- Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing warned at the 18th Asean & Asia Forum on Aug 3 that complacency could leave Singapore 'done for' and dull its ability to respond to threats.
- He expressed that complacency worries him most, as it could undermine Singapore's ability to navigate an increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape.
- Chan Chun Sing emphasized that Singapore must continue to earn its 'rightful place in the sun' and not take its success for granted.
- Chan described Singapore's 61 years of independence as an 'aberration' in Southeast Asian history, highlighting the challenges small city-states face in maintaining independence.
- He noted that Singapore has overcome its geographical constraints by staying connected to the world, making connectivity existential rather than optional.
- Chan used the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts as examples, stating that complacency dulls societies' senses to respond to emerging risks.
Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing expressed concerns that complacency could undermine Singapore's security and ability to respond to threats during his address at the 18th Asean & Asia Forum. He stated, "We will find the solutions, but the moment we are complacent... we become complacent, then I think we are done for."123
Chan highlighted that Singapore's 61 years of independence is an "aberration" in Southeast Asian history, where small city-states often struggle without a hinterland. He emphasized the importance of remaining connected globally, stating, "Connectivity to the rest of the world is not an option for Singapore, it is existential for Singapore."4
Drawing lessons from the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts, Chan noted that complacency dulls societal responses to emerging risks. He urged Singaporeans to recognize that success is not guaranteed, saying, "With every year of success... we might just be tempted to think that this state of affairs will be eternal."6
Chan outlined five priorities for Singapore, including staying out of trouble, remaining open to the world, and strengthening resilience through diversified supply chains. He remarked, "You cannot control what other people do... but if we are consistent in the way we plan and execute, it becomes a very important man-made competitive advantage."
He concluded by reaffirming the importance of vigilance and collaboration among ASEAN nations to navigate the complexities of the current geopolitical landscape.
“Speaking at the 18th Asean & Asia Forum, Chan called Singapore's 61 years of independence 'an aberration' in Southeast Asian history and said connectivity to the world is 'existential.' Citing the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts, he noted warning signs were ignored before fighting broke out.”
AsiaOne
