Defence & foreign affairs

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim raised concerns about security measures in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve following an incident where a cyclist entered a live-firing exercise area. Chan Chun Sing stated that unauthorized access to such areas is prohibited under the Military Manoeuvres Act for public safety. Despite existing warning signs at entry points, additional signs have been added after the incident to further caution the public against trespassing into restricted zones.

Nadia Ahmad Samdin questioned the Minister for Foreign Affairs about Singapore's stance on recognizing Palestinian statehood in light of increasing recognition by other UN member states, including Australia and G7 countries. Vivian Balakrishnan indicated that this question was previously addressed in a Ministerial Statement regarding the Middle East situation during a parliamentary session on September 22, 2025. The factors considered by the Government for statehood recognition were outlined in that statement.

Hazlina Abdul Halim asked the Foreign Affairs Minister about Singapore's potential measures to assist the Palestine Authority in achieving statehood and implementing the Two-State Solution. She also inquired about the circumstances under which Singapore might consider stronger actions like sanctions on Israel or recognizing Palestine as a state due to military actions in Gaza and humanitarian law violations. Vivian Balakrishnan indicated that this question had been addressed in previous Ministerial Statements regarding the Middle East situation during the parliamentary session on 22 September 2025.

Kwek Hian Chuan Henry inquired about the detection of foreign online influence operations from 2022 to 2025, including the number of operations, platforms used, their reach, and actions taken against them. K Shanmugam stated that the government does not disclose specific statistics or details due to operational reasons. He referred to press releases about the restriction of 95 social media accounts and the blocking of 10 inauthentic websites as examples of these operations, highlighting techniques such as coordinated amplification of narratives and imitation of local features in foreign-origin websites.

• Singapore has committed S$22 million in humanitarian aid to Gaza, with questions raised about the allocation, coordination with partners, and the impact of this aid.
• There are ongoing discussions regarding cooperation with Egypt, Jordan, and other countries to facilitate aid delivery to Gaza, as well as updates on land border access for aid.
• Concerns were expressed about Singapore's stance on recognizing the Palestinian state, especially in light of other countries' intentions to do so at the upcoming UN General Assembly.
• The debate included inquiries about the effectiveness and potential delays in the aid contributions, as well as measures to ensure future aid reaches those in need.
• The Minister for Foreign Affairs addressed these questions in a previous parliamentary session, indicating ongoing monitoring of international developments related to the conflict.

• Mr. Lee Hong Chuang inquired about the Ministry's plans to extend drone operation training to all new National Service enlistees, including both combat-fit and non-combat-fit recruits.
• The Ministry of Defence aims to train all service-fit recruits in drone operations, with continued training during their full-time national service.
• Drone operation training will also be introduced for Operationally Ready National Servicemen, starting with in-camp training in mid-2026.

• The debate focused on the implications of the US renaming its Department of Defense to the Department of War for Singapore's foreign policy and defense strategy.
• Mr. Lee Hong Chuang raised concerns about how this change might affect regional stability.
• Minister Chan Chun Sing emphasized that the renaming is an internal US matter and reaffirmed Singapore's strong bilateral defense relationship with the US.
• Chan highlighted the importance of US engagement in the Asia-Pacific and referenced a recent productive meeting with US officials.
• The discussion underscored Singapore's commitment to maintaining cooperation with the US in defense matters.

• Alex Yeo inquired about plans to progressively reduce flight frequency from Paya Lebar Airbase leading to its 2030 decommissioning and measures to mitigate aircraft noise for nearby residents.
• Chan Chun Sing emphasized the importance of local flying training for the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and outlined existing noise abatement measures to minimize impact on residents.
• The RSAF conducts a significant portion of its training overseas and has strategies to avoid residential areas, with minimal flights occurring during late night and early morning hours.
• The relocation of Paya Lebar Airbase is on schedule for 2030, with flight frequency set to decrease progressively as infrastructure at new bases becomes operational.

• Ms. Joan Pereira inquired about the safety measures for self-use facilities in SAF camps, specifically regarding swimming pools and fitness equipment.
• Chan Chun Sing explained that SAF personnel can engage in self-initiated physical activities but must take precautions, such as staying contactable and pairing with a buddy for activities outside the camp.
• Gyms and swimming pools are staffed with duty personnel or lifeguards during operating hours, but personnel can use these facilities unsupervised outside of these hours if they follow safety protocols.
• New precautions for swimming activities were introduced, prohibiting personnel from swimming alone in pools without lifeguards present.

• Joan Pereira raised concerns about the impact of overseas conflicts on Singaporeans and asked how the government is addressing misinformation and clarifying its positions.
• Minister Vivian Balakrishnan highlighted the government's efforts to engage the public through dialogue sessions and workshops to explain foreign policy and gather feedback.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs conducts regular sessions in educational institutions to enhance understanding of Singapore's foreign policy among students and community leaders.
• Balakrishnan emphasized the importance of discernment in consuming information and the need for unity among Singaporeans amidst diverse views and external conflicts.
• The government aims to work collaboratively with community leaders to promote understanding of national interests and counter misinformation.

• Pritam Singh raised concerns about allegations from the Chinese Embassy claiming that cyberattacks during the Ninth Asian Winter Games in Harbin originated from Singapore.
• Mrs. Josephine Teo responded, emphasizing the borderless nature of cyber threats and the difficulty in tracing their true origins.
• The Singapore government has found no evidence linking the attacks to Singapore and is committed to preventing the use of its digital infrastructure for malicious activities.
• The Singapore Cyber Emergency Response Team has offered assistance to Chinese authorities and is prepared to investigate further if provided with information.

• The closure of the ASEAN Engagement Office by the US government is not expected to significantly impact the longstanding and mutually beneficial US-ASEAN relationship, which has been built over decades.
• The US remains ASEAN's top source of foreign investment, with substantial economic ties supporting over 625,000 American jobs, and plans to commemorate 50 years of ASEAN-US dialogue relations in 2027.
• Opportunities for collaboration in new areas, such as responsible AI and cybersecurity, are being explored to enhance cooperation between ASEAN and the US.
• Singapore maintains a strong and bipartisan relationship with the US, focusing on various domains including defense, security, and technology, while also engaging in tariff negotiations to facilitate exports.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is committed to fostering appreciation for Singapore's relationship with the US through sustained engagement and collaboration with US Congress members.

• The Singapore government maintains a long-standing position supporting the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and advocates for a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, condemning both Hamas's terrorist actions and Israel's disproportionate military response in Gaza.
• The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is described as a tragedy, with significant civilian suffering, forced displacement, and starvation, prompting Singapore to increase its humanitarian assistance and support for the Palestinian Authority's capacity-building efforts.
• Singapore's recognition of a Palestinian state is contingent upon the establishment of an effective government that renounces terrorism and recognizes Israel's right to exist, with the government indicating that this recognition is a matter of "when" rather than "if."
• Members of Parliament expressed concerns about the implications of Israel's actions on the viability of a two-state solution and questioned whether Singapore's foreign policy might be perceived as outdated compared to other nations that have recognized Palestine.
• The government emphasizes the importance of balancing national interests with international law and humanitarian principles, while also acknowledging the complexities of the geopolitical landscape and the limitations of Singapore's influence in the region.

• Singapore's Foreign Affairs Minister emphasized the need for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, condemning both Hamas' terrorism and Israel's excessive military actions in Gaza, which have led to significant civilian suffering.
• The government has contributed over S$24 million in humanitarian aid to Gaza and is actively supporting initiatives to alleviate the humanitarian crisis, including medical assistance and food supplies.
• Singapore will recognize the State of Palestine only when it has an effective government that accepts Israel's right to exist and renounces terrorism, while also opposing any unilateral annexation of occupied territories by Israel.
• The Minister highlighted the importance of maintaining national unity in Singapore amidst diverse opinions on the conflict, stressing that foreign policy should be based on national interests rather than communal perspectives.
• Singapore plans to impose targeted sanctions on leaders of radical right-wing settler groups in response to actions undermining the prospects for a two-state solution, while continuing to engage diplomatically with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

• The Leader of the House, Ms Indranee Rajah, proposed a motion to prioritize her Ministerial Statement on the "Duties and Privileges of the Leader of the Opposition" before other business motions and debates.
• The motion also included the scheduling of three Ministerial Statements related to the "Situation in the Middle East" and Singaporeans' responses to it, emphasizing their relevance to current public interest.
• The urgency of these statements was highlighted due to Minister Vivian Balakrishnan's upcoming participation in the 80th United Nations General Assembly.
• The motion was agreed upon, allowing the Ministerial Statements to be addressed before the debate on the Address of Thanks.

• Members of Parliament raised concerns about Singapore's stance on Palestinian statehood in light of other countries' recognition efforts.
• Questions were posed regarding Singapore's humanitarian assistance to address food security issues for children affected by the Israel-Palestine conflict.
• The government was asked about its diplomatic efforts and the challenges faced in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.
• There were inquiries about Singapore's collaboration with the international community to ensure compliance with international law by Israel.
• Suggestions were made for establishing a taskforce to coordinate relief and rebuilding efforts for Gaza and to promote community harmony in Singapore amidst the conflict.

• Singapore faces increasing and complex security risks due to global power dynamics, digital connectivity, and misinformation, which threaten national security and societal cohesion.
• The National Security Coordination Secretariat (NSCS) employs a whole-of-Government approach to identify, assess, and mitigate these interdependent security risks across various domains.
• NSCS emphasizes the importance of inter-agency alignment and coordination to address the evolving vulnerabilities and risks effectively.
• The organization aims to enhance the Public Service's capabilities to respond proactively and adaptively to security challenges, incorporating operational, technological, and public education efforts.
• As the external environment becomes more volatile, NSCS is committed to maintaining a proactive and coordinated response to emerging national security threats.

• The Minister for Foreign Affairs highlighted the transition to a more uncertain global order, emphasizing the need for Singapore's foreign policy to adapt to challenges such as economic disruptions and rising geopolitical tensions.
• Key initiatives include enhancing cooperation with neighboring countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, strengthening ASEAN integration, and expanding partnerships with major powers and emerging regions.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) aims to reinforce Singapore's role as a reliable partner, support multilateralism, and engage in global governance issues, including cybersecurity and climate change.
• MFA will enhance consular services and diplomatic networks to ensure the safety of Singaporeans abroad while fostering national unity to navigate geopolitical challenges.
• The focus will be on building a sustainable future through trade agreements, digital economy collaboration, and development partnerships, while maintaining Singapore's reputation for stability and reliability.

• The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) are committed to safeguarding Singapore's sovereignty and security amid global uncertainties and evolving security threats.
• MINDEF aims to strengthen collaborations with existing and new defence partners, contributing to multilateral platforms that uphold international law and a rules-based order.
• Advances in technology are reshaping warfare, prompting the SAF to evolve operational concepts and adopt new capabilities, particularly in cybersecurity and unmanned systems.
• National Service (NS) is emphasized as essential for defence, with plans to enhance personnel deployment, refine training, and provide more opportunities for Operationally Ready National Servicemen.
• MINDEF will refresh its National Education approach to improve public understanding of defence issues and foster commitment to national priorities and resilience.

• The President highlighted Singapore's 60-year journey of independence, emphasizing the importance of unity and resilience in navigating current global challenges.
• He addressed the shifting global order, particularly the rivalry between the U.S. and China, and the need for Singapore to secure its place in a more complex international landscape.
• The speech outlined priorities for national security, economic innovation, and social mobility, stressing the importance of preparing citizens for a rapidly changing job market.
• The President called for a "We First" society, encouraging community engagement, mutual respect, and the nurturing of Singapore's multicultural identity to strengthen social cohesion.
• He emphasized the need for trust in governance and the importance of continuous dialogue between the government and citizens to address long-term challenges effectively.