Defence & foreign affairs — Topics

7 May 2018

Ministry of Defence

The Minister highlighted Singapore's increasingly complex security landscape, with rising regional military spending, modernisation, and threats from terrorism, cyberattacks, and great-power competition, while noting that defence must adapt to a shrinking manpower pool and slower economic growth.
SAF will respond by developing new concepts and leveraging technology, such as advanced surveillance and communication systems, to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, while bolstering cyber defence through new organisations and partnerships with educational institutions.
MINDEF and SAF are intensifying efforts against terrorism through joint exercises, training, and international cooperation, including ASEAN-led initiatives to improve counter-terrorism and regional response capabilities.
Singapore will strengthen bilateral and multilateral defence ties, such as with the US, India, Australia, and China, while also building trust with Malaysia and Indonesia through training and exercises.
The Minister emphasized that Singapore's ultimate defence lies in national unity and Total Defence, urging every Singaporean to contribute to safeguarding the nation's sovereignty and way of life.

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7 May 2018

President's Address

President Halimah Yacob highlighted Singapore’s stable economic growth, infrastructure upgrades including new MRT lines and housing units, and progress in building a caring, inclusive society through education and social support schemes.
She identified key challenges such as shifting global economic power, regional tensions including terrorism and US-China relations, and domestic issues like aging demographics, income inequality, and social cohesion.
The President outlined four national priorities: securing Singapore’s global position through strong defense and partnerships; developing a world-class, sustainable city; fostering a dynamic economy with lifelong learning and innovation; and building a fair, compassionate society where no one is left behind.
Emphasis was placed on the emerging fourth-generation leadership to drive nation-building, uphold core values, and engage young Singaporeans to navigate future uncertainties and continue the country’s progress.

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21 Mar 2018

Public Order and Safety (Special Powers) Bill

Minister Josephine Teo emphasized that the Public Order and Safety (Special Powers) Bill is necessary to counter evolving terrorism threats, citing global attacks, and includes safeguards to ensure powers are used only in exceptional, high-threshold situations like serious violence or large-scale public disorder.
Supporters of the Bill, including MPs like Christopher de Souza and Melvin Yong, argued that enhanced powers such as the Communications Stop Order (CSO) are critical for tactical operations, citing past incidents like the Mumbai attacks where live communications compromised security forces.
Concerns were raised by MPs like Sylvia Lim and Kok Heng Leun about the broad definition of "serious incidents," potential overreach to peaceful protests, and lack of independent accountability mechanisms, urging clearer thresholds and post-activation reporting to Parliament.
The Minister clarified that the CSO would not target peaceful demonstrations, only actions threatening public safety, and assured that complaints against police misconduct would still be investigated without requiring citizen footage during a CSO.
Amendments were made to align SAF servicemen's powers under the Bill with the SAF Act, ensuring clear command control and that military deployments are authorized by the Minister for Defence only upon Police request during an activation order.

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19 Mar 2018

Regulation of Imports and Exports (Amendment) Bill

The Regulation of Imports and Exports (Amendment) Bill seeks to extend existing enforcement powers to goods in transit, not just imported, exported, or transhipped goods, to comply with United Nations Security Council resolutions against North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes.
The amendment addresses Singapore's legal obligation to inspect cargo related to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea as mandated by UNSC Resolution 2270, reinforcing the country's commitment to international peace and security.
The bill also introduces administrative changes for greater legal clarity under the Regulation of Imports and Exports Act and was passed without amendment after debate.

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19 Mar 2018

SAF Personnel Suffering from Psychiatric Ailment during or after Deployment Overseas

Only one SAF personnel has been diagnosed with PTSD since 1999, despite over 6,000 overseas deployments, with psychological disorder rates no higher than the general population.
Comprehensive mental health support includes pre-deployment screening, training, communication access, and post-deployment assessments, enabling early intervention by counsellors and psychiatrists.
Affected personnel receive fully subsidised treatment at government hospitals and clinics for as long as needed, even after service, with compensation aligned to injury and disability frameworks.
Veterans who develop disorders after leaving service are still eligible for the same medical support if the condition is linked to their service.

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2 Mar 2018

Committee of Supply – Head J (Ministry of Defence)

Minister Ng Eng Hen emphasized the existential need for steady, sustainable defence spending, highlighting that past generations invested heavily in building a strong SAF despite competing needs, and that current spending will keep pace with inflation without major spikes in the next decade.
The SAF is adapting to evolving threats by enhancing counterterrorism capabilities, establishing a Cyber Defence Organisation, and launching initiatives like the Bug Bounty Programme and a Cyber NSF Scheme to address cybersecurity risks.
There is a focus on optimizing resources and manpower amid demographic challenges, leveraging technology such as smart bases, autonomous systems, and data analytics to improve efficiency and reduce reliance on human resources.
The SAF continues to contribute to international security and humanitarian efforts, with recent deployments to Iraq for training and support, and active participation in ASEAN and ADMM-Plus initiatives to strengthen regional cooperation.
Total Defence, encompassing military, civil, social, and psychological dimensions, is being reinforced to address new threats like disinformation and terrorism, with community engagement and education programs to build resilience and social cohesion.

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1 Mar 2018

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

Singapore's foreign policy is guided by principles of independence, non-alignment with major powers, support for a rules-based international order, and reliability as a partner, as highlighted in the debate on the evolving geopolitical landscape, including China's rise and US policy shifts.
As ASEAN Chair, Singapore prioritizes enhancing regional resilience and innovation, focusing on initiatives like the ASEAN Smart Cities Network, economic integration through the ASEAN Economic Community, and progress on the South China Sea Code of Conduct, while addressing internal challenges like the Rakhine State humanitarian crisis.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized deepening bilateral ties with key partners, including China and the US, while also expanding engagement with emerging regions like South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, to diversify economic opportunities and mitigate global uncertainties.
The debate underscored the importance of domestic unity and public support for foreign policy, with calls to address public apathy towards ASEAN, the threat of fake news, and consular assistance for Singaporeans abroad, as part of strengthening national resilience.
Parliament discussed resource allocation and capabilities for MFA, including training and mid-career recruitment for foreign service officers, to effectively manage global challenges and advance Singapore's interests in a complex international environment.

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27 Feb 2018

Rise in Security Expenditure and Impact on Cost of Living in Singapore

Gan Thiam Poh asked about the average cost of security expenditure per Singaporean compared to other major cities and whether rising security spending would directly impact the cost of living.
Heng Swee Keat explained that Singapore’s security spending covers both national defence and homeland security, making direct comparisons with other cities inappropriate, and highlighted cost-effective measures and inter-agency collaboration to optimize resources.
He stated that increased security spending is not expected to directly affect the cost of living as it is not part of the typical household consumer basket, emphasizing that security investments ensure a safe environment for Singaporeans.

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9 Jan 2018

Singapore's Vote in United Nations on Status of Jerusalem

Singapore voted in favor of the UN resolution to reaffirm the status of Jerusalem as a matter of principle, aligning with international law and UN Security Council resolutions, and to oppose any unilateral actions that could destabilize the region.
The Minister emphasized that Singapore's decision was consistent with its longstanding, impartial advocacy for a two-state solution, and that its principled foreign policy, based on peaceful resolution and rule of law, enables it to maintain trust with all parties involved.
Singapore did not coordinate a common ASEAN position on the vote, as each member had to assess its own national interests, and the Minister viewed this as a pragmatic approach given the sensitivity of the issue.

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8 Jan 2018

Manpower Challenges facing Auxiliary Police Forces

The Ministry of Home Affairs faces a growing demand for Auxiliary Police Officers (APOs) due to increased terrorism threats and new security projects, but local recruitment efforts have not fully met the need despite incentives like bonuses and career progression.
Singaporean and Malaysian APO pools are shrinking and insufficient, leading to the approval of hiring from other countries, including Taiwan, to address the manpower shortage.
The Ministry considers operational needs and security risks when deciding where non-Singaporean APOs can be deployed, with land checkpoints now allowing Taiwanese APOs alongside Singaporeans due to rising security demands and limited local manpower.

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7 Nov 2017

Efforts to Ensure Singapore-European Union Free Trade Agreement Comes into Force

Asst Prof Mahdev Mohan inquired about the status of efforts to bring the Singapore-EU Free Trade Agreement into force since May 2017.
The Senior Minister of State explained that the European Court of Justice ruled the agreement is a "mixed agreement," with most provisions under EU exclusive competence but some, like certain investments and dispute settlement, under shared competence.
The EU is considering splitting the agreement into a trade part for exclusive competence and a separate bilateral investment agreement for shared competence to streamline ratification.
Singapore has emphasized its priority for an expeditious ratification and is working closely with the EU to finalize the agreement for business benefits.
The EU Commission is internally consulting member states and stakeholders on the best path forward for ratifying the agreement.

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7 Nov 2017

Update on Negotiations for Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a 16-party free trade agreement under negotiation between ASEAN and its six partners, and it has reached a critical juncture with steady progress, including two concluded chapters on Economic and Technical Cooperation and Small and Medium Enterprises.
Negotiators are engaging extensively on market access for goods, services, and investment, with revised offers tabled and ongoing discussions to improve liberalisation beyond existing ASEAN+1 Free Trade Agreements.
RCEP parties are committed to reducing non-tariff barriers and regulatory measures, consulting regularly with businesses to ease trade and investment flows across the region.
A dispute settlement mechanism is being negotiated to provide an effective, efficient, and transparent process for consultations and resolution, though the process remains complex and gradual.
Singapore remains committed to facilitating the negotiations and working with RCEP counterparts to achieve a high-quality, mutually beneficial agreement that balances ambition with individual partners' sensitivities.

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6 Nov 2017

The Future of National Service

Parliament debated the evolution and future of National Service, with speakers noting its historical necessity and current strong public support while questioning if infantry-based training remains suitable amid rapid technological change and new security threats like terrorism.
Speakers highlighted MINDEF's adaptability, such as using advanced technology and multi-storey ranges to address land and manpower constraints, but also raised concerns about NSmen keeping pace with innovations like drones, AI, and cyber warfare.
Recommendations from the Committee to Strengthen NS were endorsed, including enhanced benefits, safety measures, and exploring expanded roles for women, volunteers, and civilians to complement traditional NS contributions.

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3 Oct 2017

Supporting Efforts to Restore Peace and Stability in Myanmar's Rakhine State

Singapore will provide bilateral humanitarian aid worth S$300,000 in total to both Myanmar and Bangladesh to support affected communities in Rakhine State, with an additional focus on supporting refugees in Bangladesh.
Community organisations in Singapore, including the Singapore Red Cross and Mercy Relief, have launched fundraising drives and relief efforts to aid those affected in Rakhine State and Bangladesh.
As ASEAN Chair in 2018, Singapore emphasises the importance of ASEAN supporting Myanmar’s efforts to restore peace and stability, while respecting the principle of non-interference and promoting regional cooperation through mechanisms like the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance.

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2 Oct 2017

Environmental Impact Assessment/Studies for Land Acquisition for Expansion of Tengah Air Base

Louis Ng asked if an environmental impact assessment was conducted for land acquisition for the Tengah Air Base expansion.
Lawrence Wong confirmed that an environmental study will be carried out before land preparation works begin.
The study will guide mitigation measures to minimize the expansion's impact on local flora and fauna.

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2 Oct 2017

E-registration with Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Singaporeans Travelling Abroad in View of Threats to Global Safety

Seah Kian Peng inquired about the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' plans to encourage more Singaporeans to e-register their overseas travels amid increasing global safety threats.
Vivian Balakrishnan responded that the Ministry promotes e-registration through its website and app, simplifying the process by reducing required fields and integrating with partners like SATS Ltd and the SGSecure app.
The Ministry is also developing an MFA Chatbot with Govtech to enable e-registration via social media platforms, while emphasizing that e-registration remains voluntary and urging personal responsibility from travelers.
Balakrishnan highlighted that the Ministry prioritizes assisting those in genuine need during crises and encourages Singaporeans to stay vigilant, observe local laws, purchase insurance, and maintain communication while abroad.

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2 Oct 2017

Subsides for NSmen to Buy Personal Tablets and Laptops for E-learning Use

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked if subsidies would be provided for NSmen to purchase personal tablets and laptops for e-learning use following the relaxation of electronic device usage in camps.
The Ministry of Defence stated that the SAF provides necessary electronic devices through its LEARNet platform for e-learning, such as tablets for recruits in Basic Military Training, making personal device subsidies unnecessary.
NSmen from low-income households can seek financial assistance for electronic devices through the Infocomm Media Development Authority's Home Access Programme, which offers subsidised Internet access and basic computing equipment.

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2 Oct 2017

Policy on Use of Smartphones in Army Camps

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for Defence how many SAF personnel have disabled or sandblasted their smartphone cameras to comply with Red Zone usage rules since the policy was relaxed in March 2016.
The Minister explained that security zoning divides camps into Red and Green Zones, with camera-equipped devices restricted to Green Zones unless camera functions are disabled to SAF standards, and that this system has balanced security and flexibility without compromise.
Since 2012, sensitive areas have been consolidated into Red Zones, and from March 2016, tablets and laptops were also allowed in Green Zones.
For camps with both Green and Red Zones, less than 10% of personnel disable or sandblast camera lenses, as most work in Green Zones, some deposit phones in lockers before entering Red Zones, and others use non-camera smartphones.
In remaining Red Zone camps, about three-quarters of servicemen disable their camera functions and the rest use non-camera smartphones, with all such devices subject to security checks and verification.

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2 Oct 2017

Singapore's Role as 2018 ASEAN Chair to Address Humanitarian Situation in Rakhine State

Singapore, as ASEAN chair in 2018, urged Myanmar to cease actions worsening the Rakhine State crisis and restore peace, stability, and the rule of law to enable humanitarian aid delivery regardless of ethnicity or religion.
The Singapore government announced bilateral humanitarian aid packages worth S$100,000 for Myanmar and S$200,000 for Bangladesh, while community organizations like the Singapore Red Cross and Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation launched fundraising drives for affected communities.
ASEAN, through a chairman’s statement, condemned violence in Rakhine State and activated the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance to support Myanmar’s relief efforts, while emphasizing the need for increased humanitarian access without discrimination.
Myanmar has established an inter-ministerial committee to implement recommendations from the Kofi Annan-led commission, aiming for long-term solutions to the inter-communal tensions in Rakhine State.

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2 Oct 2017

Compelling Myanmar to Remedy Human Tragedy in Rakhine State

Singapore acknowledges the humanitarian disaster in Myanmar's Rakhine State and urges a cessation of violence to allow aid access, while emphasizing that long-term solutions require Myanmar to address underlying issues and restore the rule of law.
Singapore is providing bilateral humanitarian aid to Myanmar and Bangladesh and has mobilized community organizations for fundraising and relief distribution, regardless of ethnicity or religion.
The ASEAN Human Rights Declaration does not impose legal obligations, but Singapore expects member states to uphold its spirit and has supported ASEAN efforts, including an ASEAN Chairman’s Statement condemning violence and facilitating humanitarian assistance through the AHA Centre.
Myanmar has taken steps such as establishing a commission led by Kofi Annan and forming an inter-ministerial committee to address recommendations, demonstrating commitment to resolving the situation with international support.
Singapore and ASEAN member states recognize the principle of non-interference but remain committed to enhanced consultations and supporting Myanmar in finding a viable, long-term solution for peace and reconciliation in Rakhine State.

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