Noting that such groups have formed in recent years, he added that this is part of a response to the transition from a unipolar world with a single major power, to a multipolar one.
"Countries are hedging through these different configurations amidst a more divided and uncertain global environment," he said. "We will keep an open mind on all these new constructs, and we will continue to watch developments closely insofar as the impact on Singapore."
Dr Balakrishnan highlighted newer groupings that have emerged recently. These include the Quad that was restarted in 2017, Aukus that was created in 2021, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) in 2022 and the expansion of Brics.
The Quad, Aukus and IPEF all include the United States as a key member, while the Brics group was formed to create a counterweight to Western influence.
In October 2024, Brics announced four new members and 13 new partner countries. Among its new partners are Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin November 12, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin November 12, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Schools Important to have a day for mental health awareness
As a 19-year-old looking back on my school days, I think what was missing was a mental health day in schools.
Support for emerging hawkers vital to keep trade going
There was much chatter recently in Parliament and online forums on the future of Singapore's much-cherished hawker culture (Govt sets out ways it helps sustain hawker culture, alleviate cost pressures on Singaporeans, Nov 14).
How do you insure a US$6.2 million banana?
Clue: It is not a specific piece of fruit on the wall that is being insured.
Gladiator movies are not telling the real story about Rome
Modern-day moviegoers celebrate the gladiator as a symbol of masculinity. In ancient Rome, bravery is shallow without discipline.
A birthday message for Sri Lanka's new President: Don't squander your mandate
The Nov 14 polls swept away the entrenched political elite, giving President Dissanayake a much freer hand to put his battered country on the road to recovery.
Ukraine and Russia can find peace with a DMZ
A demilitarised zone modelled on that on the Korean peninsula is looking more likely, even if unattractive to both sides.
What Scott Bessent's appointment means for the Trump administration
The President-elect's nominee for Treasury secretary faces a grueling job.
In Donald Trump's America, it's tech bros versus deep state
With tech moguls Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy at the helm, can the new Department of Government Efficiency hack bureaucracy?
Returning to office - bosses and workers look for sweet spot in rules
Firms appear to be redefining policies and processes even as inertia of not returning lingers
When is a good time to tender my resignation?
In this series, manpower reporter Tay Hong Yi offers practical answers to candid questions from readers on navigating workplace challenges and getting ahead in your career. Get more tips by signing up to The Straits Times' HeadSTart newsletter.
