Singapore cannot afford to just sit back and watch while the world gets messier.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong made it clear that today’s Singapore is not powerless. In fact, we have more resources, stronger capabilities, and better international connections than ever before, so we can shape our own future.
Singapore’s 3 Main Foreign Policy Goals
Speaking at the S Rajaratnam Lecture on Wednesday (April 16), PM Wong shared the three big directions Singapore will take when it comes to foreign policy:
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Play a more active role in global issues
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Push for more unity and cooperation within our region
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Grow and deepen Singapore’s network of international partners
To do this, Singapore will set up a new Development Partnership Unit in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We’ll also open new embassies in Africa and Latin America to strengthen our ties with more countries.
This comes shortly after PM Wong addressed Parliament last week (April 8) about the US raising tariffs and how that might affect us.
The world is changing, but not for the better
PM Wong warned that the world is now going through a chaotic transition. The US no longer wants to be the “world police” or keep global order. China and other countries also don’t want, or rather, they simply cannot, fill that role.
Instead, more countries are becoming inward-looking and self-interested. The result? The world is becoming more divided and unstable.
As the old international order slowly breaks apart, a new one is forming. But PM Wong said this new order will be “messier, more competitive and multi-polar” — not shaped by one superpower, but influenced by many different countries through their own decisions and actions.
That’s why, even though Singapore is a small country, we cannot afford to be passive. PM Wong said we must be quick, bold and take control of our future.
Why Singapore nominated our judge
To show how we’re already doing this, PM Wong pointed to how Singapore nominated Ambassador Rena Lee for the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This shows Singapore is serious about supporting international law and order.
The new Development Partnership Unit will help bring different parts of our government together, so that we can offer meaningful support to international efforts, especially in areas where we can make a difference.
PM Wong said:
“Singapore will keep focusing on Southeast Asia, but we will also put more resources into building partnerships in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, the Pacific and the Caribbean. On top of that, we’ll also work more in new areas like the digital economy and renewable energy.”
ASEAN is still very important to Singapore
PM Wong repeated that ASEAN remains at the heart of Singapore’s foreign policy. In a world that’s becoming more divided, regional unity is more important than ever.
“If ASEAN can stay cohesive and proactive, it will help all ten members navigate geopolitical tensions and maintain our collective relevance,” he said.
He also called for all ASEAN countries to aim for zero tariffs in the region, and to reduce other business barriers so companies can operate more easily across borders.
Strengthening Trade Ties and Global Friendships
To build up Singapore’s international partnerships, PM Wong said all countries must go beyond just talk and commit to keeping trade and investment open and flowing.
He shared that over the past few weeks, he has spoken to leaders from Malaysia, Japan, New Zealand, the UK and the EU. Despite coming from different regions, everyone agreed on one thing:
“But we all agreed on one thing: the world needs more cooperation, not less. And we must not retreat into protectionism or isolationism”
There’s growing interest in stronger economic collaboration, like boosting the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership), deepening ASEAN-EU ties, and working more closely with like-minded countries like Australia and New Zealand. Singapore is also reaching out to new regions like the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.
Never let our diversity become a source of division
PM Wong acknowledged that Singaporeans will naturally have different opinions on international issues, especially with so much chaos going on in the world. But he reminded us:
“We must never let our diversity become a source of division.”
He stressed that Singapore must remain a safe harbour, a global business hub, and a trusted platform where the world can come together. At the same time, we must make sure our people have stable livelihoods, and that Singapore continues to create ideas, solutions and contributions that benefit both ourselves and the world.
The new Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce
Meanwhile, a new Economic Resilience Taskforce has also been set up to help Singapore’s businesses and workers deal with the challenges caused by the U.S. tariff move and other global changes.
The taskforce is chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong, and includes Minister for National Development Desmond Lee, Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance Chee Hong Tat, Chairman of the Singapore Business Federation Lim Ming Yan, NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng, and President of the Singapore National Employers Federation Tan Hee Teck.
You may watch his full speech in the video below:
