Meeting With Hon. Vivian Balakrishnan Minister For Foreign Affairs
I continued the next leg of the S.R. Nathan Fellowship to meet Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, as we exchanged views at length on the developments nationally and regionally.
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan has been one of Singapore’s key policymakers for more than two decades. Since 2015, he has served as Foreign Minister and played an important role in shaping Singapore’s international engagement amid an increasingly complex global landscape.
Our last meeting was in Kuala Lumpur in 2022. It was a delight to reconnect, this time in Singapore under the S.R. Nathan Fellowship programme, which he graciously hosted.
We had a candid and insightful discussion on a wide range of issues, particularly the future of Malaysia and Singapore, regional developments, and the challenges facing ASEAN in an increasingly uncertain world. We also exchanged perspectives on current geopolitical developments and their implications for our region.
One area I found particularly valuable was Dr Vivian’s sharing on Singapore’s experience in water management. From the governance of raw water resources and drinking water supply to flood mitigation and long-term water security planning, Singapore’s integrated approach offers many useful lessons for cities and regions navigating the growing challenges of climate change and urbanisation.
The conversation reaffirmed the importance of continuous dialogue, mutual understanding and regional cooperation as we work towards a more resilient, sustainable and prosperous future for our peoples.
I thank Dr Vivian Balakrishnan for the generous time and only wished we more time to chat.
And I cannot leave out the incredibly dedicated staffers at Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their hospitality accorded to my team and I at the MFA Headquarters yesterday.
The S.R. Nathan Fellowship provides a unique platform for dialogue, a refreshing perspectives on global challenges, exchange of ideas, and I am truly appreciative for the opportunity to be part of it.
