Defence & foreign affairs — Topics

14 Jan 2013

Inclusion of Training Safety in Appraisal for SAF Leadership

The Minister confirmed that training safety and health are already assessed in a commander’s annual performance appraisal and in the evaluation for the SAF Best Unit and Best NS Unit competitions, with units required to achieve a minimum 90% safety score to qualify.
A strong safety culture is emphasized, with commanders held accountable for safety as a command responsibility and serious consequences for those who flout rules or allow unsafe practices.
Despite existing measures, the Member raised concern about the persistence of severe training accidents, questioning whether the safety culture is being internalized sufficiently or if the metrics need stronger weighting.
The Minister acknowledged ongoing concerns and noted that while SAF injury rates are comparatively low, the goal remains “nil” incidents, with continuous system reviews and safety culture enhancements in response to any incidents.

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14 Jan 2013

Compensation for Medical Expenses for Servicemen Injured while On Duty

The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) provides comprehensive compensation for injured servicemen, covering all medical expenses, lump-sum payments based on disability severity (doubled for duty-related injuries), and additional grants for total permanent disability, along with redeployment and welfare support through the SAF Benevolent Fund.
Minister Ng Eng Hen emphasized that the compensation framework is more generous than the Work Injury Compensation Act and civil courts, with regular reviews, and confirmed that investigations into a specific Navy serviceman's injury do not affect his eligibility for full compensation.
The compensation scheme applies equally to all servicemen, including full-time NSmen and regulars, and includes an appeal board for queries, with the Minister noting that public support for injured personnel strengthens the armed forces' resolve.

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14 Jan 2013

Implications for Singapore from Recent US Presidential Election and Leadership Renewal in China

Singapore expects the US’s bipartisan and steady Asia-Pacific policy to continue, with sustained engagement and high-level exchanges following the recent presidential election.
The leadership transition in China is not expected to affect the strong and multi-faceted relationship, with institutional links and cooperation projects providing continuity.
Both US-China leadership changes and growing competition pose risks to regional stability, particularly in the South China Sea, but Singapore advocates for a united ASEAN and a Code of Conduct to manage disputes.
Singapore’s foreign policy will continue to maintain a balanced and friendly relationship with both the US and China, adapting to evolving dynamics as China’s influence grows.
The government acknowledges potential challenges if US-China tensions escalate, stressing the need for both powers to accommodate each other’s interests to preserve regional peace.

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14 Jan 2013

Impact of Bus Drivers' Illegal Strike on Singapore-China Relations

Arthur Fong asked whether the illegal strikes by SMRT Chinese drivers had damaged Singapore-China bilateral ties.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs stated that the drivers' actions are being handled under Singapore law, which applies equally to all residents.
He emphasized that the government views the incident strictly as a matter of law enforcement.
The Minister expressed that the incident is not expected to affect relations between Singapore and China.

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16 Nov 2012

Loan of Giant Pandas from China

Ms Faizah Jamal questioned the purpose of the panda loan from China and asked if the additional zoo fees for the preview could be waived to celebrate good diplomatic ties, citing the high cost for families.
The Second Minister for Foreign Affairs explained the pandas are a goodwill gesture to enhance ties, stemming from a 2009 agreement for joint conservation research, with preview fees supporting the conservation programme until the River Safari opens.
She clarified that during the preview, visitors must pay zoo admission plus a top-up fee because the pandas are housed within the zoo, but the fee will not be required once the River Safari officially opens.

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16 Nov 2012

Myanmar as Observers in Exercise Cobra Gold 2013

Nicholas Fang asked about the impact of Myanmar's observer role in Exercise Cobra Gold 2013 on regional security.
The Senior Minister of State for Defence highlighted that Cobra Gold is a multilateral exercise co-hosted by Thailand and the United States, with previous participants including Singapore and others.
Singapore welcomes Myanmar’s involvement in regional security forums and exercises, viewing such participation as fostering trust, constructive dialogue, and enhanced regional peace.

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14 Nov 2012

Security Assessment of Foreign Telecoms Companies

Zaqy Mohamad inquired about the US Intelligence Committee's report on Chinese telecom firms, the risk to Singapore's infrastructure, and any feedback from multinational corporations on security concerns.
Teo Chee Hean acknowledged the US report and affirmed Singapore's serious approach to cybersecurity, emphasizing robust measures without discriminating by brand or country of origin.
The government evaluates and monitors infocomm infrastructure for security compliance, implements safeguards, and works with IDA to strengthen internet security through mandatory codes and audits.
MHA and IDA are collaborating on additional risk mitigation measures to protect infrastructure from foreign threats, with penalties for non-compliance by service providers.
Singapore will continue to enhance its security regime, adapting to new technologies and risks to ensure national security and economic interests.

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14 Nov 2012

National Service Training Deaths

Two separate training deaths occurred involving PTE Lee and 3SG Tan, with Committees of Inquiry finding clear breaches of safety regulations in both cases.
In PTE Lee’s case, excessive smoke grenade use led to fatal inhalation; in 3SG Tan’s, an unlicensed driver and lack of safety gear caused a fatal jeep overturn.
MINDEF announced immediate actions, including suspending zinc chloride smoke grenades in training, tightening vehicle controls, and deploying more safety officers.
Systemic changes were introduced, including an Army Safety Review Board and an SAF Inspectorate to strengthen safety culture and oversight across the military.
The SAF emphasized transparency and accountability, with legal proceedings pending for those found negligent and a commitment to preventing future incidents.

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14 Nov 2012

Permanent Residents Leaving Singapore Prior to NS Enlistment

Mrs Lina Chiam inquired about the number of male Permanent Residents who left Singapore in the two years before National Service enlistment and later returned on student, employment, or PR status over the past five years.
The Minister for Defence stated that such individuals are NS defaulters under the Enlistment Act, punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both, and cannot return on any pass without resolving their NS obligations.
Mrs Lina Chiam asked if the Ministry would consider requiring male foreigners under 40 who are not liable for NS to perform 24 months of community service instead.
The Minister reiterated that defaulters must fulfil their NS duties as per the existing law, with no indication of policy changes for foreigners not covered by NS.

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12 Nov 2012

Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The Singapore government plans to sign the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities but has decided not to sign the Optional Protocol, which allows for individual or group complaints to be investigated by the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The government believes there are sufficient local platforms for raising concerns, such as the Ministry of Social and Family Development and the National Council of Social Service, to address any rights violations.
The Enabling Masterplan Implementation Committee will monitor the Convention’s implementation, facilitate dialogue with the disabled community, and ensure Singapore progresses steadily in fulfilling its obligations.

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12 Nov 2012

Efforts to Encourage Responsible Land Clearing Practices in Neighbouring Countries

Yee Jenn Jong asked the Ministry about ASEAN's plans to pressure plantation owners for responsible land clearing and whether Singapore would amend its laws to prosecute Singapore-linked companies for illegal burning abroad.
ASEAN countries, except Indonesia, have ratified the haze pollution agreement, and a Ministerial Steering Committee has been meeting since 2006 to coordinate mitigation efforts, including exploring digital maps and satellite technology to monitor hotspots.
The Ministry stated that while Singapore cannot directly prosecute companies for extra-territorial actions, it supports host-country investigations and emphasizes market forces like consumer demand for sustainable products to drive corporate accountability.

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12 Nov 2012

Singapore's Relations with Australia

Minister K Shanmugam outlined that Singapore and Australia share a strong, multifaceted relationship with deep cooperation in defence, economic, and people-to-people ties, underscored by frequent high-level visits and institutionalized dialogues.
He noted that Australia is a key economic partner for Singapore, with growing two-way trade and investment, and that the "Australia in the Asian Century" White Paper is a welcome affirmation of Australia's commitment to the region, which aligns with Singapore's interests.
The Minister highlighted opportunities to deepen ties through the review of the Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement, increased use of Singapore as a business base for accessing Asia, and enhanced educational collaboration to build Asia literacy.
Both countries will continue to collaborate in regional and international fora, such as the East Asia Summit and the UN, to promote a rules-based regional order and sustainable security.

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12 Nov 2012

SAF's Capability Given Declining Birth Rate

The Minister for Defence acknowledged that Singapore's declining birth rate will reduce annual National Service enlistments from a peak of 21,000 to about 15,000, but long-term projections indicate the SAF can still mobilise around 300,000 personnel by 2040, with capability maintained through technological advancement and transformation to a 3rd Generation force.
The SAF is investing in advanced systems like the HIMARS, Formidable-class frigates, and Heron-1 UAV to reduce manpower needs while enhancing potency, and networking platforms for greater operational synergy.
The quality and technological savvy of NSmen have increased, aiding effective training and operation of sophisticated systems, with refresher courses and realistic training methods to help NSmen adapt quickly to new technology during in-camp training.
The SAF is reviewing technology and training to address evolving global security demands, including counter-insurgency, terrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), while maintaining lean manpower and cost-effective platform acquisition.

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16 Oct 2012

Impact of US' Pivot on Asia Strategy

Singapore welcomes the US "pivot to Asia" strategy, maintaining long-standing agreements that allow US military assets like Littoral Combat Ships to use its facilities for transit without permanent basing or crew families residing in the country.
The Minister emphasized that Singapore remains friends with both the US and China, advocating for a non-zero-sum regional security framework and supporting multilateral initiatives like ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus to foster cooperation and trust.
In response to questions on operational demands, the Minister noted that specific military support figures require verification and reiterated that US use of Singapore's facilities is governed by existing agreements, with theoretical exigencies best addressed through established bilateral terms.

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15 Oct 2012

National Service Defaulters

Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap requested a breakdown of National Service defaulters from 2006 to 2011 by resident Singaporeans, overseas Singaporeans, and permanent residents.
Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen provided a table showing the number of NS defaulter cases for each year from 2006 to 2011.
The Minister noted that the Ministry does not have updated residence information for NS defaulters as they are unable to locate them.

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15 Oct 2012

Impact of International Disputes on Relations between Groups of Foreigners Residing in Singapore

David Ong questioned the potential impact of South China Sea tensions on foreign nationals in Singapore, including the risk of violence and what measures could prevent such incidents.
Teo Chee Hean confirmed no violence has occurred but stated the government is monitoring the situation and will take firm action against acts that inflame sentiments or cause public disorder.
The public is advised to avoid activities that could disrupt relations with other countries and to report any concerns to the Police.

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11 Sep 2012

Update on Singapore's Free Trade Agreement Negotiations

The EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement negotiations are in an advanced stage with a few outstanding issues, and both sides hope to conclude them later this year.
The second review of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement with India is ongoing and taking longer than expected, but both countries are committed to concluding it by the end of this year.
Negotiations on the services and investment chapters of the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement are progressing well, with hopes for a conclusion by year-end, and this is expected to have a positive impact on the bilateral CECA with India.

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10 Sep 2012

Diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome amongst National Servicemen

Mr. Zainal Sapari asked for the number of National Servicemen diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, their PES classification, historical enlistment data, and the support provided for their training.
There are currently 41 full-time and 61 operationally-ready National Servicemen with Asperger’s Syndrome, all assigned to PES C or lower based on their social and vocational abilities.
From 2007 to 2011, 55 pre-enlistees with Asperger’s Syndrome were enlisted, with yearly numbers ranging from five to 15.
The SAF provides professional support through psychiatrists, psychologists, and counsellors who collaborate with commanders to develop interpersonal and vocational skills for these servicemen.

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