Defence & foreign affairs — Topics

7 Feb 2017

Persons Appointed as Non-Resident Ambassadors from 2011 to 2016

Ms. Sylvia Lim requested a list of persons appointed as Non-Resident Ambassadors from 2011 to 2016.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Vivian Balakrishnan, responded that 45 Non-Resident Ambassadors were appointed during that period and are still holding their appointments.
These Ambassadors are accredited to 48 countries and four International Organisations, including UNESCO and the African Union.
The Minister noted that the names of these Ambassadors are published on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for public reference.

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7 Feb 2017

Spin-off Deals from Africa-Singapore Business Forum

The Ministry of State for Trade and Industry outlined Africa's growth potential and Singapore's efforts to strengthen ties through business forums, government agreements, and support for companies like Hyflux, CrimsonLogic, and YuuZoo operating there.
Singapore has signed several government-to-government agreements with African nations, including Bilateral Investment Treaties with Nigeria and Mozambique, an Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement with Ethiopia, and an Air Services Agreement with Nigeria.
SME involvement was highlighted, with the Minister encouraging Singaporean SMEs to explore opportunities in sectors like agri-business, infrastructure, urban solutions, logistics, ICT, and oil and gas, and to join trade missions to understand African markets better.

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6 Feb 2017

Update on Case of Eight Deported Indonesian ISIS Suspects

Mr Ang Wei Neng asked the Minister for Home Affairs for an update on the case of eight Indonesians deported from Singapore due to suspected ISIS links and why they were later released by Indonesian police.
The eight Indonesians were denied entry into Singapore on 9 January 2017 after one was found with images of security concern, including a shoe-bomb and ISIS fighters, and were turned back to Malaysia.
The Malaysian authorities repatriated the individuals to Indonesia after their investigations, and the Indonesian authorities decided on their release based on their own prerogative.
Singapore shared its investigation findings with Malaysian and Indonesian counterparts and will continue to monitor borders and work with regional partners to counter terrorism threats.

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6 Feb 2017

Appointment Considerations for Heads of Overseas Missions

Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs about the proportion of career diplomats versus political appointees serving as Heads of Overseas Missions and the considerations for assigning each type to missions.
The Minister responded that all resident Heads of Overseas Missions are career diplomats, specifically Foreign Service Officers recruited and appointed strictly on merit, with no political appointees.
Approximately 10% of Ambassador-level heads are mid-career recruits, selected based on experience, performance, and skills, with senior appointments reviewed by the Special Personnel Board or Public Service Commission.
The guiding principle is to appoint the best person for the job, whether a fresh graduate or mid-career recruit, to maintain professionalism and excellence in the Foreign Service.

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6 Feb 2017

Periodic Assessment for Service Personnel who Handle Weapons

Assoc Prof Randolph Tan inquired whether service personnel handling weapons and live ammunition undergo periodic reassessments of their emotional and psychological stability.
MINDEF/SAF affirmed that comprehensive pre-enlistment screenings and ongoing mental health checks are in place, with personnel deemed unsuitable for weapon handling reassigned to other duties.
The ministry highlighted measures such as a 24-hour counselling hotline, regular commander interviews, and specialist monitoring to support servicemen’s mental well-being while ensuring safety.

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9 Jan 2017

ASEAN Meeting Update on Developments in Myanmar Rakhine State

At the 19 December 2016 ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat, officials discussed the situation in Rakhine State, including Myanmar's efforts and how ASEAN could support humanitarian aid delivery and long-term solutions.
Singapore emphasized that governments must protect all people regardless of race or religion, while also maintaining border security, and acknowledged the complexity and sensitivity of inter-communal issues in Rakhine State.
Singapore raised over $350,000 through local fundraising to support affected communities in Rakhine State and Aceh, with funds channeled through Myanmar-based organizations to assist all affected groups regardless of ethnicity or religion.

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9 Jan 2017

Impact of Low Water Levels at Johore River Dams on Singapore-Malaysia Water Agreement Obligations

Singapore’s 1962 Water Agreement with Johor is sacrosanct, granting PUB the right to abstract up to 250 million gallons per day from the Johor River, with Johor entitled to up to 5 million gallons of treated water in return.
The low water levels at Linggiu Reservoir, which has dropped to 27%, pose a risk to PUB’s ability to abstract its full entitlement and may affect Johor’s water treatment plants, with a potential reservoir failure in 2017 if dry conditions persist.
Singapore has been supplying Johor with treated water beyond its contractual entitlement, including during dry periods, as a goodwill gesture despite potential constraints on its own abstraction.
Both governments have acknowledged the issue and agreed to cooperate, with Malaysian officials committed to upholding Singapore’s rights and planning measures to enhance the Johor River’s yield to ensure reliable water supply.
Senior officials from both countries will discuss solutions, and agencies will work closely to sustain water supply amid the current challenges.

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9 Jan 2017

Radicalisation of Foreign Domestic Workers

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef requested an update on the radicalisation of foreign domestic workers in Singapore and the Ministry’s approach and future interventions.
Minister K Shanmugam reported that seven foreign domestic workers were radicalised via the Internet in the past two years, had no violent plans in Singapore, and were repatriated after posing a security concern.
Security agencies will continue monitoring and investigating both foreign and local individuals suspected of radicalisation, and share intelligence internationally to counter transnational threats.
The public is urged to alert authorities promptly if they notice signs of radicalisation to help protect Singapore against terrorism.

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9 Jan 2017

Civil Claims for Negligence Arising from Safety Breaches during SAF Training

Non-Constituency MP Dennis Tan proposed amending the Government Proceedings Act to allow civil claims for negligence during SAF training when safety protocols are conspicuously violated, arguing this would enhance accountability and public confidence.
The Minister for Defence opposed the change, citing the importance of Section 14 in protecting military training efficiency and decisiveness, and highlighting that current systems already provide compensation and criminal accountability for breaches.
The Minister noted that removing similar protections in the UK led to reputational risks and hindered operational effectiveness, and emphasized that Singapore’s system balances high safety standards with realistic training needs.

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9 Jan 2017

Singapore's Response to Refugee Situation in Rakhine State in Myanmar

Singapore participated in ASEAN’s informal meeting to discuss the Rakhine crisis and emphasised the need for humanitarian aid, long-term solutions, and the protection of all communities regardless of race or religion.
The Singapore government highlighted the complexity of the situation, encouraged patience and restraint, and noted that local communities raised nearly S$400,000 for affected communities in Rakhine State and Aceh.
Singapore contributed US$200,000 to an ASEAN trust fund for humanitarian relief and is considering further assistance modalities, though no decision has been made on matching funds.
The Minister acknowledged security concerns related to extremism in the region and stressed the importance of resolving conflicts to prevent areas from becoming havens for violence and terrorism.

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9 Jan 2017

State of Singapore's Relations with China in View of Seizure of Terrex Vehicles

Singapore affirms that its long-standing relationship with China remains mutually beneficial, with cooperation in trade, investment, and key projects, while stressing the importance of maintaining its sovereignty and independent foreign policy.
The government clarifies that Singapore upholds a strict One China policy and is not a party to South China Sea disputes, advocating for peace, freedom of navigation, and adherence to international law.
Regarding the seizure of Terrex vehicles in Hong Kong, Singapore expects the issue to be resolved through legal processes without politicization, and it has not sought direct state-level mediation with China on this matter.
Officials note that while Chinese media commentary may vary, there have been no formal restrictions on Singaporean market access, and people-to-people and business interactions are encouraged to continue.
Singapore welcomes China's rise and engagement in the region, emphasizing the need to balance relations with all major powers and avoid being forced into exclusive alignments.

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9 Jan 2017

Update on Seizure of Singapore's Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicles in Hong Kong

The Ministry of Defence explained that Singapore's SAF regularly ships over 700 military platforms annually via commercial carriers, which designate routes, and confirmed that the detained Terrex vehicles do not contain sensitive equipment or compromise national security.
The government has asserted sovereign immunity over the vehicles and is seeking their return from Hong Kong authorities through legal and diplomatic channels, while also reserving the right to claim damages from the shipping carrier if contractual obligations were breached.
MINDEF has reviewed shipping procedures to mitigate future risks, potentially imposing extra precautions or storing equipment overseas, and noted a precedent where similar seized equipment was returned to South Korea in 2010.

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10 Nov 2016

Impact on Singapore-China Relations due to Singapore's Official Stand on Trans-Pacific Partnership and Initiative on South China Sea

The Foreign Minister rebutted false allegations from a Chinese tabloid regarding Singapore’s stance on the South China Sea, reaffirming that Singapore is a non-claimant state and has consistently articulated this position.
Singapore’s bilateral relations with China remain strong and multifaceted, with deep cooperation in trade, investment, and government-to-government projects like the Chongqing Connectivity Initiative.
Singapore supports an open international trade system and welcomes China to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership when ready, similar to its support for China’s WTO accession.
Both Singapore and China leaders have agreed to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation based on mutual respect and understanding, with continued robust people-to-people exchanges and trade initiatives.

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10 Nov 2016

Impact on Singapore of Phase Three of US Rebalancing Strategy

The Minister for Defence emphasized that Singapore's security policy is independent and focused on national interests, partnering with like-minded countries for regional peace through frameworks such as the Five Power Defence Arrangements and the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus, which includes the US, China, and other major powers.
Singapore facilitates the use of its facilities by foreign militaries, including the US, under existing agreements like the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding and the 2015 Defence Cooperation Agreement, to support regional stability and economic growth.
In response to concerns about potential shifts in US strategy, the Minister stressed that Singapore's policies are based on its own interests, aiming to maintain flexibility and build broad partnerships to mitigate risks and maximize benefits regardless of external changes.
The Government's approach is to continuously adapt and position Singapore to benefit from global dynamics by engaging with as many countries and militaries as possible, ensuring survival and progress in a competitive world.

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9 Nov 2016

Crew of Singapore-registered Vessels Encountering Difficulties in South China Sea

Leon Perera asked about practical steps to help Singapore-registered civilian vessels avoid difficulties in the disputed South China Sea.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that navigation follows international law, including UNCLOS, with freedom of navigation upheld by Singapore, ASEAN, and China.
Vessels must exercise due care by using nautical charts and maintaining proper routes and ship conditions to ensure safety.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore certifies vessels and crew for seaworthiness, and owners should ensure adequate maintenance and competent crew.
Singapore-registered vessels in distress should contact the MPA and coastal states for assistance, with no reports of interference to date.

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7 Nov 2016

Public Speeches and Writings by Senior Officials

The Minister explained that Singapore appoints non-civil servant envoys like Ambassadors-at-Large from diverse backgrounds to advance national interests, but they are not restricted from private engagements or speeches in their personal capacity, though expected to exercise good judgment.
Leon Perera raised concerns about whether statements by such envoys on foreign internal politics could harm Singapore’s diplomacy, citing a specific case involving Ambassador-at-Large Bilahari Kausikan’s comments on Malaysian politics.
The Minister clarified that envoys like Kausikan are not civil servants and their private speeches do not represent government policy, emphasizing that official diplomacy is conducted through designated ambassadors and proper channels.
The debate highlighted the distinction between official and private capacities of senior officials, with the government maintaining that private citizens, including envoys, are free to speak but must consider potential impacts on national interests.

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10 Oct 2016

Special Dependant Pass for Foreign Women with Singapore Citizen Spouses or Children

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh proposed a special dependant pass for foreign mothers of Singapore citizen children or pregnant women expecting such children, to exempt them from ICA interviews at checkpoints.
Minister K Shanmugam rejected the proposal, stressing that security screening at borders must apply to all, including foreign spouses, to avoid creating exploitable gaps for security threats.
He noted that ICA already provides facilitation for travellers with special needs, such as pregnant women or the elderly, but without compromising security protocols.

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10 Oct 2016

Security Lapse in Case where NSman took Individual Physical Proficiency Test on Behalf of Another

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah questioned how an NSman gained entry to take the IPPT for another and whether a security review was conducted after the incident.
MINDEF stated that cheating violates SAF values and leads to punishment, noting that the impersonator used the other NSman’s identity card, with facial checks at entry points being subject to human error.
The SAF acknowledged the lapse and has increased verification measures at camp gates and IPPT stations.
To reduce human error, biometric fingerprinting is being rolled out and will be mandatory for all personnel entering SAF camps by 2018.
The incident underscores both the need for individual integrity and collective responsibility in maintaining fitness and security standards.

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10 Oct 2016

CPR Training for All National Servicemen

Miss Cheng Li Hui asked whether the SAF would train all national servicemen in CPR and AED techniques, highlighting their importance for first-aid in terror attacks.
The Minister for Defence confirmed that all recruits are trained in basic first aid, including CPR and AED, during Basic Military Training since September 2010.
SAF instructors, medical vocations, and operationally-ready NSmen in medical roles undergo regular CPR and AED training, which is accredited by the National Resuscitation Council.

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13 Sep 2016

Risk Assessment and Mitigation Measures on China's Planned Floating Nuclear Power Plant in South China Sea

Mr. Low Thia Khiang questioned whether the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had assessed risks and planned mitigation measures for China's potential floating nuclear power plant in the South China Sea.
The Minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, stated that the Ministry is unaware of any official Chinese government announcements about specific plans for such a deployment, citing only media reports.
He highlighted that China, as a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency and a party to UNCLOS and other nuclear legal instruments, has obligations regarding nuclear safety and environmental protection in its activities.

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