multiple global shipping and air routes open.
Partnerships with like-minded nations help maintain trade flows during disruptions.
No single operator dependency ensures alternatives remain available.

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8 Apr 2026

Investigations of Singapore-based Companies in 19 March 2026 US Indictment on Unlawful Diversion of AI Technology to China

The US has not informed Singapore of any local involvement in the AI technology diversion indictment. The Minister clarified they will only investigate breaches of Singapore's own laws.
Singapore does not enforce other countries' laws but expects businesses to comply with international regulations and not use Singapore to circumvent them.

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8 Apr 2026

National Security Assessment of Proposed Simba-M1 Merger

Giam seeks security review of Simba-M1 merger, citing foreign ownership and Huawei ties.
Teo says IMDA assesses merger under competition code, including national security, without specifics.

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