Defence & foreign affairs — Topics

2 Oct 2017

Surveillance of Maritime Traffic

Singapore’s Maritime Security Task Force uses a whole-of-government approach, coordinated by the Singapore Maritime Crisis Centre, to monitor and respond to maritime threats, leveraging technology and inter-agency information sharing to detect and assess suspicious vessels.
Daily surveillance covers nearly a thousand ships in the Singapore Strait using sensors, radar, and analytic tools to profile vessels; however, recent collisions were detected but not deemed security threats, so no additional security measures were triggered.
If hostile intent were detected, responses could include closer monitoring, escorting, or boarding the vessel, with scenarios regularly exercised by security agencies, though not all attacks can be fully mitigated.

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11 Sep 2017

Steps to Improve Take-up Rate of SGSecure Mobile App

Dr. Lee Bee Wah asked how to boost the SGSecure app's take-up rate beyond making it compulsory for full-time National Servicemen, why e-learning modules use an app instead of websites, and if the Ministry will reconsider its policy on mandatory downloads.
The Minister for Defence clarified that e-learning for counterterrorism training is already delivered via websites for all Ministry of Defence and Singapore Armed Forces personnel, including National Servicemen, with modules rolled out progressively.
The Minister added that making the app compulsory is not an enlightened or effective approach for learning, and that the SGSecure app is encouraged but not a core or mandatory part of the training for National Servicemen.

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11 Sep 2017

Noise Disturbances from Relocation of Paya Lebar Airbase

The relocation of Paya Lebar Airbase to Tengah and Changi Airbases, scheduled for 2030 and beyond, is a complex process aimed at freeing up 800 hectares of land in the northeast, with extensive measures to minimize noise and ensure public safety during the transition.
While the move will enable significant urban development, the Ministry of Defence acknowledges occasional inconvenience and disruption, emphasizing that operational readiness of the RSAF will not be compromised, and noise mitigation strategies include flying over water, adjusting schedules, and conducting noise studies for new developments.
The expansion of Tengah Airbase will incorporate safety and noise considerations guided by international standards, with ongoing public engagement and phased adjustments to flight times and frequencies based on operational needs and community feedback.

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1 Aug 2017

Plans for ASEAN to Execute Multilateral Approach in China's One Belt One Road Initiative

Dennis Tan Lip Fong inquired whether ASEAN plans to adopt a multilateral approach to engage with China's Belt and Road Initiative, complementing existing bilateral engagements.
Vivian Balakrishnan highlighted the potential of the Belt and Road Initiative to enhance connectivity and infrastructure development in Asia, noting Singapore's early support and specific collaborative projects with China.
The Minister emphasized the significant investment needs in Asia and the alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and ASEAN's Master Plan for Connectivity 2025, indicating ASEAN's interest in exploring synergies.
Singapore, as the Country Coordinator for ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations, is actively consulting with ASEAN member states and China on integrating these initiatives into future cooperation plans.

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1 Aug 2017

Preparedness of Our Population for Emergency

A 2015 National Security Awareness Survey showed most residents are aware of emergency scenarios and trust the government’s preparedness, though they feel less prepared as individuals and would be more ready if they had prior experience with similar crises.
The survey also indicated that over half of residents have a first-aid kit at home, awareness of emergency responses is increasing, and there is strong belief in national unity and willingness to help during emergencies.
The government is enhancing preparedness through initiatives like the SGSecure movement, revised Emergency Preparedness Days, and community and business exercises to build skills and resilience against threats such as terrorism.

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1 Aug 2017

Foreign Interference in Singapore Elections

The Government outlined existing measures to combat foreign interference, including laws prohibiting foreign participation and funding, cybersecurity protections for IT systems, and regulations on foreign ownership of media.
Ministers emphasized that Singaporeans themselves are the best defense, requiring a vigilant and discerning electorate to recognize and resist foreign influence campaigns, especially through social media.
For the upcoming Presidential Election, existing measures remain in place, with continued public education on fake news and cooperation with social media companies to address malicious content.

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1 Aug 2017

SAF's Anti-terror Operations

The Minister for Defence highlighted the heightened terrorism threat in Singapore and the region, detailing SAF's overseas deployments to counter extremist groups, its regional cooperation through maritime patrols and assistance to the Philippines, and domestic upgrades including new training institutes and equipment for counter-terrorism.
In response to queries, the Minister emphasized the importance of joint exercises and integrated planning between the SAF and Home Team, noting they share a common command system and regularly conduct exercises to ensure coordinated responses to attacks.
It was noted that Singapore's assistance to the Philippines is based on bilateral ties and specific requests, with other countries like the US and China also contributing to regional efforts against ISIS elements.
The Minister explained how Singapore leverages its National Serviceman population by training them for homeland security operations at the new Island Defence Training Institute and fostering community preparedness through emergency exercises to respond to attacks at the precinct level.

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4 Jul 2017

Measures to Minimise Radicalisation in Our Community

The government is reviewing and implementing enhanced security measures, such as bollards and updated guidelines, to protect public spaces and critical infrastructure from terrorist attacks while balancing practicality and cost.
Efforts to counter radicalisation focus on schools and foreign workers, with curriculum changes, community engagement, and repatriation of radicalised individuals, while emphasizing the role of families, religious leaders, and community networks in prevention.
SGSecure initiatives and community exercises are being strengthened to improve public vigilance and unity, with plans to increase outreach and preparedness in response to evolving threats like lone-wolf attacks.

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3 Jul 2017

Measures to Ensure Security of Medical Records of SAF Personnel

Pritam Singh asked about measures to secure SAF personnel's medical records amid the integration of the PACES system with the National Electronic Health Record system.
Ng Eng Hen outlined that security focuses on confidentiality and preventing unauthorised access, with access limited to medical and HR staff on a need-to basis and tiered according to role.
The system is protected by cybersecurity tools, accessible only from designated terminals, and uses encryption and dedicated connections for sharing records with other medical institutions.
Regular audits, vulnerability testing, and monitoring are conducted to ensure compliance with standards and guard against cyber intrusions.

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8 May 2017

Terrorism (Suppression of Misuse of Radioactive Material) Bill

The Bill implements Singapore's ratification of the 2005 UN Convention to criminalise nuclear terrorism, with severe penalties including the death penalty or life imprisonment for offences like using radioactive material to cause death or compel action, and establishes extraterritorial jurisdiction and extradition measures.
Ministers and members support the Bill, highlighting the global threat from groups like ISIS and regional incidents, while noting the current risk in Singapore is low but taken seriously; the move follows years of capability development and aligns with international efforts.
Questions raised include the timing of ratification, cooperation with regional partners like ASEAN and IAEA, border control and detection strategies, and handling of insider threats at facilities using radioactive materials, with assurances of existing regulatory frameworks and interagency coordination.
The government confirms no breaches in Singapore, outlines responses to nuclear threats involving agencies like SCDF and NEA, and addresses queries on legal provisions, assuring that other terrorism laws cover gaps and that public preparedness includes in-place protection training.
Members urge stronger measures for broader chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive threats, but the government emphasises the Bill's focus on nuclear terrorism under the Convention, with ongoing monitoring and future legal reviews if needed.

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4 Apr 2017

Impact of Australia Government's Land Acquisition Policy Change on SAF Training Space

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong questioned how the Australian government's change in land acquisition policy would affect SAF training space, whether Singapore would propose changes to the agreement, and if the A$2.25 billion spending would be reduced.
The Second Minister for Defence confirmed Australia's commitment to the 2016 CSP agreement, stating that training requirements for both Australian and Singaporean forces can still be met without compulsory land acquisition by optimizing existing areas and scheduling.
The Minister added that the costs for developing SAF training requirements remain within the original budget outlined in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership agreement.

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3 Apr 2017

Public Order (Amendment) Bill

The Bill strengthens security for large public and private events by requiring organizers to notify police in advance and mandating security measures for events with over 5,000 or 10,000 attendees, respectively, to address terrorism risks.
It amends the law to allow police to refuse permits for assemblies or processions involving foreigners or foreign entities directed toward political ends, to prevent foreign interference in Singapore's domestic politics.
Concerns were raised about the broad definition of "political ends," potential impact on civil society and free speech, and the financial burden of security costs on event organizers, with calls for clearer guidelines and support for smaller groups.
The Minister emphasized that the amendments focus on foreign involvement, not local citizen participation, and that police discretion is necessary to balance security with public order, while appealing to trust in executive decision-making.

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3 Apr 2017

Terrorism (Suppression of Misuse of Radioactive Material) Bill

The Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs, Mr Desmond Lee, presented the Terrorism (Suppression of Misuse of Radioactive Material) Bill to give effect to the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism.
The Bill aims to provide for connected matters, aligning Singapore's legal framework with international standards to combat nuclear terrorism risks.
The bill was read for the first time and scheduled for a second reading at the next available parliamentary sitting, with orders for it to be printed.

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3 Apr 2017

Investigations into Cyberattack on MINDEF's Systems

The Minister explained that MINDEF/SAF systems face daily cyber intrusion attempts, and the February 2017 breach of the I-net system was detected weeks after it occurred, with no classified data compromised; steps are being taken to strengthen IT systems with better tools and data analytics.
Investigations into the cyberattack are ongoing, but findings will remain confidential for security reasons; perpetrators may not always be identified or prosecuted, especially if they are overseas, and emphasis is placed on technological and human-factor defenses.
The stolen personal data from the breach included basic information like NRIC numbers and dates of birth, but no passwords, and MINDEF has contacted affected personnel to mitigate risks, with ongoing efforts to review data storage on internet systems.

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3 Mar 2017

Committee of Supply − Head J (Ministry of Defence)

Parliament debated the evolving security landscape, highlighting threats from terrorism, cyberattacks, hybrid warfare, and geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea and Korean peninsula, emphasizing the need for MINDEF to adapt its strategies.
MINDEF announced the establishment of a new Defence Cyber Organisation with 2,600 personnel, plans for a $900 million SAFTI City urban training facility, and increased investment in defence technology, including new AI and robotics labs, to address emerging challenges.
Discussions focused on enhancing National Service, including vocational matching for enlistees, cyber defence training, improved safety measures, and recognition programs for NSmen, while affirming NS's continued importance in nation-building and defence.

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2 Mar 2017

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

The debate highlighted growing global uncertainties, including rising protectionism and major power shifts, with MPs questioning how Singapore should navigate these challenges and maintain its foreign policy principles of independence, ASEAN centrality, and a rules-based international order.
MPs raised concerns about Singapore's relations with key partners like the US, China, Malaysia, and Indonesia, seeking updates on bilateral issues such as the US-China trade dynamics, Malaysia's revision of the Pedra Branca ICJ judgment, and opportunities under China's Belt and Road Initiative.
The Minister emphasized Singapore's commitment to an independent, principled foreign policy, stressing the importance of unity at home and proactive engagement abroad to protect national interests and enhance Singapore's relevance in a volatile world.

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1 Mar 2017

Smuggling of SAF Uniforms through Batam

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that used SAF uniforms are disposed of through authorised collection points at eMarts and incinerated under witness, but the smuggled uniforms in the 2016 Batam incident likely came from unauthorised parties, prompting reminders to contractors and plans for more disposal bins and collection points.
The Ministry is enhancing uniform disposal processes by placing more bins at camps and reminding servicemen to use only authorised points, while affirming that any individuals found violating procedures will be taken to task.
The Ministry stated it will cooperate with Indonesian authorities if needed, but the investigation is led by the Indonesian Navy, and the timeline for outcomes depends on their findings, after which actions will be considered.

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28 Feb 2017

Update on Ratification of EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement EUSFTA

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang sought an update on the ratification of the EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (EUSFTA) following a European Court of Justice (ECJ) opinion on EU competence.
The Advocate General's preliminary opinion stated EUSFTA is a "mixed agreement" requiring approval from both the EU Council and European Parliament, as well as domestic ratification by all EU member states' parliaments.
The ECJ's final opinion is expected within three to five months, after which Singapore and the EU will work to expedite ratification so businesses can benefit from the agreement.

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20 Feb 2017

Strengthening Bilateral Relations with Australia

Singapore has made significant investments in Australia across sectors like telecommunications, real estate, and utilities, with notable recent deals such as Surbana Jurong's S$400 million investment and Ascendas Reit's property acquisitions.
The governments have enhanced bilateral ties through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and an upgraded Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement, with efforts underway for ratification and implementation.
Singapore is facilitating collaboration with Australian state governments, including launching an Australian "landing pad" in Singapore for startups and working with states like Queensland and South Australia to boost agri-business exports to Asia.

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20 Feb 2017

Commendation of Women for Sacrifices Made in Supporting National Service

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong asked if there are plans to honor women for their sacrifices as mothers and wives of Singaporean men who served National Service during its 50th anniversary.
Ng Eng Hen stated that the NS50 Recognition Package is for NSmen who served two or more years, with vouchers and memberships for them and their families.
Ng Eng Hen highlighted that the wider community, including families, plays a key role, and their contributions are recognized through ongoing initiatives like the Total Defence Awards and tax reliefs.
This year, recognition will continue through NS50 events such as NS50 Week and a Dinner Reception.
The debate focused on acknowledging women's roles and existing community support efforts during the NS50 commemoration.

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