Youth Public-Foreign Policy Pipeline Programme

"Policy decisions have to be nuanced. An example is the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Crafting such policies requires careful consideration of inter-ministerial perspectives, public perception, and global ramifications, with Singapore’s national interests in upholding its sovereignty and security remaining the paramount priority and starting point for decision-making."

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Nexus between Public and Foreign Policies

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For many individuals, foreign policy remains an abstract concept, seemingly detached from their everyday lives. That said, safeguarding national interests requires the active participation of all Singaporeans. MFA endeavors to distill these complex and abstract foreign policy decisions into clear, comprehensible messages, ensuring that Singaporeans understand and are able to communicate Singapore’s stance on critical issues. The key message to remember is that Singapore’s foreign policy decisions are always made based on Singapore’s national interests. These decisions have real, consequential impacts on Singapore’s security, development and international reputation.

 

Public support is vital for ensuring that Singapore’s foreign policy remains effective in safeguarding our national interests. When the public supports our foreign policy, it gives Singapore the space and credibility to act in the country’s best interest overseas.

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Whole-of-Government Approach to Public-Foreign Policy

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Inter-ministry coordination is important to ensure that Singapore continues to maintain a consistent and principled stance on many issues. Every year, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passes multiple resolutions on a wide array of topics, covering areas such as outer space, international contributions, and various global issues. Singapore’s delegation to the United Nations (UN) works closely with public agencies across the Singapore Government to ensure that our international positions on cross-cutting issues are consistent with national policy, and to safeguard our interests overseas. For example, our diplomats work closely with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on issues related to national security and drug policy, and also with the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) on sustainability.

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​​Singapore's National Interests

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As a small city-state with trade three times our GDP, Singapore’s economic survival is inextricably linked to a free and rules-based multilateral trading system. Consequently, Singapore is highly affected by changes to international trade, such as the rise of protectionism, necessitating a vigilant search for opportunities to amplify our national interests. In this context, we have forged partnerships with like-minded countries that share a pro-trade orientation. While such partnerships may not entirely mitigate the threat and impact of protectionism, they provide avenues for expansion and diversification of Singapore’s global economic footprint.

 

Singapore has cultivated a robust network of friends and partners that serve as the cornerstone of our foreign policy. By focusing on shared interests, areas of mutual growth and fostering greater understanding, Singapore continues to strengthen our position as a trusted and valued partner. 

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Dynamism and Multifaceted-work of Singapore's Foreign Service

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Apart from managing and communicating foreign policy matters, an important part of an MFA officer’s work is to help Singaporeans abroad who require urgent consular assistance. When crises occur, officers have to react with agility and empathy to render assistance to Singaporeans in distress and their family members at home. MFA also manages diplomatic protocol for high-level visits and administers technical cooperation and capacity-building programmes under the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP).

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Written by: Han Ziqin and Alden Lee

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