Defence & foreign affairs — Topics

4 Feb 2020

Consular Support for Singaporeans Arrested or Charged with Offences in Foreign Countries

Leon Perera asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs about the considerations used to determine consular support for Singaporeans arrested or charged abroad.
The Minister emphasized that the safety of Singaporeans is paramount, and consular assistance is tailored to each case’s circumstances, local laws, and international obligations.
Upon notification, MFA contacts next-of-kin, liaises with local authorities, and facilitates visits or updates, all subject to local approval.
Leon Perera sought confirmation if MFA would generally extend consular assistance to all valid requests, and the Minister replied simply, “yes.”

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4 Feb 2020

Measures to Prevent Unauthorised Entry into Singapore as Piracies Spike in Singapore Straits

Mr Seah Kian Peng withdrew his question on measures against piracies and unauthorized entries after noting it was addressed in a written answer.
The question followed a recent spike in piracies along the Singapore Straits, seeking details on additional security measures.
No substantive debate occurred as the query was already answered in a prior written response.

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3 Feb 2020

Number and Proportion of Singaporeans Charged with Offences under Terrorism (Suppression of Financing) Act

11 individuals have been charged under the Terrorism (Suppression of Financing) Act, with two being Singaporeans.
The amounts allegedly involved in support of terrorism-related activities ranged from $60 to $1,200.
Authorities emphasized that all cases are treated seriously, as any support for terrorism, regardless of amount, threatens national security.

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3 Feb 2020

Update on Discussion on Situation in Rakhine State during ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat

ASEAN Foreign Ministers discussed supporting safe and voluntary repatriation of refugees to Rakhine State, with the Ad-Hoc Support Team focusing on seven priority activities to improve infrastructure and communication for repatriation.
The security situation remains grave due to ongoing armed conflict, and ASEAN has urged all parties to avoid violence to allow humanitarian assistance and create conditions conducive to sustainable repatriation.
Singapore emphasized the importance of international law, urging respect for the ICJ's provisional measures and supporting transparency and accountability as key steps toward a long-term solution addressing all ethnic communities in Rakhine State.
ASEAN recognizes that a durable political solution must come from Myanmar and stakeholders, as the underlying causes of the conflict need to be addressed for sustainable peace and stability.

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3 Feb 2020

Proposal to Mandate Regular Interviews for NSF Officers with Their Commanding Officers to Identify and Support Officers Requiring Mental Health Assistance

Mr Ong Teng Koon proposed mandating regular interviews between NSF officers and their commanding officers to identify mental health needs and creating feedback channels for peers to report concerns.
MINDEF, represented by Ng Eng Hen, stated that the SAF prefers a flexible monitoring system guided by psychologists over a single mandatory interview requirement.
The SAF employs multiple avenues for support, including commander engagement, trained officers to spot distress signs, para-counsellors, psychologists, and a 24-hour hotline for all servicemen.

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3 Feb 2020

Efforts to Manage and Reduce Food Waste in Military Camps

The Ministry manages meal demand and supply for servicemen by using weekly forecasts based on unit schedules and requirements, and it tracks actual consumption with an electronic system to adjust provisions and reduce waste.
Food waste in SAF camps is monitored through the electronic meal accounting system, which records consumption patterns, and the average waste has been reduced to about one percent of catered meals.
The Ministry has not provided the total annual amount of food waste across camps but is studying initiatives like ready-to-eat meals and collaborating with NEA to recycle food waste into electricity.
The Ministry works with camp food caterers to implement forecasting adjustments and explore new measures to minimize food waste.
SAF continues to explore additional ways to reduce food waste, including partnerships with NEA for recycling and testing new meal formats.

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3 Feb 2020

Number of Piracy Cases Along Singapore Strait in Last Three Years and Measures to Protect Merchant Ships

Over the last three years, piracy incidents in the Singapore Strait were 8 in 2017, 7 in 2018, and 31 in 2019.
Singapore’s maritime agencies monitor vessels, broadcast alerts, and advise ships on protective measures such as surveillance and access control.
Regional cooperation includes joint patrols with Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand under the Malacca Straits Patrol to ensure safety in the Singapore and Malacca Straits.
Singapore participates in ReCAAP, which serves as a regional information hub, and encourages timely incident reporting to enable prompt action by coastal states.

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3 Feb 2020

ASEAN's Support to Myanmar in Resolving Situation in Rakhine State

ASEAN is actively engaging Myanmar through the AHA Centre and a Support Team to implement priority activities from the Rakhine needs assessment, including infrastructure and communication for repatriation.
ASEAN encourages continued dialogue between Myanmar and Bangladesh for voluntary, safe, and dignified refugee repatriation, while noting security concerns due to ongoing armed conflict in Rakhine State.
Singapore upholds the ICJ’s provisional measures and supports international law, urging accountability and transparency as steps toward a sustainable solution for all ethnic communities in Rakhine State.

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3 Feb 2020

Measures to Counter New Tactics in Actual and Attempted Piracy and Robbery Cases in Singapore Strait and Surrounding Waters

The Minister confirmed that piracy tactics in the Singapore Strait remain largely unchanged, involving petty theft, and that incidents fluctuate yearly; Singapore works closely with neighbouring countries to share information and intelligence to counter threats.
Singapore's maritime agencies act within territorial waters, while regional cooperation through the Malacca Straits Patrol and revised Standard Operating Procedures enhances joint exercises, information sharing, and suspicious contact indicators to tackle transnational piracy.
The Republic of Singapore Navy's Information Fusion Centre and the Singapore Maritime Crisis Centre coordinate daily maritime security responses and have successfully shared information leading to arrests in neighbouring waters.
Additional measures include deepening information sharing with Malaysian and Indonesian agencies and restructuring the Maritime Security Task Force to bolster assets and capabilities, with this review expected to conclude in the coming months.

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3 Feb 2020

Investigations into Piracy Incidents in Singapore Strait in and after December 2019

In December 2019 and January 2020, 12 piracy incidents occurred in the Singapore Strait outside Singapore territorial waters, so no local investigations were required; investigations would only be triggered if incidents happened within Singapore waters.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, Republic of Singapore Navy, and Police Coast Guard monitor vessels, issue alerts, and advise on anti-piracy measures, while Singapore conducts joint patrols with Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand through the Malacca Straits Patrol and participates in ReCAAP for regional information sharing.
The Government plans to continue robust maritime security responses, encourage incident reporting to ReCAAP, and work with regional partners to prevent similar piracy acts.

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6 Jan 2020

Countries with Mutual Agreements with Singapore Allowing Residents to Work in Each Other's Country

Minister Chan Chun Sing explained that there is no exact count of Singaporeans working abroad due to the absence of reporting requirements, but they can work overseas under WTO agreements, FTAs, and MRAs/MOUs.
Singaporeans work abroad through three main channels: as intra-corporate transferees under WTO commitments, via specific visa arrangements like the H1B1 under the US-Singapore FTA, and through mutual recognition of professional qualifications.
Examples include the US-Singapore FTA allowing Singaporean professionals to work in the US, and an MRA enabling Singaporean chartered engineers to practice in the Netherlands.

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6 Jan 2020

Effectiveness of "Platoon Commander Interviews" to Address Mental Health Issues of NSmen

The Minister for Defence highlighted that the Platoon Commander Interview has been effective in identifying servicemen with NS-related or personal problems and facilitating initial support or referrals, and that similar engagement with officers occurs through regular informal interactions despite no formal mandate for officers.
The existing support system includes counsellors, psychologists, psychiatrists, para-counsellors, and a 24-hour hotline, which are accessible to all servicemen, including officers, to address mental health concerns.
Ground commanders play a key role in monitoring mental well-being, with PC interviews integrated into BMT and unit activities to provide early intervention, and officers are also supported through their superiors and the broader network.

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6 Jan 2020

Interim Findings of Incident Involving NSF during Parachute Training in Taiwan

Pte Joshua Quek sustained a neck injury during a static-line parachute jump in Taiwan on 18 December 2019, when the static line swept across his neck during exit, a known risk termed "static line interference."
A Board of Inquiry has been convened, and all static-line jumps are suspended pending its findings; preliminary results suggest the line was not pulled taut as required, violating established safety protocols.
Pte Quek underwent successful surgeries for a cervical spine injury, remains in ICU with neurological deficits, and is receiving medical and support services while awaiting transfer back to Singapore when medically cleared.

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6 Jan 2020

Impact of Recent Data Leaks on Confidential Operations of MINDEF and SAF

The Minister confirmed that two separate incidents—a data leak at ST Logistics and a ransomware attack at HMI Institute—compromised personal data of 2,400 and 98,000 MINDEF/SAF personnel respectively, but both were confined to vendor systems and did not affect MINDEF’s own systems or classified military information.
MINDEF was notified of the ST Logistics phishing attack on 10 October 2019 and confirmed the data leak on 13 December 2019, with affected personnel informed from 21 December 2019; the HMI incident was discovered on 4 December 2019, with MINDEF alerted on 9 December 2019 and personnel notified from 21 December 2019.
MINDEF has strengthened vendor oversight by including personal data protection clauses in new contracts and working to apply them to existing contracts, and will implement a framework based on PSDSRC recommendations and a tiered cybersecurity framework with stricter standards and potential audits for vendors handling sensitive data.

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6 Jan 2020

Impact of Recent UN Climate Talks (COP25) on Singapore

COP25 failed to reach an agreement on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which is crucial for carbon markets and cost-effective mitigation, but Singapore will continue working with other countries to secure a credible outcome at COP26.
Despite the setback, COP25 made progress by adopting decisions that reinforce multilateralism, acknowledge the role of climate finance, and call for updated national climate pledges, which Singapore co-facilitated.
Singapore reaffirmed its commitment to implementing its Paris Agreement pledges, including capping emissions around 2030, updating its Nationally Determined Contribution, and contributing to international climate efforts through organizations like ICAO and IMO.
Regionally, Singapore supports fellow developing countries through capacity-building workshops, such as those on the Paris rulebook and updating NDCs for ASEAN countries.
Nationally, Singapore is implementing a carbon tax, promoting a circular economy through initiatives like the Zero Waste Masterplan and Resource Sustainability Act, and focusing on sustainable food supply to strengthen climate resilience.

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4 Nov 2019

Falling Water Level at Johor's Linggiu Reservoir

Joan Pereira asked the Ministry for the Environment and Water Resources about plans to work with Malaysia to increase the yield of the Johor River amid falling water levels at Johor’s Linggiu Reservoir.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M noted the Linggiu Reservoir’s water level dropped from 72% in early 2019 to below 50% in September 2019 and only slightly recovered, with unsustainable water abstractions from the Johor River exacerbated by dry weather and upstream plants in Malaysia.
He highlighted that the Linggiu Reservoir, built by Singapore for $300 million, ensures reliable water abstraction, but its failure could compromise Singapore’s right to 250 million gallons per day under the 1962 Water Agreement.
Both countries recognize the need for joint efforts to sustain the water supply, with regular engagements between Singapore and Malaysian authorities to explore measures to increase the Johor River’s yield.

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4 Nov 2019

Progress of Discussion with Malaysia on Cross-country MRT Line

Singapore and Malaysia signed a supplemental agreement in May 2019 to suspend the RTS Link project until September 2019, with Malaysia requesting the pause to study cost-reduction measures.
Malaysia later requested and received extensions of the suspension period, ultimately conveying in October 2019 their intent to proceed with changes to the project, though details were not yet shared with Singapore.
Singapore welcomed Malaysia's decision to continue with the project, which aims to ease Causeway congestion and boost connectivity, and both sides are now discussing amendments to the bilateral agreement and related operational contracts.

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4 Nov 2019

Subsidy on Treated Water Supplied to Malaysia

Singapore sells treated water to Johor at 50 Malaysian sens per thousand gallons under the 1962 Water Agreement, which is significantly below the actual cost of treatment and supply.
The subsidy amount has varied over time due to rising costs of materials and energy, but the government does not disclose the total subsidies provided since tracking began.
Beyond the agreed entitlement of five million gallons per day, Singapore supplies up to 22 million gallons daily at the same subsidised price, as an act of goodwill.

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4 Nov 2019

Re-employment of Retired SAF Officers and Training for SAF Officers to Find Second Careers After Retirement

From 2017 to 2019, the SAF re-employed a limited number of retired officers in roles that do not require physical rigor, as most retire around age 50, with remuneration packages pegged to civilian jobs to compensate for shorter careers.
The SAF supports retired personnel through the Career Transition Resource Centre and the Lifelong Employability & Advancement Programme (LEAP), offering career coaching, networking, job referrals, and funded time-off for training and job searches, resulting in 80% securing jobs within six months of retirement.
SAF personnel receive transferable skills through structured training in leadership, management, HR, finance, operations research, and pedagogy, with programs aligned to Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) standards and collaborations with educational institutions for professional accreditation.

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4 Nov 2019

Assessment of Security Risk Faced by Singaporean Individuals, Firms or Media Organisations

The Minister for Home Affairs, Mr K Shanmugam, explained that criteria for assessing foreign influence risks are not fixed but depend on specific actions, such as pushing foreign agendas against Singapore's interests, and cited historical cases like the Eastern Sun and Singapore Herald newspapers that were compromised by foreign intelligence.
He rejected the idea of publishing a list of individuals or organizations at risk, deeming it impractical and meaningless, while noting that positions in media and communications should be assessed for risks through existing security clearance requirements and organizational controls rather than exclusive Singaporean staffing.
Assoc Prof Walter Theseira emphasized assessing risks based on actions and behaviors rather than foreign funding or associations, to avoid deterring international engagement, but the Minister countered that laws like the Political Donations Act and Newspaper and Printing Presses Act already restrict foreign influence in political and media spheres to protect Singapore's sovereignty.
The debate highlighted that not all foreign influence is harmful; only those seeking to disrupt society or affect foreign policy are targeted, with examples of foreign interference provided to underscore the need for vigilance while maintaining global interactions.
Both sides agreed on the importance of protecting Singapore's political processes from foreign manipulation, with the Minister urging a clear distinction between legitimate international engagement and accepting foreign money or influence in sensitive areas.

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