Important for Singapore to remain relevant internationally: Shanmugam

SINGAPORE — As Singapore marks 50 years of independence, creating relevance in international relations remains an overriding strategic imperative, said Minister for Foreign Affairs K Shanmugam. Speaking at the Committee of Supply debate in Parliament today (March 5), Mr Shanmugam said that at SG50, it is useful to restate the realities that have shaped Singapore’s foreign policy, including the country’s small size, multi-racial, multi-religious society as well as the evolving geo-political situation, featuring competition between major powers.

Mr Shanmugam spoke on the need for Singapore, as a small state, to remain relevant to the international system. In order for Singapore to remain relevant, it needs to continue to be successful so that others will engage and cooperate with us. This will allow us to work with others to advance our national interests, and shape and strengthen the regional architecture.

Being well integrated into the regional architecture, especially the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is critical for Singapore. As part of regional integration efforts, ASEAN will establish an ASEAN Community by 31 Dec. A key focus will be the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), which will transform ASEAN into a single regional market. Despite concerns among Singaporeans that the AEC would lead to loss of jobs and disadvantage our Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), the Minister said that this was a misperception. “Singapore is a very small market and we need access to a larger market,” said Mr Shanmugam. As a centre of capital that is conducive for business, “Singaporeans are well placed to benefit from the AEC and tap on exciting opportunities in the region”, he added.

At the same time, as the external environment remains in a flux, the Minister said that Singapore must continue to remain vigilant to both threats and opportunities. Touching on the Islamic State, the Minister said that the expanding terror network is a serious threat to global security. Singapore is not immune and must continue to stay vigilant. “Singapore has taken a clear, unambiguous position. We have condemned the actions of the Islamic State. We are doing our part to support the international coalition against the Islamic State,” said Mr Shanmugam.