Defence & foreign affairs

• The Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs, Mr. K Shanmugam, clarified a previous written answer regarding the SGSecure movement.
• The clarification corrected the percentage of respondents who felt alert to suspicious behavior from 77% to 74% based on the SGSecure Public Perception Survey of 2024.
• The clarification was in response to a Parliamentary Question from Mr. Saktiandi Supaat.

Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs about measurable targets for the enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) with Australia, data on the success of the previous CSP, and factors determining the implementation of commitments regarding essential supplies. Vivian Balakrishnan highlighted the strong relationship between Singapore and Australia, noting significant increases in trade and investment since the CSP's launch in 2015. The upgraded CSP (CSP 2.0) features 80 new initiatives, including enhanced defence cooperation and negotiations for trade and essential supplies commitments. Key initiatives under CSP 2.0 aim to strengthen defence and economic resilience collaboration between the two countries.

Gerald Giam Yean Song posed questions regarding the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership (FIT-P), specifically about its mechanisms to counter rising protectionism, its effectiveness beyond mere discussion, and timelines for concrete outcomes. Gan Kim Yong explained that FIT-P, launched on 16 September 2025, aims to counter protectionism by bringing together trade-dependent countries, developing initiatives for supply chain resilience, and promoting multilateral cooperation. The governance structure is designed to be outcome-oriented, allowing subsets of members to advance initiatives without requiring full participation. Singapore will host the first FIT Partnership Ministerial meeting in November 2025 to outline the program and adopt actionable deliverables.

• Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim questioned the Minister for Foreign Affairs about Singapore's position on maritime jurisdiction and enforcement rights under UNCLOS following the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla.
• Vivian Balakrishnan clarified that the flotilla's political intentions were clear and that Israel's interception was justified to prevent entry into a combat zone and uphold a lawful naval blockade.
• Singapore emphasizes the importance of compliance with international law, including maritime law, for all parties involved in the Gaza conflict.
• The debate highlighted the significance of international law for small island states like Singapore in maintaining freedom of navigation and safe passage for vessels.

• Singapore's assessment of Myanmar highlights a dire situation nearly five years post-coup, marked by widespread conflict, instability, and heavy civilian casualties.
• The country is fragmented, with ongoing fighting between the military, ethnic armed organizations, and defense forces, leading to contested control over various regions.
• The economic and humanitarian conditions are worsening, exacerbated by the recent earthquake and ongoing conflict, hindering recovery efforts.
• A durable national reconciliation in Myanmar requires constructive dialogue among key stakeholders, with an emphasis on de-escalating violence and ensuring humanitarian access.
• Singapore supports ASEAN's efforts, including the Five-Point Consensus, to facilitate a credible electoral process that reflects the will of the Myanmar people.

• Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik inquired about Singapore's diplomatic stance towards Syria's new leadership and potential opportunities for trade and humanitarian engagement.
• Minister Vivian Balakrishnan confirmed that Singapore maintains diplomatic relations with Syria and has engaged with the Syrian Transitional Government.
• Balakrishnan mentioned a meeting with the Syrian Foreign Minister at the UN General Assembly in September 2025.
• Singapore is open to exploring cooperation with Syria in areas where assistance can be provided.

• There is a rising trend in the number of full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) declaring psychological or mental health conditions, with 9% of pre-enlistees and 11% of NSFs seeking help in 2024.
• The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has a mental health support system that includes screening for mental health conditions during pre-enlistment medical examinations.
• Individuals identified with mental health issues are assessed by in-house psychiatrists and may be deferred from service if deemed a risk to themselves or others.
• The SAF provides ongoing support for NSFs with mental health issues, including monitoring and psychological first aid training for recruits and commanders.
• The Ministry of Defence is committed to collaborating with families and relevant agencies to enhance the mental well-being of servicemen.

Lee Hong Chuang asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs about the impact of US peace initiatives and Israeli military actions on Singapore's interests and regional stability, as well as how Singapore handles its humanitarian commitments while maintaining relations with Israel, and whether more frequent updates on diplomatic efforts could be provided. Vivian Balakrishnan acknowledged the US's significant role in the Middle East and praised its efforts alongside partners in securing a ceasefire in Gaza. He highlighted Singapore's contribution of S$24 million in humanitarian assistance for Gaza civilians, supported by strong regional relationships. Balakrishnan assured that Singaporeans would receive ongoing updates regarding the evolving situation in the Middle East.

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked about Singapore's collaboration with ASEAN for long-term support in disaster-prone countries following recent natural disasters in the Philippines. Vivian Balakrishnan explained that Singapore provides immediate humanitarian assistance and actively engages in ASEAN mechanisms to enhance emergency preparedness and resilience through the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER). Singapore contributes to the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management, hosts the annual ASEAN Strategic Policy Dialogue on Disaster Management, and co-chairs the ICT Advisory Group on Disaster Management. Additionally, Singapore conducts capacity building programs on disaster risk reduction and climate resilience in partnership with international organizations.

Gerald Giam Yean Song asked about the plans for establishing new diplomatic missions in Africa and Latin America, the considerations for setting up resident missions versus using non-resident ambassadors, and the potential for accrediting non-resident ambassadors to more countries. Vivian Balakrishnan stated that Singapore evaluates its network of Overseas Missions based on how they can best advance national interests and currently maintains 53 missions globally. Due to resource constraints, Singapore uses Non-Resident Ambassadors who regularly engage with foreign governments to supplement their diplomatic presence. The establishment of more missions will depend on national needs and available resources.

Fadli Fawzi asked the Foreign Affairs Minister about the government's engagement with the US regarding the H-1B1 visa and protections for Singaporean US visa holders. Vivian Balakrishnan confirmed that there are currently no changes to the H-1B1 visa processes and that recent US immigration restrictions do not affect this visa category. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to monitor the situation and engage with US counterparts as necessary. Additionally, there have been no reported issues affecting Singaporean holders of valid US visas due to recent enforcement actions, but Singaporeans should understand that holding a visa does not guarantee entry or the right to stay in the US.

He Ting Ru questioned the Coordinating Minister for National Security about any changes in the government's policy on releasing data regarding new citizenships and permanent residencies by country of birth. K Shanmugam responded that the government does not provide such data to avoid creating bilateral sensitivities and maintains that this position has not changed.

Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs about the number of dialogue sessions and workshops held in the past year to explain Singapore's foreign policy to students, youths, and businesses. Vivian Balakrishnan responded that around 150 sessions have been conducted since January 2024, with attendance varying from 20 to 1,000 participants per session. The Ministry measures effectiveness through participant feedback to enhance engagement methods. Additionally, the Ministry is increasing digital content on social media and considering more interactive small group workshops for deeper discussions.

Ang Wei Neng and Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim posed questions regarding Singapore's potential support for the 20-point peace plan for Gaza proposed by the US, including Singapore's role and its contributions to the peace process. Minister Vivian Balakrishnan acknowledged Singapore's welcome of the peace plan and emphasized the need for a negotiated two-state solution while outlining Singapore's past humanitarian efforts and potential future contributions, such as medical assistance and capacity-building for the Palestinian Authority. Balakrishnan expressed caution on commitments, particularly regarding peacekeeping roles, and emphasized a discreet and supportive approach rather than seeking prominent positions in peace-building efforts. The importance of Singapore's humanitarian engagement was highlighted as a reflection of its identity and commitment to global peace.

• The debate focused on how the Ministry of Defence is adjusting procurement strategies to enhance the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) readiness and agility in response to evolving global security threats and the increasing use of unmanned systems.
• Mr. Lee Hong Chuang raised questions about the training and support provided to servicemen, particularly National Servicemen (NSFs), to adapt to advanced technologies.
• Minister Chan Chun Sing emphasized that MINDEF and SAF are actively monitoring security threats and integrating new technologies, including unmanned systems, into their operations and training programs.
• The SAF has a history of utilizing drones and is committed to further equipping and training personnel in emerging technologies in the future.
• The discussion also touched on the balance between increased defence spending for FY2025 and maintaining fiscal sustainability alongside operational and international commitments.