Defence & foreign affairs — Topics

16 Feb 2021

Requests for Consular Assistance from Singaporeans in Myanmar Following Military Coup

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed a small number of Singaporeans in Myanmar have returned home, while the embassy continues to maintain contact with registered citizens and advises them to avoid public gatherings and monitor local laws and communications.
Singapore supports ASEAN’s non-interference policy but notes the ASEAN Chair’s statement calling for dialogue and the return to normalcy in Myanmar, and the government urges all parties to seek a peaceful, democratic resolution.
The Minister highlighted Singapore’s significant economic stakes in Myanmar, with US$24 billion in investments and a tenfold increase over the last five years, while advising companies to assess political risks amid the ongoing situation.
Singapore is engaging with ASEAN and major powers to foster inclusive dialogue on Myanmar, discouraging widespread sanctions to avoid harming ordinary citizens, and reaffirming that domestic political issues from other countries should not be imported into Singapore.

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2 Feb 2021

Facilitating Singaporeans Entering Malaysia to Take Care of Essential Personal Matters

The government has been working with Malaysian authorities to facilitate essential cross-border travel for Singaporeans, such as for family bereavements, and has successfully assisted over 250 appeal cases since March 2020.
The Minister acknowledged that many requests are declined by Malaysian immigration authorities, who hold the final discretion, and that the process remains challenging due to evolving public health measures.
Despite Malaysia's political changes and state of emergency, diplomatic channels between Singapore and Malaysia remain functional and open, with regular communication at multiple levels to address bilateral issues.

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1 Feb 2021

Piracy Attacks in Singapore Strait

Melvin Yong asked about the number of piracy attacks, arrests, trends, and plans to enhance ship safety in the Singapore Strait in 2020.
Ng Eng Hen reported 34 incidents in 2020, mostly petty theft outside Singapore waters, with no rise over the past decade and an average of 28 incidents annually.
Singapore agencies coordinate with neighbors like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand to address incidents, sharing information and conducting patrols despite COVID-19.
The Maritime Crisis Centre and Information Fusion Centre support situational awareness and response, as seen in a case where Indonesian authorities arrested perpetrators after information sharing.
Singapore remains committed to improving maritime security measures and regional cooperation to mitigate piracy and robbery threats.

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4 Nov 2020

Environmental Implications of Indonesia's Omnibus Law for Singapore

Leon Perera queried the environmental impact of Indonesia's Omnibus Law on Singapore, especially regarding transboundary haze, and how it might affect Singapore's haze strategy.
Grace Fu Hai Yien stated that Singapore experienced no haze this year due to wet weather and Indonesia's proactive fire prevention efforts, and emphasized respect for Indonesia's sovereignty in enacting laws for domestic needs like job creation.
She affirmed that Singapore's regional cooperation with Indonesia and ASEAN on haze issues will continue unaffected, including offering fire-fighting assistance when requested.
Singapore will maintain its commitment to ASEAN mechanisms like the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre and the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution to support a haze-free region.

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3 Nov 2020

Sharing Progress of Carbon Emissions and Sustainability Targets by SAF Annually

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Defence whether the SAF has targets on carbon emissions and sustainability and if it can commit to annual reporting of progress.
The SAF integrates environmental sustainability into its planning, aligning with national standards like PSTLES, while ensuring it does not compromise operational readiness.
The SAF tracks sustainability progress annually under whole-of-government initiatives, with examples like replacing administrative vehicles with hybrids and energy-efficient building designs.

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2 Nov 2020

Noise Mitigation Measures for Residential Areas Near Sembawang Air Base

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked about the number of noise complaints related to helicopter operations at Sembawang Air Base and requested permanent measures to mitigate noise for residents in Sembawang and Yishun, especially with more people working from home.
Minister Ng Eng Hen explained that the RSAF maintains operational readiness through helicopter training, which includes careful flight route planning to minimize noise, but complaints have increased due to more residents working from home during the pandemic.
The Minister emphasized the critical role of helicopters in search and rescue missions, such as 16 activations in the past year, including a notable rescue of a diving instructor, and their importance for security during high-profile events like the Trump-Kim Summit.
The RSAF’s rigorous training ensures pilots are proficient and ready for emergencies, and the Minister thanked Singaporeans for their support in maintaining a capable and operationally ready RSAF.

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6 Oct 2020

Statistics on National Service Deferment for Essential In-camp Training for March to August 2020

Don Wee asked about the percentage change in National Service deferment for essential in-camp training from March to August 2020 compared to the previous three-year average, which category saw the largest increase, whether make-up pay could be provided to job seekers in the gig economy, and if companies could allow such workers to retain incentive levels during in-camp training.
Ng Eng Hen stated that most in-camp training call-ups were suspended from April to August 2020 due to COVID-19, except for critical security or national COVID-19 efforts.
He confirmed that NSmen in the gig economy are eligible for make-up pay like formal economy workers, with incentive quantums included if supporting documents are submitted.
The Ministry does not currently have plans to provide make-up pay specifically for job seekers who defer to work in the gig economy, but the existing policy covers all NSmen with relevant documentation.
The Ministry works with companies to support NSmen, but specific arrangements for maintaining incentive levels during training are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

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6 Oct 2020

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on SAF Operations and Training

The SAF maintained critical operations and training throughout the pandemic by implementing strict health measures, cohorting personnel, and adapting schedules to ensure operational readiness.
Over 6,000 MINDEF/SAF personnel were deployed to support national COVID-19 tasks, including contact tracing and managing recovery facilities, while the SAF resumed overseas exercises and enhanced local training.
The SAF plans to step up both local and overseas training by leveraging mass testing and innovative methods like saliva testing to manage infection risks and sustain training tempo amid ongoing COVID-19 concerns.

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5 Oct 2020

Reducing Number of Early Morning Training Sessions of Military Aircraft Near Residential Areas

Sitoh Yih Pin questioned if the RSAF could reduce early morning training near homes due to more people working remotely during COVID-19.
Ng Eng Hen emphasized the RSAF’s critical role in national defence, citing Singapore’s historical vulnerability and the need for constant readiness.
The RSAF limits local training, uses overseas facilities and simulators, clusters flights, and reduces activity during sensitive periods like exams and the pandemic.

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5 Oct 2020

Impact on Opertaional Readiness If Frequency of RSAF Sorties Reduced

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim inquired if clustering RSAF sorties into fewer but longer windows would significantly compromise operational readiness despite the inconvenience to residents.
Minister Ng Eng Hen emphasized that Singapore’s survival depends on a capable and operationally-ready RSAF, citing historical vulnerabilities like the Japanese invasion and the need for continuous training.
He explained that the RSAF already reduces local training noise by using overseas facilities, simulators, and flying over water, while adjusting schedules for sensitive periods like exams and the pandemic.
The RSAF maintains high readiness through regular training and responds to over 350 suspicious air threats annually, including recent interceptions like the Scoot flight bomb threat.
The Minister concluded that operational readiness relies on realistic training, and thanked Singaporeans for their support in maintaining a capable RSAF.

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5 Oct 2020

Updated Timeline for RSAF Operations to Be Moved from Paya Lebar Air Base to Tengah Air Base

Ms Yeo Wan Ling asked for the status and updated timeline for the relocation of RSAF operations from Paya Lebar Air Base to Tengah Air Base.
Minister Ng Eng Hen stated that the move was projected for about 2030 or later, pending the expansion of Changi and Tengah Air Bases to accommodate existing assets.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused construction delays at both air bases, but the current assessment is that the relocation can still proceed within the originally projected timelines barring further disruptions.
Site surveys and preliminary designs for the expanded bases are complete, with current focus on land preparation and road realignment at Tengah Air Base before construction begins at Changi Air Base.

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4 Sep 2020

Response to US Clean Network Initiative while Maintaining Access to Technologies from Different Providers

Gerald Giam asked how Singapore intends to respond to the US Clean Network Initiative while keeping access to technologies from various providers and mitigating any repercussions from non-compliance.
S Iswaran stated that Singapore aims to leverage digital opportunities while ensuring secure and resilient communications infrastructure, working with partners in bilateral and multilateral settings.
The government closely monitors initiatives like the US Clean Network programme and will collaborate with trusted partners and multilateral platforms to enhance network security, diversity, and resilience.

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4 Sep 2020

Recruitment for Cyber NSF and Cyber Military Expert Schemes

The Cyber NSF Scheme, introduced in 2018, has enrolled about 170 NSFs with a 23% success rate, providing them with sponsored undergraduate work-learn programmes and on-the-job training for cyber defence roles.
Over the past year, more than 150 personnel have been recruited for SAF C4X and Defence Cyber Expert roles, complementing cyber NSF regulars.
Upstream initiatives like Cyberthon competitions and Cyber Defenders Discovery Camp, which attracted a record 3,200 youth this year, aim to cultivate interest in cyber defence.
Mindef will continue to enhance and develop new programmes to build a stronger cyber workforce for digital defence.
The government is committed to attracting more cyber talents through these measures to support national security.

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24 Aug 2020

Prime Minister's Office (National Security Coordination Secretariat)

Singapore continues to face both traditional threats like terrorism and emerging risks such as disinformation and supply chain vulnerabilities, which the National Security Coordination Secretariat (NSCS) works to identify and address across government agencies.
The NSCS coordinates national security strategy, focuses on cross-cutting issues like economic security and social resilience, and strengthens long-term capabilities to handle crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
The agency addresses dependencies on external resources and internal networks, such as utilities and information flows, to mitigate disruptions and ensure Singapore's strategic interests are protected.
Emphasis is placed on building social cohesion and trust to withstand shocks, with the NSCS conducting research and promoting education within the Public Service on social resilience.
Singapore must bolster its self-reliance in crisis response, as external assistance may be limited during regional or global emergencies, requiring whole-of-nation readiness for future threats.

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24 Aug 2020

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs prioritizes protecting Singaporeans overseas, strengthening ties with ASEAN and key partners, and maintaining Singapore’s global relevance amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Diplomatic efforts were critical in repatriating Singaporeans during the crisis, and the ministry continues to work with international partners to manage travel restrictions and support Singaporeans abroad.
Singapore is deepening cooperation with neighbors like Malaysia and Indonesia, as well as key partners such as the US and China, to address pandemic impacts and explore new areas like vaccine multilateralism.
The ministry emphasizes building strong partnerships worldwide, including with regions like Latin America and the Middle East, to enhance trade, security, and sustainable development.
Foreign policy is anchored domestically, requiring Singaporean unity to bolster the country’s credibility and ability to contribute to global challenges like climate change and public health standards.

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24 Aug 2020

Ministry of Defence

The Minister for Defence outlined the increasingly complex geopolitical environment, including US-China contestation and territorial disputes, while affirming the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) commitment to maintaining operational readiness and contributing to national COVID-19 efforts.
He detailed the transformation to a Next-Gen SAF, which will leverage digitalisation, unmanned systems, and AI for a leaner, more effective force, while enhancing National Service and local defence ecosystems amid a shrinking enlistee pool.
The Ministry will continue prudent defence spending, strengthen multilateral and bilateral defence partnerships, and step up Total Defence engagement with Singaporeans to uphold the nation's security and sovereignty.

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2 Mar 2020

Committee of Supply – Head N (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Members highlighted the global impact of COVID-19 and asked how Singapore is collaborating with ASEAN and the international community to manage the crisis, including supporting Singaporeans abroad and coordinating with other nations.
Questions focused on Malaysia’s political changes and ongoing bilateral issues, such as water agreements and key projects like the Rapid Transit System and High Speed Rail, with emphasis on maintaining constructive relations.
Parliament discussed Singapore’s relations with major powers like the US and China, balancing strategic interests amid US-China rivalry, and deepening ties with other key partners such as Indonesia, Brunei, Japan, and India.
Topics also included ASEAN’s relevance and initiatives like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, cybersecurity cooperation, climate change commitments, and cultural diplomacy to strengthen soft power.
The Ministry provided updates on consular efforts for Singaporeans overseas, engagement with diaspora, and efforts to communicate foreign policy to the public while addressing humanitarian issues like the Rohingya refugee situation.

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2 Mar 2020

Committee of Supply – Head J (Ministry of Defence)

MINDEF outlined a comprehensive restructuring of the Singapore Armed Forces to counter evolving threats, including establishing a dedicated cyber command, enhancing maritime security with new platforms, and strengthening counter-terrorism intelligence, while maintaining a defence budget that keeps pace with inflation.
The Ministry detailed major capability upgrades, including acquiring F-35B fighter jets, new Invincible-class submarines, and expanding overseas training facilities in Australia and Guam, while ensuring procurement is prudent and value-for-money through life-cycle costing and competitive tendering.
The debate emphasized the importance of National Service, with initiatives to improve the NS experience, enhance training safety, and increase support for servicemen and their families, while leveraging technology and whole-of-society efforts to bolster Total Defence against non-traditional threats like cyberattacks, misinformation, and climate change.

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2 Mar 2020

Heath Status of Singaporeans based in China in Light of COVID-19

Minister Vivian Balakrishnan reported over 1,900 Singaporeans remain e-registered in mainland China, with the actual number likely higher, and urged all overseas Singaporeans to e-register with MFA for better support and communication during the COVID-19 outbreak.
One Singaporean was infected and hospitalized in Hubei but has since been discharged, while 266 Singaporeans were repatriated from Hubei, with seven testing positive for COVID-19 but all having recovered.
The Minister explained that Singaporeans still in China have varied personal reasons for staying, such as work, family obligations, or travel concerns, and MFA continues to maintain contact and offer assistance, especially through consular missions.

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26 Feb 2020

Plan to Commemorate 30th Anniversary of Singapore-China Relations

Singapore and China are commemorating the 30th anniversary of their diplomatic relations established on 3 October 1990, with a multifaceted partnership spanning government, business, and people-to-people ties, including major joint projects like the Suzhou Industrial Park and Tianjin Eco-City.
The two countries have robust economic relations, with China being Singapore’s largest trading partner and Singapore being China’s largest foreign investor since 2013, and they continue to expand cooperation in areas like the Belt and Road Initiative and smart city development.
Despite the COVID-19 outbreak, Singapore has shown solidarity with China through donations and medical support, and both nations plan high-level exchanges, including a State Visit by President Halimah Yacob and the 16th Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation.
Cultural and historical ties will be highlighted through exhibitions, such as the Asian Civilisations Museum’s Tang Shipwreck Collection at the Shanghai Museum and an exhibition on China’s Ming Dynasty in Singapore, to promote mutual understanding and people-to-people connections.

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