Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan has highlighted the impressive achievements the country has made over the past 60 years, from economic development, education, healthcare, housing, to the building of a unique and cohesive Singaporean identity.
Speaking at the Year Opener event with the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) on January 24, Balakrishnan pointed out that in the context of an increasingly multipolar and unpredictable world, Singapore has no choice but remains open and inclusive. It needs to maintain an omni-directional, balanced, and productive and constructive engagement with all powers – big and middle.
He also emphasised the importance of unity, self-reliance and strength, affirming that Singapore always prioritises its long-held national interests and will show its commitment to protecting its sovereign rights.
According to the official, Singapore needs to strengthen social connectivity as many of the factors – the liberal world order, the global supply chains, the growth of multinationals, peace in the region, and a stable global balance of power – a lot of these prerequisites for the country’s past success, are now severely eroded. Countries including Singapore are facing challenges such as inflation, inequality, and immigration.
He noted that in 2024, more than 60 countries held elections, and one quarter of those elections resulted in a change in the ruling governments. Singapore is also preparing to hold its next general election, after the People's Action Party (PAP) elects a new Central Committee in December 2024.
Balakrishnan said that every time there is a transition, there will be a test. People must expect the new leadership team to be probed, to be pushed, to be assessed.
He stressed that Singapore needs to maintain unity, strengthen cohesion, retool, reskill, reboot its economy, and continue to make common cause. Singapore is committed to pursuing a path of sustainable development and a balanced foreign policy, ready to face new challenges on the path to building a strong and stable nation.
