Defence & foreign affairs — Topics

28 Feb 2022

Proceedings on Ministerial Statement

The Leader of the House, Ms Indranee Rajah, moved a motion to allow the Minister for Foreign Affairs to deliver a Ministerial Statement on the Situation in Ukraine and its Implications, given the urgent and escalating nature of the crisis.
The Speaker obtained general assent from Members, and the motion was agreed to, allowing the statement to be taken before the Budget debate due to its serious implications for the international order, global economy, and Singapore.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Vivian Balakrishnan, was then called to deliver the Ministerial Statement on the topic.

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28 Feb 2022

Safe Management Measures for Full-Time National Servicemen and COVID-19 Cases in Camps

The SAF has implemented vaccination, testing, and safe management measures like smaller groups and mask mandates to protect NSFs, with over 99.7% vaccinated and nearly 87% boosted.
NSFs who book out must follow SMMs outside and cannot return to camp if ill; COVID-positive cases follow national protocols, and infections are monitored to prevent spread.
Despite these measures, weekly infections in camps have risen about 17% due to community spread from the Omicron variant, though most cases are mild and internal transmission remains limited.

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18 Feb 2022

ASEAN's Approach to Combating Rise in Drug Production and Trade in Myanmar and Efforts to Halt Its Export to Surrounding Nations

ASEAN is addressing the surge in drug production and trafficking in Myanmar by maintaining cooperation across sectoral bodies and implementing the ASEAN Cooperation Plan to Tackle Illicit Drug Production and Trafficking in the Golden Triangle (2020–2022) to enhance information sharing and interdiction efforts.
Singapore remains committed to constructive engagement with Myanmar and active participation in ASEAN mechanisms like the ASEAN Drug Monitoring Network and interdiction taskforces to curb drug exports and support regional drug-free goals.
The region’s efforts focus on reducing illicit cultivation, manufacture, and trafficking through coordinated actions, as highlighted in statements like the 2019 East Asia Summit and the 7th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Drug Matters.

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18 Feb 2022

Progress Update on Situation in Myanmar

Vivian Balakrishnan reported no significant progress in implementing ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar, noting that ASEAN Special Envoys have been barred from visiting and engaging with all parties as required.
He emphasized that cooperation from Myanmar’s military authorities is essential, urging the release of political detainees, a halt to violence against civilians, and support for humanitarian assistance.
The situation in Rakhine State remains complex, with ASEAN and Singapore providing aid and supporting needs assessments, though safe and voluntary refugee repatriation has not yet commenced.
Singapore has contributed over S$1 million in bilateral humanitarian aid and supports ongoing ASEAN efforts to improve conditions and explore frameworks for refugee return.
The resolution of Myanmar’s political and humanitarian challenges ultimately depends on its own people, and Singapore will continue working with ASEAN to promote a sustainable and peaceful solution.

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18 Feb 2022

Clarification by Minister for Home Affairs

Minister K Shanmugam clarified that Ms Sylvia Lim's phone has not been hacked by Singapore state agencies during the period between her question and his response, after checking with the Security and Intelligence Division.
He stated that if members of Parliament suspect hacking, they should contact MHA for a thorough investigation, and highlighted that raising such issues in Parliament may be for publicity rather than resolution.
The Minister emphasized that MPs are high-value targets for foreign agencies and that security agencies must monitor potential threats, noting the normal practice is not to confirm or deny such matters.
He expressed interest in seeing the specific Apple notification to Ms Lim, as MHA would investigate if it indicates targeting by a state-sponsored agency.

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18 Feb 2022

Use and Deployment of Israeli Company QuaDream's Spyware or Other Technologies in Singapore

Leon Perera asked whether the Government uses or deploys Israeli company QuaDream's spyware or similar technologies in Singapore.
The Minister of State for Home Affairs declined to confirm specifics, citing national security reasons and emphasizing that operational details cannot be discussed publicly.
Sylvia Lim raised concerns about potential state-sponsored hacking of her iPhone and asked for assurance that Singapore government agencies are not targeting her, but the Minister only suggested she file a police report if she has concerns.

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15 Feb 2022

Efforts to Ensure Mindef and SAF's Vendors Maintain Best Practices and Stay abreast of Cyber Threats in Light of Data Breach Incidences

The Government requires vendors to follow industry-standard cybersecurity measures, such as updated anti-virus software, with quarterly reviews to ensure relevance to current threats.
Vendors handling sensitive systems are audited annually, with less critical ones audited every two to three years, and must submit remediation plans within two weeks of audit findings.
Repeat data breaches by vendors result in stricter penalties, including liquidated damages, contract termination, debarment from future government contracts, and possible criminal liability under the Personal Data Protection Act.

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15 Feb 2022

Possibility of Singapore's Accession to Hague Service Convention

Murali Pillai inquired about the progress of the feasibility study on Singapore's accession to the Hague Service Convention.
K Shanmugam confirmed that after a review and stakeholder consultation, Singapore has decided to accede to the Convention to streamline the service of judicial documents abroad.
Accession will provide legal certainty for Singapore litigants by ensuring valid service and facilitating the recognition and enforcement of judgments in foreign jurisdictions.
The government is currently drafting legislation to give effect to the Convention.

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14 Feb 2022

Plans to Render Humanitarian or Financial Aid to Neighbouring Countries Affected by Recent Floods or Natural Disasters and Measures to Mitigate Environmental or Economic Effects

Singapore offered condolences and humanitarian assistance to Malaysia and the Philippines following recent floods and Typhoon Rai, including a US$60,000 government contribution to the Singapore Red Cross for relief efforts.
The government supports regional cooperation through initiatives like the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response and the AADMER Work Programme 2021–2025 to enhance collective disaster response capabilities.
Singapore participates in international efforts, such as courses with UNDRR and JICA, to build disaster risk reduction capacity and stands ready to deploy its Civil Defence Force humanitarian assistance team for future regional disasters.

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14 Feb 2022

Hijacking of Aircraft and Protection of Aircraft and International Airports (Amendment) Bill

The Bill aims to modernise Singapore’s aviation security laws by acceding to the Beijing Convention and Protocol, which expand criminal offences to include using aircraft as weapons, transporting dangerous materials, and cyber attacks on aviation systems.
Key amendments broaden the scope of hijacking to cover aircraft “in service” and include technological means, introduce new offences for acts endangering aviation safety, and extend extradition and mutual legal assistance provisions.
Members supported the Bill but raised clarifications on industry compliance, penalties, and cross-agency coordination, with the Ministry affirming that existing security measures and the whole-of-Government approach would ensure effective implementation.

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14 Feb 2022

The Agreement on the Realignment of the Boundary between the Jakarta and the Singapore Flight Information Regions

The agreement realigns the Jakarta and Singapore Flight Information Region boundaries, with Indonesia delegating airspace management near Changi Airport to Singapore for 25 years, extendable by mutual consent, to ensure safe and efficient air traffic management.
The agreement is part of a broader framework with Indonesia to address longstanding bilateral issues, with all three agreements to be ratified simultaneously to balance interests and strengthen cooperation in aviation and beyond.
Officials emphasized that the agreement provides clarity and certainty for Changi Airport's growth, benefits international civil aviation in the Asia-Pacific region, and lays a foundation for future collaboration, with details to be finalized through domestic processes and ICAO approval.

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14 Feb 2022

The Agreements under the Expanded Framework between Singapore and Indonesia

Singapore and Indonesia signed three agreements under an Expanded Framework to resolve long-standing bilateral issues on air space, extradition, and defence cooperation.
The agreements include a realignment of the Jakarta and Singapore Flight Information Regions, a 25-year delegation of air navigation services to Singapore, and an Extradition Treaty with retrospective application.
The Defence Cooperation Agreement will formalise the SAF's military training arrangements in Indonesian waters, providing clarity while respecting sovereignty.
The negotiations, led by senior officials and endorsed by both leaders, are described as a win-win outcome that strengthens bilateral relations and is based on mutual benefit and international law.
Both countries are now undertaking domestic ratification processes to bring the agreements into force simultaneously, with a focus on implementation and future cooperation.

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12 Jan 2022

Extension of Help to Malaysians Affected by Recent Floods

Dr Wan Rizal asked whether the Government is providing support to Malaysians affected by recent floods.
The Foreign Minister confirmed Singapore has expressed solidarity and offered assistance, including contributing $60,000 to the Singapore Red Cross for disaster relief.
The Singapore Red Cross also pledged $50,000 to the Malaysian Red Crescent for emergency healthcare and relief supplies.
A disaster relief team is on standby for deployment through ASEAN frameworks if requested.
Singapore stands ready to provide further assistance as needed.

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11 Jan 2022

Ensuring Formidable and Mission-ready Singapore Armed Forces Using Technological Advancement

Minister Ng Eng Hen agreed that low fertility rates pose a challenge to maintaining a strong Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and emphasized that the SAF has long incorporated technology to improve productivity and reduce manpower needs, such as with automated radars and unmanned vessels.
The SAF continues to embrace advancements like robotics, AI, and data analytics to further optimize processes, including trialing automated vehicles and AI-enabled drones to enhance operational efficiency.
Job redesign initiatives, such as deploying unmanned watchtowers, allow individuals with medical exemptions to contribute, ensuring the SAF remains lean and effective despite smaller cohorts from low fertility rates.

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11 Jan 2022

Proposal to Preserve RSS Resolution as Part of Republic of Singapore Navy’s Heritage

MP Desmond Choo asked if the RSS Resolution could be preserved as part of the Republic of Singapore Navy's heritage and potentially as a tourist attraction.
Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen affirmed the value of preserving heritage artefacts but noted that space and resource constraints make it impractical to preserve every retired platform.
The SAF already maintains heritage museums and uses iconic exhibits, but costly upkeep limits preservation to items of exceptional historical significance.
The RSN has preserved parts of its first ship, RSS Panglima, and plans to use digital and virtual reality to share the stories of retired ships like RSS Resolution.
These efforts aim to honor the contributions of past servicemen and provide immersive experiences without needing to retain every physical vessel.

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11 Jan 2022

Steps for Singaporeans and Migrant Workers to Ensure Donations to Charities Based Overseas Do Not Support Terrorism Financing

The Minister for Home Affairs advised donors to channel donations through registered charities regulated by the Commissioner of Charities or through entities with a Fund-Raising for Foreign Charitable Purposes permit, to avoid unverified charities that may be linked to terrorism financing.
To ensure safe online giving, the public should use crowdfunding platforms that adhere to the industry Code of Practice for Online Charitable Fund-raising Appeals, which sets best practices for trusted intermediaries.
Donors are urged to exercise due diligence by questioning the use of funds, checking charity legitimacy via the Charity Portal (www.charities.gov.sg), and seeking updates on beneficiaries to ensure donations support genuine charitable purposes.
The Police have charged 10 migrant workers under the Terrorism (Suppression of Financing) Act, highlighting that any support for terrorism-related activities, regardless of source or amount, threatens national security.

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10 Jan 2022

Data on Full-time NSmen Who Suffered Service-related Injuries and Compensation Received in Past Five Years

From 2016 to 2020, fewer than 500 full-time NSmen (about 1.5% per cohort) suffered service-related injuries, with the majority being minor and fully recoverable.
Approximately 150 NSFs were eligible for compensation, with amounts varying by injury type, and higher compensations were given to four NSFs with fractures causing residual disability.
Compensation is tiered, including baseline insurance payouts and additional MINDEF support, with medical treatment fully funded and further compensation for discharge or prolonged leave.
Compensation schemes reference civilian standards like WICA but provide at least double for permanent disabilities from military operations or training.
MINDEF also offers case-by-case support such as counselling and emotional assistance to injured servicemen and their families.

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10 Jan 2022

Policies for Public Officers Speaking to Media or Posting on Social Media in Their Personal Capacity

Public officers in Singapore must uphold the integrity of the Public Service and avoid actions that could bring it into disrepute or undermine public confidence.
Officers may share personal interests and comment on general current affairs on private social media, but require permission to discuss issues related to their own agencies or policies, or topics affecting national defence, security, social cohesion, or foreign policy.
The Public Service Commission has taken disciplinary action against officers who breached these conduct rules in the past five years.

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10 Jan 2022

Singapore's Contributions to Global Efforts to Combat COVID-19

Singapore has contributed to global and regional COVID-19 efforts through multilateral initiatives like COVAX, including co-founding the Friends of the COVAX Facility and providing donations of vaccines, oxygen, medical supplies, and financial aid to countries in need.
The government has supported ASEAN and other partners by sharing best practices, such as open-sourcing TraceTogether, and maintaining its air and sea ports to ensure global supply chain continuity during the pandemic.
Singapore remains committed to strengthening pandemic preparedness through WHO collaborations and plans to continue contributing to global health resilience in 2022, emphasizing the need for collective international action.

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3 Nov 2021

COVID-19 Vaccination Rates of Singaporean Students Studying Abroad and Efforts to Ensure Safety of Singapore Students Abroad

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not have specific statistics on the COVID-19 vaccination rates of Singaporean students studying abroad.
The Singapore government has urged overseas Singaporeans to get vaccinated and launched dedicated channels for them to return for vaccination with reduced SHN time, receiving about 250 sign-ups by late October 2021.
Overseas Missions actively engage Singaporean student communities to address COVID-19 concerns, provide consular assistance, and keep families informed if students contract or are exposed to the virus.
Missions and the Singapore Global Network use social media platforms to update students on COVID-19 information, travel measures, and safety requirements.
The Ministry will continue regular engagement and consular support to ensure the safety and well-being of Singaporean students abroad.

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