Defence & foreign affairs — Topics

14 Sep 2021

Humanitarian Assistance to Affected Civilians or Those Seeking to Evacuate Afghanistan after Takeover by Taliban

Singapore deployed the RSAF’s A330 MRTT aircraft to assist in evacuation operations, airlifting over 2,200 evacuees from Qatar to Germany.
There are currently no plans for ASEAN to render any humanitarian assistance to affected civilians or those seeking to evacuate Afghanistan.
Singapore hopes the transition in Afghanistan will be peaceful, with all parties refraining from violence and reaching an agreement through negotiations.

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14 Sep 2021

Impact of and Measures to Deal with Threat Caused by Pegasus Cyber Surveillance Tool

Murali Pillai asked about the impact of the Pegasus cyber surveillance tool on Singapore's national security and the steps being taken to address the threat, given its reported use in about 50 countries including Singapore.
K Shanmugam stated that the threat from electronic surveillance tools like Pegasus is not new, and Singapore's security agencies continuously invest resources to protect against such threats to national systems.
K Shanmugam emphasized the need for individuals to adopt good cyber hygiene practices, such as avoiding untrustworthy websites and not opening suspicious attachments, to mitigate risks from spyware and malware.

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14 Sep 2021

Recipient Countries of COVID-19 Vaccine Donations by Singapore

Singapore donated 100,000 doses of Moderna to Brunei and 20,000 doses of Sinovac to Johor, with plans for a further 100,000 Pfizer-BioNTech doses to Johor, but costs are undisclosed due to manufacturer contracts.
The Foreign Minister emphasized that donations are made only after ensuring Singapore’s own vaccine needs are met, with considerations including global shortages, the need for regional control, and helping neighbours with high cross-border movement.
The Minister highlighted the principle that no one is safe until everyone is safe, citing a mutual vaccine swap with Australia as an example of international cooperation to optimise vaccination schedules.

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14 Sep 2021

Arrangements for Support of Singaporeans who may be Living in Afghanistan

Leon Perera asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs about the presence of Singaporeans in Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover and what support or repatriation arrangements exist for them.
The Second Minister for Foreign Affairs responded that there are no registered Singaporeans in Afghanistan with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Ministry has no diplomatic representation in Afghanistan, limiting its ability to provide consular assistance, and had earlier advised against travel or remaining there.
Singaporeans still in Afghanistan are urged to e-register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately if they have not done so.

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13 Sep 2021

Update on Use of SGSecure App to Make Reports and Actions Taken against Makers of Prank Reports

The SGSecure app has been downloaded by about three million devices since its launch in 2016, with reports made through the app increasing from 6,000 in 2017 to 14,000 last year.
Reports include alerts on suspicious individuals, unattended packages, and signs of radicalisation, but the government does not track the number of prank reports due to anonymity, though it assesses the number to be low.
Three persons have been warned to date for intentionally sending false information via the SGSecure app.

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13 Sep 2021

Update on Employment of Latest Cyber Technology to Detect and Deter Foreign Interference with Domestic Politics and Social Issues

Christopher de Souza requested an update on how Singapore uses cyber technology to detect and deter foreign interference in domestic politics and social issues.
K Shanmugam explained that foreign actors may use bots or fake accounts to spread hostile information campaigns, and Singapore's security agencies have deployed early detection systems to identify anomalous network activity.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has introduced new legislation to guard against foreign interference in domestic affairs.

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13 Sep 2021

Expected Impact of Change in Malaysia's Political Scene on Singapore and Bilateral Relations

Singapore will continue to work constructively with the current Malaysian government, maintaining good relations and cooperation across a wide range of areas.
Cross-border travel arrangements and discussions on resuming movement, including mutual recognition of vaccination certificates, remain ongoing and unaffected by Malaysia's political changes.
Singapore looks forward to advancing long-term bilateral projects and emerging stronger together with Malaysia from the COVID-19 pandemic.

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13 Sep 2021

Plans to Reduce Wastage in Food, Gears and Logistics within SAF Camps under Singapore Green Plan

The Ministry of Defence is committed to reducing waste generation by 30% by 2030 under the Singapore Green Plan, with measures including meal forecasting and an electronic system to cut food wastage to about 1% of meals catered.
To minimize gear wastage, servicemen receive annual eMart credits to replace equipment as needed, and the SAF has set up collection points for recycling old uniforms and boots, with plans to expand food recycling to all cookhouses by 2024.
The SAF also recycles scrap metals, electronic waste, chemicals, and waste oil through dedicated contracts, and will explore further measures to reduce and minimize wastage.
MINDEF balances operational needs with biodiversity concerns by adhering to the national Environmental Impact Assessment framework and consulting agencies like NParks and nature groups, subject to security considerations.

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13 Sep 2021

Support for Singaporeans Living Abroad in Countries with Limited Access to COVID-19 Vaccinations

Leon Perera questioned the vaccination status of staff in Singapore’s overseas missions and the support for Singaporeans abroad facing limited COVID-19 vaccine access.
Vivian Balakrishnan confirmed that nearly all mission staff are vaccinated, with one officer due to complete vaccination by November 2021.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs cannot vaccinate Singaporeans overseas due to medical and legal constraints but seeks foreign government cooperation to include them in local programs.
For returnees, Singapore offers dedicated vaccination options allowing one dose during transit or SHN and the second dose afterward, minimizing quarantine time.
The government is exploring ways to make vaccination more convenient for overseas Singaporeans when they return to Singapore.

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13 Sep 2021

Impact of Deferment in In-Camp Training and Suspension of Individual Physical Proficiency Tests on NSMen's Operational Readiness

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim inquired about the Ministry’s plans to maintain NSmen’s operational readiness and fitness amid deferments during COVID-19 Phase Two (Heightened Alert), and whether ICT could be extended until next year due to work and business challenges.
Minister Ng Eng Hen responded that ICTs are essential for SAF readiness and will continue with stringent testing and safe management measures; less essential training may be deferred during heightened restrictions, but critical units maintained operations.
The SAF introduced the NS FIT programme, including virtual FIT@Home sessions, to help NSmen stay fit when physical activities were suspended, and these initiatives were well received.
Prolonged disruptions would impact readiness, so ICTs and fitness activities resumed after restrictions eased, supported by high vaccination rates, safe management, and weekly testing; NSmen needing deferments can approach their unit commanders for assistance.

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13 Sep 2021

Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Bill

The Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Bill aims to counteract foreign interference in the public interest and includes the repeal of the Political Donations Act.
The bill was presented by the Minister of State for Home Affairs on behalf of the Minister for Home Affairs and was read for the first time in Parliament.
The bill will be printed and scheduled for a second reading at the next available sitting of Parliament, with consequential amendments to other related acts.

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13 Sep 2021

Impact on Singapore Due To Change in Government in Malaysia

Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan affirmed that Singapore will continue to work constructively with Malaysia's new government led by Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, emphasizing that bilateral ties remain strong regardless of political changes.
Both countries are actively cooperating on key projects like the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link, which is under construction and scheduled to start service in 2026, and on COVID-19 border control measures including mutual recognition of vaccine certificates.
The Minister highlighted ongoing efforts to safely resume cross-border travel in the endemic phase, with both governments working to establish public health protocols that protect citizens while easing movement restrictions.

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3 Aug 2021

Conducting Joint Patrols with Indonesia in View of Increased Piracy or Armed Sea Robbery Incidents in Eastbound Lane of Traffic Separation Scheme

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Defence about discussions with Indonesia for more joint patrols due to increased piracy incidents in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme near Tanjung Pergam, Bintan Island.
Minister Ng Eng Hen stated that while Singapore does not conduct joint patrols with Indonesia, it collaborates through coordinated patrols in respective territorial waters and regular exchanges to address transnational maritime threats.
The Republic of Singapore Navy’s Information Fusion Centre shares hotspot information with neighbouring countries to aid patrol decisions, and engagement with the shipping community on security measures has increased.
Singapore will continue working with maritime agencies and neighbouring states to collectively address maritime incidents and security threats.

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3 Aug 2021

Singapore's Efforts in De-escalation of Tension in Israel and Palestinian Territories

The Minister for Foreign Affairs outlined the complex context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing that recent violence stemmed from territorial and political issues rather than purely religious ones, and highlighted the tragic loss of civilian lives on both sides.
Singapore has consistently called for an end to violence, welcomed the ceasefire, and supported humanitarian aid, including donating funds and encouraging public contributions to relief efforts for affected civilians in Gaza.
The government continues to support Palestinian capacity-building through programs and training, while reaffirming its principled stance for a two-state solution based on United Nations resolutions, urging both sides to engage in negotiations.
MFA is actively monitoring the safety of Singaporeans in the region, providing consular assistance and urging them to remain vigilant and registered for emergency support.
Singapore's efforts focus on de-escalation through diplomatic statements, humanitarian support, and backing international initiatives, while stressing the need for political will from both Israeli and Palestinian leadership to achieve lasting peace.

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2 Aug 2021

Reasons for Second Review of India-Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement Taking Eight Years to Complete

Hazel Poa asked the Minister for Trade and Industry why the second review of the India-Singapore CECA took eight years, what the main contentious issues were, and what is being reviewed in the third review.
The Minister explained that FTAs are periodically reviewed to stay relevant, there is no set timeline, and the second review involved careful study, consultations, and mutual agreement on amendments including expanded tariff concessions and updated rules of origin.
The Minister stated that details of negotiations are confidential to protect trust and future negotiations, but the outcomes and texts of reviews are publicly available.

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2 Aug 2021

Number of Singapore Citizens Currently Registered to be in Myanmar and Relief Flights Scheduled

There are approximately 240 Singaporean citizens currently registered to be in Myanmar, with the Singapore Embassy in Yangon providing them with regular consular advice and updates.
Three relief flights per week from Yangon to Singapore are being operated by Singapore Airlines and Myanmar National Airlines, which Singaporeans can book directly, but the continuation of these flights beyond August is not guaranteed.
MFA advises Singaporeans in Myanmar to leave as soon as possible via commercially operated flights due to the volatile situation and strain on Myanmar's healthcare system from a surge in COVID-19 cases.
Singaporeans who remain in Myanmar must consider the risks to their health and personal safety and are strongly advised to e-register with MFA immediately if they have not already done so.

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26 Jul 2021

Conviction and Punishment of David Roach for Bank Robbery in 2016

Sylvia Lim asked how the Singapore government would fulfill its assurance to the UK that David Roach, extradited for a 2016 bank robbery, would not be caned as sentenced by Singapore courts.
K Shanmugam explained that the government gave an undertaking to the UK to not carry out corporal punishment, which was necessary to secure Roach's extradition under UK law.
He stated that the President, on Cabinet's advice, remitted Roach's six-stroke caning sentence under constitutional powers to fulfill this assurance.
This follows a similar past case where Singapore assured Australia that a suspect would not face the death penalty to secure extradition.

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26 Jul 2021

Progress on Implementation of ASEAN Five-Point Consensus on Situation in Myanmar

Alex Yam sought an update from the Minister for Foreign Affairs on meaningful progress in implementing the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus for Myanmar, which aims to end violence and start dialogue.
The Consensus includes cessation of violence, dialogue among parties, appointment of an ASEAN special envoy, access for the envoy, and humanitarian aid via the AHA Centre, with ASEAN members working on implementation details.
Progress has been slow, and ASEAN is urging the Myanmar military to uphold its commitment while stakeholders must engage in genuine dialogue, with Singapore ready to assist despite the challenging process.

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26 Jul 2021

Singapore's Contribution to COVID-19 Pandemic Management in ASEAN

Singapore provided direct medical aid to ASEAN countries, including oxygen, ventilators, diagnostic tests, and masks to Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, and Myanmar, and pledged vaccine donations through the COVAX Facility.
Singapore contributed US$100,000 to the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund and supported regional initiatives like the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework and the establishment of an ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies.
Private sector and philanthropic organizations in Singapore, such as Temasek Foundation and the Singapore Red Cross, also donated medical supplies to multiple ASEAN countries.
Singapore actively coordinated ASEAN’s pandemic response, leading to the creation of working groups, a strategic framework for health emergencies, and a regional reserve of medical supplies.
The government emphasized that pandemic management requires collective regional effort, with Singapore committing to continued cooperation with ASEAN and external partners.

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6 Jul 2021

Changes Made to Policies and Practices Following Recent Case of Influence Operations and Foreign Intelligence Recruitment

The Ministry of Home Affairs conducts security clearance for sensitive public sector roles and uses legislation like the Internal Security Act and Political Donations Act to guard against foreign interference.
Institutes of Higher Learning have protocols to oversee academic collaborations and raise staff awareness, while the government engages in outreach to make citizens discerning of manipulation attempts.
The government is studying new legislative levers to counter foreign interference and will not publicize specific actions taken against foreign states for security reasons.

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