Those who want to contribute to Singapore's foreign relations must have a good understanding of Singapore's core interests, said Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sim Ann.
These interests are based on principles such as upholding a just, inclusive and rules-based international order, and that sovereign states work with one another as equals, she told Parliament on Feb 29 during the debate on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' (MFA) budget.
Ms Sim noted that the recent use of the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act (Fica) had raised questions by some in the Chinese community over the parameters by which businesses and civic groups can appropriately engage foreign organisations.
Hong Kong-born businessman Philip Chan Man Ping, 59, became the first person here to be designated a politically significant person under Fica on Feb 26.
Mr Chan was one of 30 international representatives invited in March 2023 to attend China's Two Sessions parliamentary meetings as an "overseas Chinese representative". Among other things, he told Chinese media then that overseas Chinese communities have to "tell China's story well".
Ms Sim said Singapore's diversity is a strength, but also an opportunity for external forces looking to divide its people by appealing to specific racial or religious identities.
Denne historien er fra March 01, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra March 01, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'Football died' when Klopp joined Red Bull
BERLIN - Jurgen Klopp's decision to join Red Bull as their Global Head of Soccer has sparked strong reactions from many German fans.
ALCARAZ IN 'CRAZY' LOSS TO MACHAC
Spaniard can’t believe opponent’s level after defeat scuppers rematch with Italian Sinner
New arrivals at FIA after high-profile departures
LONDON Formula One's governing body announced two senior appointments after headline departures triggered talk of an exodus from the International Automobile Federation (FIA) led by Emirati Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
OLYMPIC RINGS OF FIRE OVER EIFFEL TOWER
French minister plans to wrest control of landmark from Paris mayor amid logo row
EVEREST CLIMBS TO GROUP 1 HEIGHTS
World’s richest sprint race gains recognition at its eighth running, as well as All-Star Mile
Heat stress Different work conditions require flexible guidelines on workers' attire
We thank Mr Rahul Gupta for his suggestions (Study standard heat-friendly work clothes for outdoor workers, Oct 8).
Airbus deliveries drop as suppliers struggle
PARIS Airbus deliveries fell 9 per cent in September to 50 jets compared with the same month in 2023, the European planemaker said on Oct 9, rekindling a debate over the strength of its industrial goals as suppliers struggle to keep up with demand.
Mental health ambassadors at all PAP branches by 2025
By 2025, all 93 People's Action Party (PAP) branches will have mental health ambassadors to promote mental well-being in every neighbourhood and support the work of MPs in addressing residents' mental health concerns.
Zelensky says there is 'real chance' to end war in 2025
He did not reveal how this could happen but is counting on support from key allies
Prabowo defends plan to expand government with ‘fat' Cabinet
JAKARTA Indonesia's Presidentelect Prabowo Subianto has defended his plan to expand government agencies, saying it is needed for a strong administration even if critics call it a \"fat\" Cabinet that will bloat the bureaucracy.