In trying to avoid the European tragedy in southeast Asia, it is entirely legitimate to consider all views: Vivian Balakrishnan
Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan said in Parliament (8 May 2023) that the statements made by Law Minister K Shanmugam on the Ukraine war in a keynote address at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute Workshop (8 March 2023) reflects the views of the Government of Singapore. The Government’s position has not changed, Dr Vivian said. […]
Labour Day Special: On May Day, others strike, Singapore celebrates
If you have been following international news, you would have heard of the recent strikes in the UK where tens of thousands of doctors, teachers, civil servants, lecturers, London Underground drivers, and Amazon workers took part in. Or the strike by South Korean truckers estimated to have cost more than $1.6 billion in lost shipments. […]
The importance of political stability and why it matters.
Pakatan Harapan (“HARAPAN”) is known as the Alliance of Hope for Malaysia. In 2015, the Pakatan Rakyat coalition was replaced by the political centre-left alliance HARAPAN, initially led by Dr Mahathir Mohamad (“Dr Mahathir”). HARAPAN’s victory in the Malaysian general election in 2018 overthrew the 60-year-old Barisan Nasional coalition government. Among the activists in Singapore […]
US-China relations: we do not take sides as default, we take principled positions in our own national interests, says Chan Chun Sing
Speaking at the 41st IISS-Asia Fullerton Lecture, Mr Chan said that sustained peace and progress are not beyond us if the US and China can arrive at a new modus vivendi that will set boundaries for competition and define areas of cooperation amidst competition, for the sake of the world and for themselves. “But even […]
No real regional cooperation if China does not have trust of its neighbours: ESM Goh
In a keynote speech, ESM Goh Chok Tong said that there can be no real regional cooperation if China does not have the confidence and trust of its neighbours. Achieving real cooperation requires more than a change in the tone, style and language of public communications, he said. Mr Goh outlined 3 principles to reinvigorate […]
UK is applying to join the CPTTP; Will the US rejoin the pact?
UK is applying to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership – or CPTPP. Since last year, UK’s bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership – or CPTPP- has been generating momentum. The British Government hope to have 80% of UK trade covered by FTAs by 2022. The accession […]
Freedom of speech is not unfettered speech. Period
Twitter’s ban and Facebook’s “indefinite” suspension of Donald Trump’s account prove one thing: that freedom of speech does not mean unfettered speech. Period. Twitter has permanently suspended President Donald Trump from accessing his account. In a tweet, Twitter said: “After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them we […]
Calls by international media to ease restrictions on migrant workers miss the larger issues: Dr Tan See Leng
International media outlets like the New York Times and the BBC, and local NGOs commenting that it is unfair to keep restrictions in place for migrant workers while the rest of Singapore moves towards Phase 3, have missed the larger issues, Dr Tan See Leng said. Restrictions on group size and certain activities remain in […]
Joe Biden’s 2013 official visit to Singapore includes a pit stop at Adam Road Hawker Centre
US President-elect Joe Biden is perhaps most remembered for his impromptu visit to Adam Road Hawker Centre in 2013. Then Vice-President in the Obama Administration, he was in Singapore for an official visit from July 25 to 27. He was accompanied by his wife Dr Jill Biden, his daughter Ashley Biden and son-in-law Howard Krein. […]
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong congratulates US President-elect Joe Biden
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong congratulates US Joe Biden on his successful election as the 46th President of the United States. PM Lee said the COVID-19 pandemic has brought on serious challenges for every country, including the United States and Singapore. “At this critical time, the duty of a leader is to unite the people, […]