Defence & foreign affairs

• Singapore is actively cooperating with ASEAN partners to combat labour trafficking and scam centres through intelligence sharing, joint investigations, and coordinated enforcement efforts.
• The government has not verified any incidents of Singaporeans being victims of human trafficking related to scam centres since 2023, although consular assistance was offered to five individuals who did not accept it.
• In 2024, Singapore Police successfully dismantled 16 scam syndicates in collaboration with foreign law enforcement agencies.
• Singapore participates in regional discussions and platforms focused on addressing transnational crimes, including scams and trafficking in persons.

• ASEAN regularly reviews the escalating civil war and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, urging all parties to de-escalate violence and protect civilians.
• Humanitarian assistance delivery remains a priority under ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus, with support from member states and external partners.
• Singapore has actively contributed to humanitarian efforts, including deploying rescue teams and providing financial support for earthquake relief and other aid.
• An immediate ceasefire is essential for effective humanitarian assistance and long-term national reconciliation in Myanmar.
• Genuine dialogue among key stakeholders is necessary for a sustainable and inclusive resolution to the crisis.

• The resumption of Israeli military strikes in Gaza has worsened the humanitarian situation, with Singapore expressing concern over civilian casualties and the need for compliance with international humanitarian law.
• Singapore is committed to providing humanitarian aid and is exploring ways to assist despite Israeli restrictions, while also planning to support post-conflict recovery efforts in collaboration with international partners.
• The Singapore Armed Forces is assessing the possibility of deploying medical assistance to Gaza, prioritizing the safety of personnel and the conditions on the ground.
• Singapore advocates for a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and supports ASEAN's calls for a humanitarian ceasefire and the protection of civilians.
• The Singaporean public has shown strong support for humanitarian efforts, with encouragement for contributions to reputable organizations aiding in Gaza.

• The debate focused on the importance of immigration for Singapore's economic growth and national security, addressing concerns about integration and national identity.
• A significant majority of Singaporeans recognize the benefits of immigration, with over 75% supporting its positive impact on the economy and 62% acknowledging cultural contributions.
• The government aims to manage immigration carefully, ensuring that new immigrants are well-suited to contribute to society and are supported in their integration efforts.
• Various programs and initiatives are in place to help immigrants adapt to local norms, including mandatory citizenship journeys and community integration efforts led by the National Integration Council.
• Education plays a key role in fostering understanding of immigration, with schools teaching students about the value of diversity and the historical contributions of immigrants to Singapore.

• Singapore is concerned about the resumption of hostilities in Gaza, which has worsened the humanitarian situation and led to civilian casualties and displacement.
• The government is exploring ways to provide humanitarian aid and medical assistance to Gaza, despite Israeli restrictions, and is assessing the possibility of deploying medical teams.
• Singapore emphasizes the need for all parties to comply with international humanitarian law and calls for a resumption of ceasefire negotiations and the protection of civilians.
• ASEAN member states support an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and a negotiated two-state solution, reflecting a unified regional stance on the conflict.
• The Singaporean public has shown empathy towards the Gaza conflict, contributing to humanitarian efforts through local organizations.

• The Prime Minister highlighted the significant shift in global trade dynamics due to recent US tariffs, marking the end of an era of rules-based globalization and free trade, which could lead to increased protectionism and instability in the global economy.
• The US has imposed a blanket 10% tariff on imports from many countries, including Singapore, despite existing free trade agreements, which has raised concerns about the implications for global trade and the potential for a trade war.
• Singapore's economy is expected to face challenges, including slower growth and potential job losses, as the tariffs impact various sectors, particularly manufacturing and services, prompting the government to establish a task force to support affected businesses and workers.
• The government aims to engage with the US and other countries to address trade concerns and explore new markets, while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining a rules-based trading system and strengthening regional cooperation within ASEAN.
• The Prime Minister reassured Singaporeans of the government's commitment to navigate the economic uncertainties and protect the interests of the nation, while fostering resilience and adaptability in the face of changing global conditions.

• The debate focused on the benefits of Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) overseas training detachments in enhancing military skills and strengthening bilateral defence ties with host countries.
• The Senior Minister of State for Defence highlighted that overseas training allows SAF to conduct realistic training in diverse terrains, which is not possible in land-scarce Singapore.
• SAF personnel gain valuable experience by participating in exercises and competitions with foreign counterparts, contributing to skill development and operational readiness.
• Safety protocols are emphasized during overseas training, with a strong safety culture and management systems in place to minimize risks and ensure soldier safety.
• The Ministry of Defence conducts regular evaluations of safety protocols and engages external expert panels to maintain high safety standards during training exercises.

Neil Parekh Nimil Rajnikant asked about Singapore's priorities for ASEAN's relations with the US under the Trump administration and the messages to be conveyed during ASEAN dialogues. Minister Vivian Balakrishnan emphasized the importance of economics, particularly trade, investment, and energy, as key focus areas in the US-ASEAN relationship. He highlighted the US as a critical partner, being ASEAN's second-largest trading partner and largest foreign investor, and stressed the significance of ASEAN's open and inclusive engagement with various global powers. In response to a question about ASEAN's role in peace negotiations regarding Ukraine, Balakrishnan stated that there are more relevant stakeholders in that conflict and reiterated ASEAN's commitment to non-alignment and adherence to international law.

• The debate focused on the implications of the shifting US-China relationship and its impact on Singapore's foreign policy, highlighting the need for careful navigation amidst rising tensions and competition between these major powers.
• Speakers emphasized Singapore's strategic partnerships with both the US and China, noting the importance of maintaining strong economic ties while managing the risks associated with their rivalry.
• Concerns were raised about the erosion of the rules-based international order and the potential consequences for small states like Singapore, which rely heavily on global trade and stability.
• The need for Singapore to diversify its economic relationships and strengthen regional cooperation, particularly within ASEAN, was highlighted as a strategy to mitigate risks from great power competition.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was urged to enhance its diplomatic efforts and public engagement to ensure Singapore's interests are safeguarded in an increasingly fragmented global landscape.

• Parliament debated Singapore’s defence outlook amid global uncertainty, with ministers detailing plans to enhance the SAF’s capabilities across air, land, sea, and digital domains, including new submarines, aircraft, and a cyber command.
• The government announced initiatives to optimise national service, such as improved medical classification, skills training, and an NS allowance increase, while also investing in training infrastructure and sustainability efforts.
• Total Defence and community resilience were emphasised, with updates on exercises like SG Ready, partnerships with businesses and youths, and efforts to strengthen public preparedness for disruptions.

Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for Defence about the percentage of National Service enlistees identified as security threats from the years 2005, 2010, 2015, 2020, and 2024. Ng Eng Hen explained that the Military Security Department (MSD) conducts ongoing security screenings during enlistment and service to identify potential risks. Individuals identified as threats are excluded from roles where they could gain dangerous skills or access sensitive information. The screening criteria are periodically calibrated to balance exclusion of actual threats while minimizing false positives, with approximately 0.1% (around 50 individuals) flagged for observation out of nearly 30,000 pre-enlistees annually over the past decade.

Gerald Giam Yean Song questioned the Minister for Foreign Affairs about Singapore's stance on unilateral proposals related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that involve displacing Palestinians in Gaza. The Minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, affirmed Singapore's support for a two-state solution as the only viable resolution for the conflict, aligned with relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Giam further inquired about whether Singapore has sought clarifications from the US regarding President Trump's proposal for Gaza and whether it would express Singaporean concerns in that engagement. Balakrishnan responded that Singapore has not been consulted by the US on the specific proposal but reiterated that Singapore's position remains consistent and well-known.

• Louis Ng Kok Kwang inquired about the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' plans for humanitarian aid for Rohingya refugees in 2025.
• Vivian Balakrishnan confirmed that the Ministry will continue to support humanitarian needs in 2025 with a contribution of over $120,000 to the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance.
• The Ministry will monitor the situation and collaborate with partners to enhance the effectiveness of their humanitarian relief efforts.

• Mark Lee proposed that the Ministry of Defence consider adjusting the compensation framework for National Servicemen (NSmen) who are primary homemakers, suggesting that Make-Up Pay be based on their spouse's income when the spouse takes unpaid leave for caregiving duties.
• Ng Eng Hen explained that the current compensation system provides a base NS pay of $1,600 per month for all NSmen, regardless of their employment status, and emphasized that this system has been effective.
• The Minister highlighted that the family structures of NSmen vary, and while the Ministry recognizes the additional responsibilities placed on family members during NS duties, they do not plan to extend compensation to include spouse income.
• Financial support for NSmen's families is provided through tax relief and NS Home awards, which assist with housing, medical, and education needs.
• NSmen are typically notified of their call-ups in advance to allow for planning, and they can apply for compassionate leave if urgent circumstances arise.

• The Ministry of Defence regularly surveys Singaporeans' awareness and support for Total Defence, with a recent survey indicating about 90% willingness to participate.
• Digital Defence, introduced as the sixth pillar of Total Defence in 2019, focuses on protecting against online threats like disinformation and scams.
• Initiatives such as the National Cybersecurity Campaign and workshops aim to educate various population segments on cybersecurity and resilience against cyberattacks.
• The Critical Infrastructure Defence Exercise (CIDeX) is conducted annually to enhance the cyber readiness of Singapore's Critical Information Infrastructure systems.
• MINDEF emphasizes the importance of raising digital literacy and good cybersecurity habits among Singaporeans to create a safer digital environment.

Leong Mun Wai questioned the Minister for Home Affairs about the lack of immediate public disclosure regarding the detention of three men under the Internal Security Act (ISA) in November 2024, and the policy for future detentions. K Shanmugam explained that the Internal Security Department publicizes ISA cases when investigations are concluded and it is operationally safe to do so. He emphasized that premature disclosure could compromise ongoing investigations, especially those related to terrorism, as it may alert individuals involved and disrupt coordination with foreign intelligence.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong raised concerns regarding Singapore's arms exports to Myanmar, asking about efforts to further reduce such exports and the challenges faced in these efforts. Vivian Balakrishnan reaffirmed that Singapore has not approved or been involved in arms shipments to Myanmar, citing the UN Special Rapporteur's findings that support this position. Balakrishnan referred to previous statements made in February and July 2023 regarding checks on companies to prevent military-related exports to Myanmar.

Alex Yam Ziming raised questions regarding Singapore's potential contributions to sustaining the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and its implications for Singapore's diplomatic interests. Vivian Balakrishnan referenced a previous response provided to another Member of Parliament regarding humanitarian aid and efforts related to the ceasefire, suggesting that the questions have already been addressed in that context.

• The 1962 Johore River Water Agreement allows Singapore to draw up to 250 million gallons of water daily from Malaysia, expiring in 2061, with commitments from both countries to fulfill its obligations.
• Singapore continues to invest in water infrastructure to meet growing demand, including the opening of the Jurong Island Desalination Plant and plans to expand the Tuas NEWater Factory.
• The Public Utilities Board (PUB) has implemented measures to moderate water demand, such as the Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme and new efficiency requirements for water-intensive industries.
• The PUB has enhanced the Water Efficiency Fund to support organizations in improving their water efficiency and sustainability practices.

• Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim inquired about Singapore's role in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza and the potential for enhancing diplomatic relations with Palestinian and Israeli authorities.
• Vivian Balakrishnan referenced a previous response regarding humanitarian aid and diplomatic efforts, indicating that the matter had been addressed in an earlier parliamentary session.