Defence & foreign affairs

• Middle East conflict raises global security threats, including Singapore's, via extremist narratives and self-radicalisation.
• Internal Security Department has detained six Singaporeans over Middle East-linked radicalisation since October 2023.
• Singaporeans must stay vigilant, report suspicious activities, and reject extremist narratives to safeguard stability.

The government will not publicly list foreign organisations posing security risks due to operational concerns, but advises citizens to exercise caution and comply with laws when volunteering overseas. Awareness is raised through existing campaigns and specific advisories.

• The SAF collaborates with external social partners and is piloting a case management system to provide comprehensive support for NSFs with psychosocial needs.
• Authorities will explore improving communication between public healthcare and the SAF and enhancing commander training to better identify and refer NSFs to support services.

The Deputy Prime Minister will represent Singapore at the US public hearings. The Ministry is reinforcing Singapore’s legal frameworks to counter forced labour and will guide companies on the 15 April 2026 submission deadline. Responses are detailed in the 7 April 2026 Parliament Sitting replies.

• No ASEAN member state has ratified the 2025 Extradition Treaty, and there's no agreed timeline for its entry into force.
• Singapore must update its Extradition Act notifications to apply to the treaty before it can ratify it.

• Eileen Chong inquired about metrics for assessing public education on foreign policy, including longitudinal tracking.
• Vivian Balakrishnan replied that the government uses feedback from engagement sessions with various groups to improve content, noting positive responses on enhanced understanding.

• Singapore had one seconded officer to ASEAN Secretariat in five years; plans to expand secondments before, during, and after 2027 chairmanship to build diplomatic expertise.

Over 10 years, 2,130 requests (2016-2022) and 2,361 requests (2023-2025) led to reviews of over 9,000 records; 72% were approved. Rejections cited national security, confidentiality, and personal privacy.

Minister Chan highlighted SAF's efforts to balance training, rest, and efficiency for reservists. Feedback is gathered via post-ICT surveys, and improvements include decoupling IPPT, using the OneNS app, better planning, and enhanced facilities to reduce waiting time and boost effectiveness.

The Minister confirmed 2,000 Singaporeans remain in the Middle East, with past repatriation flights aiding 618 people. Consular support and travel advisories are ongoing, though no further evacuations are planned as commercial flights resume.

• Minister Shanmugam explained that authorities learned of a 2024 blog linking to a Sar-El group; the individual voluntarily removed it after being advised it was inappropriate amid the Gaza conflict.
• The Ministry assesses foreign military involvement case-by-case, prohibiting activities linked to foreign militaries, especially Sar-El, with legal action if prejudicial to national security.
• Singaporeans are discouraged from joining foreign militaries or associated groups to avoid compromising national interests.

• Singapore faces severe supply chain disruptions as the Strait of Hormuz closure cuts energy imports, raising fuel, electricity, and food prices, impacting businesses and households, with inflation projected to rise above earlier forecasts.
• The government is implementing a coordinated response, including targeted financial support for affected sectors, enhanced energy efficiency grants, and early disbursement of aid, while strengthening diplomatic partnerships to secure essential supplies.
• Long-term strategies involve diversifying energy sources, exploring nuclear options, and building resilience through stockpiles and international cooperation to mitigate future geopolitical shocks.

• The Ministry will formally recognize SAF personnel involved in Middle East repatriation flights, debriefing and sharing lessons from the mission.
• Exhibitions and public education initiatives, including in military syllabi, will highlight the operation's complexity and courage.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik questioned the Minister for Foreign Affairs about Singapore's plans to ratify the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), the timing of such ratification, the government's assessment of arms trade, and the use of Singapore-origin arms in serious international crimes. Vivian Balakrishnan stated that while Singapore has signed the ATT, it has not yet ratified it, emphasizing the need for proper legal and policy frameworks first. He highlighted Singapore's participation in international initiatives to combat illicit arms trade, strict compliance with international obligations, and commitment to action against violations of export controls. The Philippines is currently the only ASEAN country that has ratified the ATT.

Gerald Giam Yean Song asked about the number of National Servicemen applying for redeployment under the Enhanced Expertise Deployment Scheme and the success rate of these applications. Chan Chun Sing explained that the scheme, introduced in 2022, allows operationally ready NSmen with specialized civilian expertise to be redeployed to roles needed by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Approximately 1,000 NSmen show interest annually, with a 20% success rate for redeployment. The Work-Learn Scheme is distinct from redeployment, involving full-time NS followed by Regular service.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked about the number of defence contracts above $10 million and $100 million awarded through closed tenders in the past decade, the criteria for closed tenders, and the possibility of publishing major platform replacement requirements on GeBIZ. Chan Chun Sing responded that the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) follows procurement principles of transparency and competition, with closed tenders used only when justified for reasons like operational security or intellectual property. Local companies can participate in closed tenders if they meet specific criteria, and MINDEF's procurement processes are subject to audits, though details on contracts remain undisclosed for security reasons.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat raised concerns about Indonesia's acquisition of the KHAN ballistic missile and its implications for regional security, seeking the Ministry's assessment and a review of Singapore's defence capabilities against such threats. Chan Chun Sing responded that the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) monitors security developments, including emerging technologies, and noted that ballistic missiles are not new in the region. He emphasized that SAF is committed to enhancing defence capabilities proactively.

Yip Hon Weng raised questions about mental preparation for enlistees in National Service and the awareness of available support resources. Chan Chun Sing explained that the Ministry of Defence collaborates with various stakeholders to assist pre-enlistees through information sessions and virtual visits, as well as providing resources via the LifeSG app. The Singapore Armed Forces has a robust support system during Full-Time National Service, which includes counselling hotlines and avenues for feedback. Usage of these support channels has remained consistent over the past five years.

Yip Hon Weng raised concerns about bullying in National Service, asking for statistics on apprehended perpetrators and safety protocols for victims. Chan Chun Sing responded that the Ministry of Defence takes a proactive approach to support National Servicemen, including preparation before enlistment and buddy systems during Basic Military Training. Recruits have access to support from commanders, professional staff, and counsellors, with hotlines available for confidential assistance. The SAF maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward harassment, investigating reports and providing necessary support and adjustments for affected personnel.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked for updates on the Joint Multi-Mission Ship (JMMS) programme aimed at replacing the Endurance-class landing platform docks. Chan Chun Sing confirmed that the Republic of Singapore Navy ensures the operational safety of its ships through regular maintenance and life-extension programmes. The Endurance-class LSTs are deemed operationally safe and fit for mission, expected to serve into the 2030s. Further updates on their replacement will be provided closer to the end of their service life.