Full Speech: Singapore PM Wong Challenges America Amid Trump Tariff War: ‘Will Make Our Own Destiny’

Summary

Singapore's Prime Minister Wong delivered a speech addressing the challenges and opportunities faced by Singapore in a rapidly changing global landscape. He emphasized Singapore's journey from a small city-state to a globally respected nation, highlighting the importance of a rules-based international order, primarily under the influence of American leadership. With the current fraying of this order and the rise of China as a global power, PM Wong stressed the need for Singapore to actively shape its own destiny by forging strong global partnerships, deepening regional integration, and promoting multilateral cooperation. He called for unity within Singapore, embracing diversity while focusing on collective national interests and resilience against global uncertainties.

Highlights

• Prime Minister Wong acknowledges Singapore's remarkable journey defying odds since independence 🌟
• Importance of the post-World War II rules-based international order led by the US 🗽
• Challenges posed by the fraying international order and America's inward turn 🔄
• The geopolitical competition between the US and China reshaping global dynamics ⚔️
• Singapore's proactive stance in forging partnerships and promoting global cooperation 🤝
• Active measures for regional integration and strengthening ASEAN 🌏
• PM Wong's call for unity and resilience among Singaporeans amidst global uncertainties 🛡️

Key Takeaways

• Singapore's resilience journey: from a small city-state with no natural resources to a vibrant, respected global nation ✅
• Recognition of America's historical leadership in shaping a rules-based global order and the challenges of its changing stance 📉
• Acknowledge China's rise as a competitor and the need to navigate US-China tensions carefully ⚖️
• Emphasizing Singapore's agency and capacity to shape its destiny amid global changes 🌏
• Call for forging strong partnerships, deepening regional cohesion, and championing multilateral cooperation 🌐
• Encouragement for unity and collective national effort amidst differing opinions and global uncertainties 🤝

Overview

Prime Minister Wong's speech is a deep dive into Singapore's strategic positioning in today's turbulent global environment. He reflects on the nation's incredible journey from a challenged city-state to a globally prominent player, underscoring the influence of a US-driven international order that permitted such growth. Today, as this order faces threats from rising nationalism and shifting power balances, Singapore's path requires agility and strategic foresight to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes.

Wong addresses the US's historical role in global stability and the challenges arising from its evolving foreign policy stance. The rise of China as a competitor introduces new dynamics, requiring nations like Singapore to adeptly manage relationships and avoid the pitfalls of major power competition. In this mix, Singapore is encouraged to solidify its regional ties, leveraging ASEAN's frameworks to foster economic and political stability.

The speech culminates in a call for unity and proactive engagement on both local and international fronts. Singaporeans are urged to remain open, socially cohesive, and collaboratively focused on crafting a resilient future, transforming global vulnerabilities into strengths. With its strategic vision and robust international networks, Singapore aims to continue thriving as a beacon of hope and stability in the global arena.

Chapters

• 00:00 - 01:30: Introduction and reflections on Singapore's 60th anniversary This chapter introduces reflections on Singapore's 60th anniversary of independence. It begins with an address by a speaker, who acknowledges the presence of cabinet colleagues, excellencies, and distinguished guests. The speaker reflects on Singapore's journey since 1965, highlighting the difficult odds faced by the small city-state at the time of its independence from Malaysia. Despite having no natural resources, hinterland, or means of defense, Singapore has achieved remarkable progress.
• 01:30 - 04:00: The global context of Singapore's success post-WWII The chapter discusses Singapore's dramatic transformation and progress since World War II. It celebrates Singapore's 60th year of independence, which serves as a moment for reflection on past achievements and planning for future advancements. The focus is on understanding the challenges overcome to build Singapore into a vibrant, modern, and globally respected nation. This reflection on Singapore's journey is crucial for charting a path forward in an ever-changing global landscape.
• 04:00 - 07:00: US foreign policy and its implications This chapter discusses the role of US foreign policy in shaping the international order after World War II and its implications on other nations, like Singapore. It highlights the success and development of countries that thrived under the rules-based international order influenced and led by the United States. The narrative sets the context of the global environment post-World War II, focusing on the beneficial impacts of American leadership and its unique approach in fostering international relations and stability.
• 07:00 - 10:00: The challenges posed by US-China rivalry The chapter 'The challenges posed by US-China rivalry' discusses the impact of the United States' actions in the post-World War II era, highlighting its role in supporting decolonization and aiding the independence of countries in Africa and Asia. Additionally, it describes the US efforts in rebuilding the defeated economies of Germany and Japan, as well as its establishment of the Marshall Plan to aid Western Europe's recovery. The chapter also examines the US's role in founding global institutions like the United Nations, IMF, World Bank, and WTO, alongside its advocacy for free trade and open markets.
• 10:00 - 13:00: Impacts of geopolitical rivalry on Asia and Europe The chapter discusses the influence of geopolitical rivalries on the regions of Asia and Europe, emphasizing the establishment of an international system of rules and norms. This system has facilitated global cooperation and provided smaller nations, such as Singapore, an opportunity to actively engage in international relations and reap the benefits of global trade and development. The chapter further highlights America's motivation for promoting such a system, rooted in its own self-interest, especially after the experiences of two world wars.
• 13:00 - 16:00: Economic interdependence and protectionism The chapter titled 'Economic Interdependence and Protectionism' discusses the strategic actions taken by the United States in the post-World War II era to prevent another global conflict. It highlights the US's belief in leveraging its power to establish a global order conducive to peace and prosperity. During the Cold War, the US undertook initiatives to counter the spread of communism, including its intervention in Vietnam, which consequently provided Southeast Asia, particularly Singapore, the necessary time and environment for economic development.
• 16:00 - 18:00: Singapore's response to global shifts The chapter discusses Singapore's perspective on major global shifts, particularly regarding US interventions and geopolitical actions. It reflects on the Vietnam War, acknowledging its controversial nature but expressing gratitude for the US's significant sacrifices. The narrative transitions to the post-Cold War era, highlighting the US's position after the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991.
• 18:00 - 21:00: International partnerships and initiatives The chapter discusses the role of a sole superpower in maintaining peace and stability in Asia, which allowed countries like Singapore to thrive. Despite occasional criticisms about double standards and inconsistency, the superpower is largely seen as a force for stability and good.
• 21:00 - 25:00: Focus on ASEAN and regional cohesion In 1972, Mr. Rajaratnam envisioned Singapore as a global city, aiming to draw sustenance from both regional and international economic systems. This vision succeeded due to global cooperation, adherence to rules, and international stability.
• 25:00 - 30:00: Strengthening global network and partnerships The chapter "Strengthening global network and partnerships" addresses the current challenges facing the international system. It highlights the fraying of the international order and points out that the conditions that once supported it are no longer present. Within America, there is a noted decline in support for global engagement due to the negative impacts some Americans feel globalization has had on their communities. Issues such as job losses, stagnant wages, and social dislocation are causing a growing sense of dissatisfaction with the global system.
• 30:00 - 34:30: Singapore's strategy for survival and success The chapter discusses how countries, other than the United States, are reaping the benefits from America's protective measures and open markets, yet providing minimal input in return.
• 34:30 - 35:00: Closing remarks The chapter titled 'Closing remarks' discusses the current trend in American politics to prioritize domestic issues over international commitments. This inward focus is becoming more apparent under the contemporary administration. A notable remark by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio encapsulates this sentiment, characterizing the US's previously extensive international role as an anomaly.

Full Speech: Singapore PM Wong Challenges America Amid Trump Tariff War: ‘Will Make Our Own Destiny’ Transcription

• 00:00 - 00:30 my cabinet colleagues excellencies and distinguished guests ladies and gentlemen This year marks Singapore's 60th year of independence Back in 1965 few believe that we would make it We were a small city state with no natural resources no hinterland no means of defense The odds were stacked against us But step by step we defied
• 00:30 - 01:00 expectations We overcame challenges and built the Singapore today as a vibrant modern and globally respected nation So this SG60 year is really a time for us to reflect to look back on how far we have come and importantly to look ahead and chart the way forward in a rapidly changing world To understand our journey we must first
• 01:00 - 01:30 understand the global environment in which our nation was forged Singapore's success did not happen in a vacuum For much of the past 60 years we thrived in a postWorld War II rules-based international order one that was shaped and underwritten by American leadership After the second world war the US took an extraordinary approach for a
• 01:30 - 02:00 victorious power It supported decolonization paving the way for the independence of many nations in Africa and Asia It helped to rebuild the economies of its defeated e enemies Germany and Japan And it launched the Marshall Plan to help Western Europe get back on its feet It established global institutions like the United Nations the IMF and the World Bank and GET and later on the WTO It championed free trade and open
• 02:00 - 02:30 markets All this promoted an international system of rules and norms that enabled global cooperation It created space for smaller nations like Singapore to participate meaningfully in world affairs and to benefit from global trade and and development America pursued these efforts out of its own enlightened self-interest because having been dragged into two world wars it was
• 02:30 - 03:00 determined to prevent another global conflict And it believed that applying its power to uphold such a global order it could foster peace and prosperity not just for the world but also for itself During the Cold War the US took decisive steps to stem the tide of communism Its intervention in Vietnam gave Southeast Asia and Singapore the time and space we needed to develop and
• 03:00 - 03:30 grow The Vietnam War remains controversial and so what we say about it may not be universally accepted even in America itself But Singapore is profoundly grateful for the tremendous sacrifices the US made intervening in Indochina at that time Then when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991 the US stood alone as
• 03:30 - 04:00 a sole superpower its leadership and security umbrella maintained peace and stability in Asia and created an environment in which countries like Singapore could flourish and thrive Of course things were not perfect From time to time America was criticized for double standards and inconsistency But by and large it remained a force for stability and a force for good
• 04:00 - 04:30 It is in this international context that Singapore took flight Back in 1972 Mr Rajaratnam envision Singapore as a global city one that would quote draw sustenance not only from the region but also from the international economic system This vision flourished because of the global environment of cooperation rules and stability and because Singapore
• 04:30 - 05:00 chose to pluck into this global system Today very unfortunately this international order is fraying The conditions that sustain it no longer hold Within America support for global engagement has declined Many Americans feel left behind by globalization Their communities have suffered job losses stagnant wages and social dislocation There is a growing sense
• 05:00 - 05:30 that other countries are benefiting disproportionately from America's security umbrella and access to its markets while contributing little in return The long and costly wars in Afghanistan and Iraq after 911 have deepened public awareness towards foreign entanglements And the shocks from the global financial crisis of 2008 and the COVID pandemic have caused further disruptions and dislocations
• 05:30 - 06:00 So there is now a strong and growing impulse within America to turn inward to focus on its own domestic priorities and to scale back costly overseas commitments This shift is evident under the current American administration The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio himself highlighted that the unique role of the US was and quote anomaly and the
• 06:00 - 06:30 product of the end of the cold war It was an anomaly and a product of the end of the cold war But this sentiment is not limited to one party alone It reflects deeper structural changes in American society that the US can no longer afford to lead the world in resolving every problem and it now needs to cut back on what it does abroad So this may not just be a temporary change in policy This could
• 06:30 - 07:00 reflect the new normal in the US for some time to come At the same time China has emerged as a nearpeer competitor of the US China has benefited immensely from this US-led order And today a new generation of Chinese raised in an era of rapid growth and national revival Believe that the east is rising and the west is declining They are also more assertive determined
• 07:00 - 07:30 to correct the perceived humiliations of the past and to secure what they see as China's rightful place in the world America and China are now locked in a fierce contest for global supremacy Neither country wants open conflict but there is deep mistrust and suspicion on both sides Miscalculations especially over flash points like Taiwan could trigger a broader and more
• 07:30 - 08:00 dangerous escalation Both powers claim they do not wish to force countries to choose sides but in reality each seeks to draw others closer into their respective orbits This rivalry is already reshaping our our world and will continue to define the geopolitical landscape for years to come So we are in the midst of a messy
• 08:00 - 08:30 transition globally To what Nobody can tell America is stepping back from its traditional role as the guarantor of order and the world's policemen But neither China nor any other country is willing or able to fill the vacuum So nations are turning inward prioritizing their own narrow interest The once rising tide of global cooperation that defined the past
• 08:30 - 09:00 decades is giving way to one of growing competition and distrust And as a result the world is becoming more fragmented and disorderly Amidst these geopolitical realities countries everywhere are re-examining their strategic assumptions and recalibrating their policies In Europe many were surprised by America's ambiguity on security
• 09:00 - 09:30 guarantees for Ukraine and NATO and its uneven treatment of allies and partners There is palpable anxiety over over reliance on US military support and European countries are fundamentally rethinking their defense postures France has raised the idea of extending its nuclear umbrella to other European partners For example Poland has expressed interest in acquiring access to nuclear weapons and Germany's Bundust
• 09:30 - 10:00 has voted to exempt defense spending from its fiscal rules These are not minor shifts They reflect a deeper and more fundamental realization in Europe that the postcold war peace dividend is over and Europe must now reinvest in its own defense and resilience in Asia These developments are being watched just as closely The former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio
• 10:00 - 10:30 Kushida once warned that Ukraine today may be East Asia tomorrow That warning carries greater weight and urgency today The abrupt recalibration in American support for Europe has prompted Asian countries to question the durability of America's commitment to the region In his first trip to Asia the US Secretary of Defense Pete Hacksv sought to reassure regional partners He said
• 10:30 - 11:00 and I quote "America first does not mean America alone and that the US would prioritize and shift to Asia in a way that is unprecedented and establish the deterrence necessary to prevent war Even so countries will take steps to strengthen their own capabilities just in case help does not arrive in time They will remember that President
• 11:00 - 11:30 Obama once declared that US was rebalancing towards Asia But this stance was not sustained in subsequent US administrations So that's why in both Japan and South Korea public defense over public debate over defense has intensified There are calls to bolster deterrence including through enhanced missile and air defenses and even discussions once considered taboo about acquiring nuclear
• 11:30 - 12:00 weapons What was once unthinkable is now openly contemplated So all this marks a major psychological shift across the region And if these trends persist it could reshape Asia's strategic balance in fundamental ways leading to heightened military buildup riskier deterrence postures and a more brittle regional security environment
• 12:00 - 12:30 Alongside growing geopolitical unease we are seeing growing turbulence in the international economic system There is a well-known adage in international economics about the trilmma between economic interdependence economic security and geopolitical competition Only two can coexist at the
• 12:30 - 13:00 same time but not all three So after the end of the cold war geopolitical tensions subsided Hence countries could embrace interdependence while maintaining a broad sense of economic security Today geopolitical competition has returned with a vengeance The major powers no longer feel economically secure So something's got to give And
• 13:00 - 13:30 where economic interdependence was se once seen as a virtue it is now seen as a vulnerability And therefore governments are responding by localizing production building up self-sufficiency and reasserting greater control over critical supply chains and strategic industries Economic instruments like tariffs export controls and sanctions are being used not for market purposes but as
• 13:30 - 14:00 instruments of state craft to advance national interest Well these trends are not new but they have reached a new intensity with the latest US tariff moves The US has since postponed most of its reciprocal tariffs but there is little comfort in this because the current baseline tariff rates are still much higher than what they used to be and the changes have already caused great uncertainty for businesses everywhere No
• 14:00 - 14:30 company can comfortably plan long-term investments while knowing that the tariff rates could be changed at a moment's notice Moreover the US and China are entering a fullblown tariff trade war The US tariffs on Chinese goods are now 145% And China has responded as all of you know with tariffs on US goods at
• 14:30 - 15:00 125% and vowed to fight to the end At these rates trading between the two countries will just grind to a halt and the pain will be felt not just by them but by countries everywhere Uh for now neither side wants to back down There are no obvious offramms nor easy paths to deescalate and the deterioration of trade ties will accelerate the
• 15:00 - 15:30 decoupling of the two economies What we are witnessing is the remaking of the global economy not as one integrated system but increasingly as bifocated ecosystems centered around America and China And as economic ties fray other aspects of the USChina relationship will come under greater strain Trust will erode further Tensions will rise across multiple domains
• 15:30 - 16:00 I've just shared what I think is sobering but a realistic assessment of our concerns happening globally For a small open economy like Singapore these global developments are deeply worrying Our prosperity has depended on a stable rules-based global order and the free flow of trade capital people and ideas As the old order phrase a new one will
• 16:00 - 16:30 eventually emerge It is likely to be more multipolar less coordinated and more contested It will not be shaped by the grand designs of a single superpower nor by a harmonious concord of all the major powers but more by the actions and choices of many different players And despite our limitations as a small
• 16:30 - 17:00 state we cannot afford to be a passive bystander in this evolving landscape Instead we must respond with agility and resolve and actively shape our own destiny And Singapore today is not without agency We are better resourced more capable more connected than we were in 1965 We have forged strong friendships around the world The Singapore brand is well regarded and we enjoy a deep
• 17:00 - 17:30 reservoir of international goodwill More importantly we are not alone There are many like-minded countries that share our commitment to an open stable and rules-based global system So we can and we will deepen and expand our networks with them And together we can preserve the multi-ateral frameworks that matter and lay the groundwork now for a more stable global order that can emerge in the
• 17:30 - 18:00 years ahead And it's with that in mind that we will move forward on three key trust uh first we will contribute actively to the stewardship of the global commons because many of the world's most pressing challenges from AI governance and climate change to future pandemics require more global cooperation not less and when we say we support international
• 18:00 - 18:30 law and multilateralism we are not just hoping for the best we are actively working to make things happen We understand that our interests as a small state are best protected when rules apply equally to all and we take concrete steps to uphold these rules So Singapore has consistently played a constructive role in multilateral forums not by grandstanding but by building consensus and finding
• 18:30 - 19:00 solutions Most recently our ambassador Reena Lee led the successful UN negotiations on the high seas treaty on biodiversity a landmark agreement that strengthens global governance over marine areas beyond national jurisdiction It's a remarkable achievement and it shows that despite a fraught geopolitical environment it is still possible for the world to come
• 19:00 - 19:30 together to find consensus We have nominated Reena as a candidate to serve as a judge at the International Court of Justice It's a reflection of our continued commitment to the rule of law in international affairs Singapore can also serve as an incubator for practical ideas and initiatives For example during the COVID pandemic we founded and co-chared the friends of COVID 19 vaccines global
• 19:30 - 20:00 access or Kovac facility to promote vaccine multilateralism More recently we launched the financing Asia's transition partnership or fast P This is a blended finance platform aimed at mobilizing private capital to support Asia's decarbonization Given our developmental journey we can also do more to support other count's development by sharing our
• 20:00 - 20:30 experience Our approach is centered on supporting human capital development which we believe is the fundamental ingredient for any country's success And we do this through curated training programs and study visits to build capacity and to catalyze change and we have been able to make an impact Since 1992 the Singapore Cooperation Program has benefited more than 155,000 officials from
• 20:30 - 21:00 over 180 countries territories and intergovernmental organizations We will do more in these challenging times and that's why we have established a new development partnership unit in MFA to coordinate efforts across government agencies in S Singapore strengthen collaborations and focus on areas where Singapore can make a meaningful impact We will continue to focus on
• 21:00 - 21:30 Southeast Asia which is our region But we will also set aside more resources for partners further a field in Africa the Middle East Latin America the Pacific and the Caribbean And we will expand our work in new domains like the digital economy and renewable energy And through these efforts we hope to be a responsible stakeholder that help shape a more stable resilient and inclusive global environment
• 21:30 - 22:00 Second we will champion deeper regional cohesion and integration ASEAN remains central to Singapore's foreign policy In a fragmented world regional unity matters more than ever If ASEAN can stay cohesive and proactive it will help all 10 members navigate geopolitical tensions and maintain our collective relevance As Mr S Rajaratnam once said
• 22:00 - 22:30 at the founding of ASEAN if we do not hang together we will end up hanging separately ASEAN's economic integration has come a long way Combined we are now the world's last fifth largest economy and we have managed to make the ASEAN free trade area virtually tariff-free Virtually not yet 100% So there's still some way to go These gains have already benefited our citizens and businesses
• 22:30 - 23:00 But we cannot and we should not stop here We have to accelerate our integration efforts We should aim for 100% tariff elimination across the region and boost intraan trade and we should further reduce non-tariff barriers to make it easier for businesses to operate across Assean We should also conclude the ASEAN digital economy framework agreement and upgrade our FDAs with key partners like China India and the Republic of
• 23:00 - 23:30 Korea We should also accelerate the development of the ASEAN power grid by facilitating crossber electricity trade The grid will help our region to transition faster to green energy draw new investments create better jobs and strengthen our collective energy security Beyond our immediate neighborhood ASEAN has over the decades built an open and inclusive regional
• 23:30 - 24:00 architecture Through forums like the East Asia Summit we bring all the major powers to the same table and give them a stake in our region success Complementing the EAS we have the ASEAN outlook on the Indopacific This emphasizes openness inclusivity and cooperation It explicitly rejects zero sum competition or dominance by any single power
• 24:00 - 24:30 So Singapore will work with the Malaysian chair of ASEAN and our EAS partners to translate the AOIP's vision into concrete projects and initiatives We hope this will bolster the relevance of ASEAN and the EAS And when Singapore takes over the ASEAN chair in 2027 which will also mark ASEAN's 60th anniversary we will use the opportunity to deepen regional integration and ensure that ASEAN
• 24:30 - 25:00 remains a vital and credible anchor for peace and prosperity in Asia Thirdly we will strengthen our global network of partnerships In this increasingly multipolar world we must develop more varied and deeper relations with multiple partners because the more connected we are the more resilient we will be and the better we can navigate uncertainty and withstand
• 25:00 - 25:30 shocks Economically we are already plucked into major networks and frameworks like the CPTP RAP and an extensive network of FTAs These give us market access and insulation against rising protectionism But we must go further to reinforce the multilateral trading system and preserve open flows of trade and investment
• 25:30 - 26:00 Over the past week I've spoken with counterparts from Malaysia Japan New Zealand the UK and the EU We represent different countries across different regions But we all agreed on one thing The world needs more cooperation not less And we must not retreat into protectionism or isol isolationism One idea we are pursuing is greater
• 26:00 - 26:30 collaboration between the CPTP and the EU The UK is already in the CPTP and there are several econom economies keen to join as members and the CPTP and the EU combined represent around 30% of the world's GDP A formal partnership between the two entities can facilitate trade and investment flows and help to uphold the key principles of the rules-based
• 26:30 - 27:00 trading system Another idea is to strengthen the ASEAN EU strategic partnership The EU has been a dialogue partner since 1977 It already has FDAs with Singapore and Vietnam and is pursuing trade arrangements with other ASEAN countries So deeper collaboration between our regions on concrete projects can help us make progress towards the eventual goal of an ASEAN EU FTA and unlock the
• 27:00 - 27:30 potential of our combined market of over 1 billion people Beyond economic partnerships we are deepening and expanding strategic partnerships with like-minded countries including Australia New Zealand India France Germany Republic of Korea Saudi Arabia the UK and Vietnam We are reaching out to new frontiers in the Middle East Africa and Latin
• 27:30 - 28:00 America In the Middle East the Gulf countries are growing rapidly and positioning themselves as key geopolitical players in their own right We have a comprehensive partnership with the UAE and we just upgraded our relations with Saudi Arabia to a strategic partnership We have also institutionalized dialogues with Qatar and Oman So we will do more not just with the Gulf countries but also other Middle Eastern partners And we will step up efforts to
• 28:00 - 28:30 develop closer ties with Africa and Latin America These regions are brimming with potential but we have not fully engaged them due to distance or unfamiliarity We now only have two diplomatic missions serving the entire continent of Africa in Cairo and Ptoria and only one in Latin America This is insufficient
• 28:30 - 29:00 We will open new diplomatic missions in Africa and Latin America over the next few years We hope this will show our friends in Africa and Latin America that Singapore is keen to do more to trade invest and partner with them for mutual benefit These are the steps that we will take to navigate this increasingly fragmented and turbulent world Like in 1965 we once again find
• 29:00 - 29:30 ourselves in uncharted waters We are still a small country with no natural resources but we are no longer the Singapore of six decades ago We have built deeper capabilities and become stronger and more resilient We found innovative ways to overcome our lack of critical resources be it water land or energy We've carefully built up our financial reserves pro providing us with a vital
• 29:30 - 30:00 cushion in times of crisis and we've built up a strong and effective SEF and home team because from the outset we recognize the importance of defense and homeland security and unlike some places which scaled back conscription or cut back on defense spending we consistently invested in these areas over the years and strengthened our inst institution of national service Singaporeans know that if we are
• 30:00 - 30:30 ever threatened no one will come to our rescue No one else will safeguard Singapore's interest or secure our future for us We can only depend on ourselves No doubt Singaporeans today are also more welltraveled more wellinformed about the world Many don't just want to know how Singapore will be affected by developments elsewhere They also want to know how we are responding
• 30:30 - 31:00 and why Naturally there will be differences in views and even strongly held opinions of how we should position ourselves internationally on global issues In fact it's a sign of a healthy and mature citizenship to have a diversity in views and opinions But we must never let our diversity become a source of division And in an increasingly fractious and polarized world we must hold fast to what binds us
• 31:00 - 31:30 together A sense of mutual respect shared purpose and the conviction that what unites us is far stronger than anything that can divide us Ultimately Singapore's survival and success in this uncertain world will not rest only on the actions of its leaders or the efforts of our diplomats abroad capable as they are And we do have very
• 31:30 - 32:00 capable diplomats In the end it depends on all of us as Singaporeans our belief in our nation and our shared sense of responsibility to protect our home and our fellow citizens Singapore may be an island but we cannot have an island mentality We have to look out for one another We have to strengthen our bonds of fellowship within our society and
• 32:00 - 32:30 with others beyond our shores This applies not just to us individually but as a nation too Even if other countries turn inward we have to remain open open to ideas open to partnerships and open to opportunity We have no choice because that has always been Singapore's way Not to retreat but to reach out not to build barriers but to build
• 32:30 - 33:00 bridges For centuries Singapore has served as a safe harbor and a natural meeting point for cultures commerce and exchange Be it as the maritime town of Tamasic or as a free trading entropo in the British Empire or as today's sovereign global city state Before the advent of the steam engine ships traversing the region were at the mercy of the monsoon winds which
• 33:00 - 33:30 brought rough seas unpredictable weather and unfavorable winds Ships would often have to find safe harbor and wait for the winds to clear or to turn favorable before carrying on their journey The monsoon patterns of maritime travel meant sailors traders and immigrants from China India and the Malay archipelago and the Middle East would then come to Singapore as a
• 33:30 - 34:00 meeting point as a hub to meet trade and settle Today the monsoon winds are blowing again but we do not need to cower and we certainly will not capitulate We cannot control the global currents but we can chart our own cause with courage foresight and skill So Singapore will continue to be a safe harbor a global emporium and a
• 34:00 - 34:30 trusted hub for all sides to engage In so doing we will ensure that our people can earn a good living and generate generate products ideas and contributions that bring value to ourselves and also to the world So let us not fear Let us stay united and weather the storms ahead as one people Let us continue to turn our vulnerabilities into strength And let us stay true to the spirit that built this
• 34:30 - 35:00 nation and ensure this little red dot continues to shine brightly as a beacon of hope stability and purpose on the world stage Thank you very much [Music] [Applause]