Singapore has outlined new initiatives to strengthen national service, deepen international partnerships and enhance national security, as part of government plans to secure the nation’s place in a changing world. The details were released in the addenda of the Foreign Affairs and Defence ministries, along with the National Security Coordination Secretariat.
Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing said the Singapore Armed Forces will adopt new technologies, refine its classification system, and create more roles where operationally ready servicemen can apply civilian expertise. Mindef will also expand cyber defence, unmanned platforms and multilateral defence collaborations, while refreshing National Education to foster stronger public support for national defence.
Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan highlighted the need for Singapore’s foreign policy to remain pragmatic amid global power rivalries, economic disruptions and weakened multilateralism. Singapore will strengthen ties with the US and China, expand relations with middle powers in regions such as Africa and Latin America, and pursue cooperation with neighbouring countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. New diplomatic missions will also be opened abroad.
Coordinating Minister K. Shanmugam said the National Security Coordination Secretariat will step up efforts to identify and mitigate emerging threats across infrastructure, supply chains and the economy. The secretariat will also coordinate government responses and improve public awareness to build resilience against evolving risks.
45