15 Years of Assistance and Friendship

e e m r m a r g o o ion Pr t a r e op o p e C or p a g n i a e S h Singapore Scholars at the Singapore Scholarship Certificate Presentation of t r Ceremony, 2 August 2007 e t t g le s w A ne in s 8 0 e 0 y 2 r a u n a J

nc 15 Years of Assistance e and Friendship IN THIS ISSUE ri • Singapore and Vietnam reaffirm close ties [2] 3

e • Boarding School for e 3 u

s Aceh orphans [3] s I • Ambassadors of the Environment [4] • World Health Day [5] • Towards a cosmopolitan

xp metropolis for international trade, enterprise and talent [12] e

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Size:210 x 297mm_p01 Epigram MH236590 MAC8osx 19.02.2008 175# C K DALIM 671 AUTHORISING PRINT RUNS MAKING FRIENDS Singapore and Vietnam reaffirm close ties IT was a case of a project coming full circle, when Singapore’s Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong officiated at the ground-breaking in December 2007 of the third Vietnam- Singapore Industrial Park, an initiative mooted in 1995 by Mr Goh himself and his then-Vietnamese counterpart. A key symbol of bilateral co-operation, the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park is a Singapore-style industrial park cum township that caters to Vietnam’s growing need for affordable quality housing and improved urban infrastructure. Mr Goh said he is confident the industrial park will contribute significantly to Vietnam’s urbanisation and growth. Singapore is now Vietnam’s fourth largest trading partner, while Vietnam is Singapore’s 19th top trading partner. Total trade between the two nations exceeded US$11 billion (S$15.9 billion) in 2006. Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong on an official visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam In Vietnam, Mr Goh met up with his host, from 10 to 15 December 2007 at the invitation of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung. Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, as well as Vietnam’s development. Mr Dung briefed key growth drivers in the coming decades General Secretary of the Communist Party Mr Goh on his country’s rapid economic among Asian countries. of Vietnam Nong Duc Manh, Deputy Prime growth and its challenges, while the latter During his trip, Mr Goh also met business Minister Hoang Trung Hai and other senior shared on Singapore’s government policies leaders based in Vietnam, attended the members of the Vietnamese Government. and its development experience. commencement ceremony of the Ascendas- Both leaders acknowledged the benefits Mr Goh, who last visited Vietnam in Protrade Tech Park and visited the showroom of greater ASEAN integration, and discussed 2003, has described Vietnam as one of the of Guocoland in Binh Duong Province.

Welcome ceremony for the official visit of Sayyid Fahad Mahmood Al-Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers of the Sultanate of Oman with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. ministers and senior officials. and sail it from Oman to Singapore, where it Singapore-Oman Mr Sayyid Fahad viewed a display of will be on permanent display. The dhow will artefacts which the original 9th-century be a gift from His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin ties smooth shipwreck was carrying, and toured a road in Said. Construction begins early this year and SINGAPORE and Oman recently celebrated Singapore’s Arab district called Muscat Street, sailing is set for 2009. growing linkages with the signing of an named after Oman’s capital. The dhow project is a testament to investment guarantee agreement to boost In line with closer bilateral cooperation, historic maritime links between the Middle bilateral investments, and a joint project to the Omani DPM mentioned human resources, East and Southeast Asia – a tribute to Oman’s rebuild a 9th-century Arab dhow. port management, desalination and research longstanding seafaring tradition and These initiatives were honoured during and technology as potential areas of public Singapore’s role as a major entrepot port along a visit to Singapore by His Highness Sayyid and private co-operation that both sides the Maritime Silk Route. The dhow will also Fahad Mahmood Al-Said, Deputy Prime could explore. stand as a reminder of friendship with Oman Minister of the Sultanate of Oman, from As for the dhow project, the two countries at a time when Singapore’s engagement with 9 to 12 December 2007, accompanied by are cooperating to build a replica of the vessel the Middle East has once again flourished.

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Size:210 x 297mm_p02 Epigram MH236590 MAC8osx 19.02.2008 175# C K DALIM 671 AUTHORISING PRINT RUNS HELPING HANDS Aid for Bangladesh cyclone victims CYCLONE Sidr, the worst storm to hit Bangladesh in 15 years, struck on November 15 last year with winds of 250 kph, killing more than 3,300 people and forcing nearly half a million into temporary shelters. The storm washed away around one million tons of rice, causing losses totalling about $20 billion taka (S$420 million) and exacerbating a food shortage problem that the government was already grappling with. In the Purba Saralia district, nearly 2,000 people had descended on a government-run relief camp, where officials only have food for 1,200. Compounding the problem of insufficient food, clean water and shelter, health officials also had to brace themselves against an outbreak of waterborne diseases, after two Cyclone Sidr, which hit Bangladesh in November 2007, killed 3,000 people and left millions others homeless. Imtias children reportedly died from diarrhoea in Admid, a construction worker from Bangladesh, reads a Bangladesh newspaper report the hard-hit district of Patuakhali. about the situation back home. In response to an appeal for assistance by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the Singapore Red Cross Society (SRCS) collected $20,185 Boarding school for Aceh orphans in support of humanitarian relief efforts in Bangladesh following the devastation. In addition, the Singapore government contributed US$20,000 separately through SRCS. The donations were used to help 243,000 families affected by the natural disaster. Cyclone Sidr also caused serious damage to the Sundarbans, a World Heritage Site and home of Royal Bengal tigers.

SCP COURSES FROM JAN TO MAR 2008

Course Used Water Management When 26 Feb – 3 Mar 2008 Agency Public Utilities Board, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources

Course Urban Planning and Environment Management in Singapore When 26 Feb – 10 Mar 2008 Agency Civil Service College Acehnese tsunami orphans attending the programmes conducted at Fajar Hidayah Integrated Boarding School. SINGAPORE’S Foreign Minister, George Yeo, children stayed in post-tsunami, the school can Course Checkpoint Competencies in last November paid tribute to the people of house up to 600 boarding students and Goods Clearance When 26 Feb – 3 Mar 2008 Aceh for their spirit and resilience in forging provide places for another 600 day students Agency Immigration and Checkpoint Authority, ahead after the December 2004 tsunami. aged between six and 18. Ministry of Home Affairs He was in Banda Aceh as guest-of-honour The school started operating in March and Course Checkpoint Competencies in for the official opening of the Fajar Hidayah the curriculum includes religious studies. At Passanger Clearance Integrated Boarding School. The school, which present, 180 tsunami orphans live and study When 4 – 10 Mar 2008 cost $5.3 million to build, is a collaboration there, while another 70 day students, also Agency Immigration and Checkpoint Authority, between the Singapore International orphans, attend the school. Ministry of Home Affairs Foundation (SIF), Indonesia’s Yayasan Fajar Mr Yeo said the school is a symbol of Hidayah, a non-profit organisation, and the friendship between the people of Singapore Aceh government. SIF helped to raise more and Indonesia, in particular, the Acehnese. These Training Awards are part of the Singapore than $5 million for the project. He added that Singapore was honoured to Cooperation Programme (SCP) of technical assistance to Stretching across two ha of land the size of be part of the tsunami rescue mission and developing countries. For more information on application procedures and terms of awards, contact the Technical six football fields, the school is located in the reconstruction effort that included helping to Cooperation Directorate, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at tel: lush greenery of Blang Bintang, on the build a pier in Meulaboh, developing a hospital (65) 98199353 or fax: (65) 64793357. You can also visit outskirts of the capital. A vast improvement on in the town, as well as building the school for our website at http://www.scp.gov.sg. the tents and barracks that some Acehnese Acehnese orphans.

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Inspiring People strategies that could be applied to her daily work. She said: “Public sector organisations generally organised by the Singapore Cooperation do not think of marketing as a priority, but Programme (SCP) and the Commonwealth what I’ve learnt here has proven otherwise.” Fund for Technical Co-operation (CFTC) of For Selestina, she would like to apply the the Commonwealth Secretariat. concepts from the Singapore Airlines case For Onika and Selestina, Prof Tay was the study to her work back home, especially how highlight of the two-week course. Onika said: technology can be applied to improve customer “She’s extremely engaging and uses anecdotes service. At the Samoa National Provident Fund effectively to keep our interest level high. She is which she oversees, cheques are prepared the best lecturer, in terms of presentation style, manually, resulting in long queues for loans among all the courses I have attended.” Selestina processing. “I’m thinking that it would be added: “Prof Tay is such a dynamic woman, wonderful to install automated teller machines she holds so many titles – lawyer, doctor, and other technology to speed up customer Selestina, Prof Tay and Onika posing for a picture lecturer... She inspires us to do our jobs better service!” she said. during the Commonwealth Advanced Seminar for chief executives around the world. by equipping ourselves with the necessary skills. The group spent a day on field visits to the Her message is clear: If she can do it, so can we.” Singapore Mass Rapid Transit headquarters INSPIRATION comes in many forms to In this course, Onika, Selestina and 24 other and Senoko Power Station, and also visited different people. For some, it may occur public sector chief executives from 14 countries attractions such as the Night Safari, Botanic halfway across the globe. were equipped with strategic perspectives and Gardens, Chinatown, Little India and the Onika Miller, principal director of policy functional skills and were exposed to many shopping districts. analysis and review in Jamaica’s Cabinet recent innovations in management thinking In Singapore for the first time, both Onika Office, and Selestina P. Meni-Reti, deputy CEO and practice. They also had the opportunity to and Selestina had brought with them mental for treasury and services of Samoa’s National share insights and network with one another pictures of a well-developed, modern city, but Provident Fund, found inspiration in a teacher Asked about their key takeaway from the were immediately overwhelmed by what they in Singapore, Professor Catherine Tay. course, Onika highlighted the module on saw. “I’m amazed at the cleanliness of this Prof Tay is the programme director of the marketing for the public sector. She found the place,” said Selestina. Onika added: “It’s very Commonwealth Advanced Seminar for chief case studies raised during the module to be most green here and everywhere is beautifully executives from around the world, jointly interesting and they introduced concepts and landscaped. It’s an extremely attractive city.” Ambassadors of the Environment

IN this age of globalisation often focused development here, citing especially the on developing areas such as commerce Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network and public and tourism, it is heartening to discover transport system. “The streets are clean, there’s individuals who work behind the scenes no wastage of water and I see recycling bins to protect the environment. around... this place is very well-organised as Meet Mr Artur Kawicki, deputy director far as the environment is concerned,” he said. of the environmental impact assessment Besides classroom lectures and department at Poland’s Ministry of the discussions, the group went on site visits to Environment, and Mr Kunobere James Bond, an incineration plant, offshore landfill, water senior environment officer at the Nakasongola reclamation plant and air monitoring station. Artur and James, participants of the seminar on District Local Government, Uganda. Singapore’s NEWater water reclamation Environmental Protection and Health Management, They were among 18 senior environmental plant and its technology of reverse osmosis conducted by the Singapore Environment Institute. officials from around the world who were in was an eye-opener to the course participants. also like to steer a paradigm shift in Singapore for a seminar on Environmental As James said: “NEWater technology is a good NGOs and the public towards the benefits of Protection and Health Management conducted strategy for a country with water scarcity incineration plants – a hefty task considering by the Singapore Environment Institute (SEI), issues. Also, I like the idea of fostering public that Poland employs landfills as the main the environmental training division of the responsibility on the need to conserve water, form of waste treatment. National Environment Agency (NEA). which is evident here in Singapore.” For James, the community projects he saw in Organised by the Singapore Cooperation Artur was extremely keen on water Singapore are what he would like to introduce Programme (SCP) from 29 May to 12 June management issues because central Poland in Uganda, such as promoting recycling by 2007, the course aims to present an overview is facing “a similar water resource issue as involving schools in a “Green Week” and the of Singapore’s environmental protection Singapore”. He would like to see in Poland public in regular “Bring-your-own-bag Days”, policies and to discuss strategies in public more of the public involvement in waste by installing more garbage bins on streets; and health management. management that he saw in Singapore, for spreading the water conservation message. To James, being in Singapore allowed him instance, with the installation of categorised His view is that the key to change is in to see for himself what he had heard from his recycling bins for the public to separate their fostering a closer partnership between the colleagues of the place as a clean and green disposal of metal, glass and paper waste. public and private sectors and a close-knit garden city. He also found the local people he Noting that incineration plants away from community that cares. “Everything is in place met during his trip, friendly and hospitable. residential areas are environmentally-safe, here, because Singapore first made the Artur was impressed by the level of efficient and address land scarcity, he would citizens love their nation.”

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F a famous brand of soft drink can reach its approach to engage the business sector The debate involved Singapore’s Prime the most remote and far-flung corner of to help it attain its goals. Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Senior Minister the world, why is that basic medical She feels that the lack of systems for of State for Foreign Affairs Balaji Sadasivan, I supplies can’t? delivering materials to the needy is the Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Store and This was the question that the newly- biggest bottleneck to progress. Cathay Pacific’s chief executive officer Philip elected World Health Organisation (WHO) Right now, the WHO faces a struggle in Chen. It was witnessed by over 200 senior director-general Margaret Chan raised in its approach towards the business community. government officials and private sector leaders Singapore recently. She was speaking as she On one hand, the organisation has very from the region. presided over her first World Health Day strict rules and regulations on its interactions In one no-holds-barred message of the celebrations in April. with commercial entities, due to the fact that debate, the panel acknowledged that it is in World Health Day on April 7 marks WHO’s it tenders important advice to ministers of the interests of countries at higher levels of founding since 1950, and is a platform to health, and thus its decisions must not be preparedness to help those which are not, if highlight key global health issues. This year’s influenced in any way by vested interests the world is to prevent or limit the potential theme, “Health and Security”, will also be or by industry. This is the crucial ethical damage of a pandemic. Although most the topic of this year’s World Health Report. principle and moral compass that the countries have significantly improved in WHO carries whenever it offers advice. their preparedness for a pandemic, such S’PORE HER “SECOND HOME” On the other hand, it is now almost 60 defences are only as good as the weakest link. Visiting Singapore is like a homecoming years since the WHO has been established, Prime Minister Lee urged countries to for Dr Chan, who calls this “her second and in many ways, the world has moved on. cooperate, share information and be upfront home” to Hong Kong, where she was born. Dr Chan believes that it is time the organisation about the intelligence they have in the fight Back in 1985, she pursued her master’s rethinks how it can work with, and tap, the against global health threats, so that the world degree in public health at the National resources of the business community. will have a “fighting chance of mitigating the University of Singapore (NUS). During her For instance, crisis situations around the impact and averting the worst” of transnational stay, Dr Chan visited her alma mater, NUS, world would benefit greatly from the excellent health threats. as well as Jurong Polyclinic. logistics support systems of the airline Singapore will be doing its part in occupying Noting that Singapore’s Health Promotion industry. “With the support of my member the Chair of the ASEAN Task Force for AIDS Board has been designated a WHO collaborating states, I am going to see how we can engage later this year to coordinate efforts in the centre for health promotion and disease the business sector, in an honest and fair region and to work closely with the WHO prevention, Dr Chan applauded the health manner, to get the best out of those industries,” and the international community to fight promotion and disease prevention approach said Dr Chan. “The private sector has an this “silent pandemic”. adopted by polyclinics here. increasing role to play in helping to prevent Moving ahead, Dr Chan will steer the She also thinks highly of the use of or control health issues.” WHO towards improvements in six main technology – such as electronic medical areas: health services for the poor, international records and teleradiology – for patient care. “I DEBATE ON INTERNATIONAL HEALTH health security, health systems, health research, have visited many countries, but Singapore, as Dr Chan was also involved in a high-level partnerships with member countries and the a primary health-care centre, is perhaps one of debate on international health security that WHO’s performance. the best models I have seen so far,” she said. was organised as part of the World Health Day Director-general of WHO Margaret Chan (center) Dr Chan feels that Singapore has an important celebrations. The debate was meant to raise participated in a high-level panel debate on international role to play in helping neighbouring countries awareness of the need to improve international health security with Dr Balaji (left) and Prime Minister with technical assistance, as it is already doing collaboration to deal with global health threats, Lee as part of World Health Day 2007. so for some countries. such as emerging infectious diseases, the AIDS epidemic, environmental change ENGAGING THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY and bio-terrorism. Referencing her ‘soft drink’ comparison, Dr Chan said that the WHO needs to rethink

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RIGHT: Mindee Ong, Royston Tan and Yeo Yann Yan rehearsing for their getai show which was held Central Park in New York City, USA, became in New York for Singapore Day. LEFT: Mr Hussin Abdul Kader, owner of Alhambra “little Singapore” for one day in April. Padang Satay near the Esplanade was one of those who displayed his fare in New York during Singapore Day. The occasion was the inaugural Singapore was staged on the lives of singers of getai, goodie bags, man the registration counters Day, a celebration of Singaporean food, the makeshift song-and-dance stages where and help in ushering. song and culture, to forge a connection performers traditionally entertain during The party was part of a larger effort by the with overseas Singaporeans and keep them the Chinese Hungry Ghost Festival. Overseas Singaporean Unit (OSU) to connect updated on opportunities and developments Some of the best local street food was the more than 140,000 Singaporeans currently back home. served at stalls set up in Central Park by 12 based overseas with home and with one The event was held at Wollman Rink in of the nation’s most popular hawkers flown in another. The number is a sizeable increase Central Park on 21 April. Video screens and to whip up local delights including chilli crab, from just 36,000 estimated in the 1990 exhibition panels gave overseas Singaporeans chicken rice, laksa, char kway teow, satay and population census. an update on the country, including news of roti prata. The OSU plans to make Singapore economic growth, career opportunities and The crowd grew to 6,000 strong, with 90 Day an annual affair in a different city each developments such as the integrated resorts per cent estimated to be Singaporeans who had year, in its ongoing efforts to keep overseas and plans to makeover Singapore’s canals, all come for a slice of home away from home. Singaporeans engaged and connected to rivers and reservoirs. The staging of the event was made possible home and friends. The OSU website at The entertainment included songs by through a massive collaborative effort. www.overseassingaporean.sg carries live news singers such as Kit Chan and dance and Singaporeans in New York volunteered their feeds and other information for Singaporeans comedy performances. An original musical help – for example, to pack the thousands of across the globe to stay in touch with home.

KF Seetoh and his team of famous hawkers going to New York for Singapore Day on April 21. The hawkers were jetting off to New York to show off their signature dishes at the Overseas Singaporean Unit’s first Singapore Day.

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Size:210 x 297mm_p08 Epigram MH236590 MAC8osx 19.02.2008 175# C K DALIM 671 AUTHORISING PRINT RUNS Singapore scholars from Thailand at the Singapore Scholarship ceremony hosted by Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed.

A total of 48 scholars received the Singapore scholars from Vietnam with the Senior Minister Singapore scholars and their host families. Singapore Scholarship in 2006. of State for Foreign Affairs, Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed.

a young country whose to help developing countries adapt Singapore’s and developed countries such as Japan only resource is its people, experience to their needs. and Germany. AS Singapore has always believed This year, the SCP celebrates 15 years of Singapore found such training to be very that human resource development is the key passing on the knowledge gained, value-added useful in upgrading manpower skills. Not to economic and social progress. with practical experience, to countries in the long after, Singapore started providing In Singapore’s early years of nation- region and beyond. technical assistance to member countries building, many developed countries had given under the Colombo Plan, sharing with others technical assistance to help develop the young the technical competency and skills it had republic’s manpower. This played a significant IN THE BEGINNING developed over the years. role in Singapore’s economic development. In 1992, the SCP was established, bringing It was in this spirit of giving that the When Singapore became independent in together under one framework the various Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP) 1965, it was a fledgling city-state lacking in technical assistance programmes offered by was established in 1992. Managed by the natural resources. It received technical Singapore to developing countries since the Technical Cooperation Directorate of assistance from international organisations 1960s. Unlike other international assistance Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, such as the United Nations Development programmes that offer components such as this is a programme of technical assistance Programme (UNDP), the Colombo Plan, loans, grants and infrastructural development,

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5000

articipants 4000

o. of P 3000 N 2000

1000

0 Singapore scholars posing for a picture with officers from the 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Year

the focus of the SCP has been on human 150 resource capacity building – mainly organising Countries’ Participation Over the Years training courses, study visits and seminars for government officials. 120 Training under the programme was broad-

based and started out with subjects such as port articipants 90 management, housing, health and medicine, o. of P

and transport and telecommunications. N 60

THE OUTREACH 30 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Currently, SCP’s courses have expanded to Year include training in areas such as Communications and Transport, Economic Development and In addition to the normal technical Singapore pledged $59.54m for IAI Trade Promotion, Environment, Healthcare assistance, the SCP has been active in helping projects carried out between 2001 and 2005. and Humanitarian Assistance, Information Singapore scholars with Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Zainal Abidin Rasheed and the Philippines to set up flagship projects. Some examples: At the Tenth ASEAN Summit in 2004, Technology, Management and Productivity, Embassy Minister and Consul-General Ms Maria Lumen B Isleta. • Botswana National Productivity Centre Singapore pledged a further $28.89m Public Administration and Law, Tourism and (BNPC). This Centre was set up with the towards the IAI for another three years Urban Development. help of SCP. Officially opened in August from 2006 to 2008. To date, more than Bilateral programmes constitute the 1995, Botswana chose Singapore as a 20,000 participants from CLMV have bulk of assistance under the SCP but the model because of its successful adaptation participated in SCP programmes. range and scope is broadened by Third and implementation of the Quality Control In 2001, Singapore established four Country Training Programme arrangements Circle (QCC) concept to promote IAI training centres, one each in Cambodia, between Singapore and other countries and productivity. BNPC currently conducts Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam. The IAI international organisations to jointly provide courses on productivity, providing training centres allow more government technical assistance. These include Japan, consultancy services to private firms and officials to be trained within the four France, Germany, South Korea, Canada, the spearheading the productivity movement countries. The four centres are equipped UNDP, Commonwealth Fund for Technical in Botswana. It has become a model for with computers and provide training in Cooperation, Hanns Seidel Foundation, other African countries to emulate. priority areas identified by the respective Asian Development Bank, World Bank One of the IT classrooms at the IAI training centre. • Singapore Scholarship for ASEAN Countries countries and where Singapore has training and World Trade Organisation. Since 1999, the Singapore Scholarship has expertise. These training areas include The SCP reaches out to countries across funded 448 scholars from ASEAN to study English language, trade and economic Asia, the Pacific, Africa, the Middle East, at the National University of Singapore, development, tourism, information Eastern Europe and Latin America. ASEAN Nanyang Technological University and technology and management. Under member countries, particularly Cambodia, Singapore Management University. the SCP, more than 630 courses have Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam, remain a key Contributions towards the Singapore been conducted and more than 11,000 area for the SCP. Scholarship has amounted to over officials have been trained in CLMV. Over the years, this steadfast focus on $35m so far. Under the SCP, Singapore has human resource development is seen in the • Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) contributed substantially financial and large number of government officials who In 2000, Singapore proposed the Initiative other resources within its means towards have benefited from the training programmes. for ASEAN Integration (IAI), an effort international assistance over the years. The SCP has also been able to reach out to to narrow the development gap within Moving ahead Singapore will continue more countries. ASEAN. The IAI aims to mobilise to provide technical assistance in areas Through the SCP, Singapore has sponsored resources from more developed ASEAN where we have the expertise and the training courses and study visits for more member to assist the newer ASEAN experience, such as on environmental, than 49,000 government officials from 166 countries Cambodia, Lao PDR, health, trade and commerce, civil aviation, developing countries. Singapore scholars with Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Zainal Abidin Rasheed and the former Participants at a training course conducted at the Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV). port management and information technology. Thai Ambassador to Singapore H.E. Chalermpol Thanchitt. Cambodia-Singapore training centre.

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0 Singapore scholars posing for a picture with officers from the 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Year

based and started out with subjects such as port articipants 90 management, housing, health and medicine, o. of P

and transport and telecommunications. N 60

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Size:210 x 297mm_p10-11 Epigram MH236590 MAC8osx 21.02.2008 175# C K DALIM 671 AUTHORISING PRINT RUNS PERSPECTIVE Towards a cosmopolitan metropolis for international trade, enterprise and talent

he Global Entrepolis is the biggest bazaar in Now we are working together to develop Special Economic Singapore for business leaders, investors and Zones (SEZs) in India. T entrepreneurs to make new contacts, exchange ideas, While we maximise our linkages in all directions to and forge partnerships. What the Global Entrepolis seeks to enlarge our economic space, our focus within Singapore is achieve reflects our broader mission – to make Singapore a to continue adapting and changing to a fast moving world. cosmopolitan metropolis for international trade, enterprise Our basic strategies are to keep our economy open, upgrade and talent. We aspire to be a leading Asian hub, connected our capabilities, and invest in our people. to others, and creating value for the world. First, we are one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Asia, The recent turbulence in global financial markets makes open to the cross-currents of global interactions and home the near-term outlook uncertain, but it does not alter the to a diversity of entrepreneurs and talents from around the picture of a dynamic and resilient Asia and the trend that world. They bring with them diverse experiences, extensive will likely persist for decades. expertise, creativity and new ideas, and add to the richness Asia is on the move because China and India have taken of our society. off. Both are growing rapidly and transforming their Second, we are investing in R&D to build up capabilities economies. China has just undergone a major political that will help drive our economy over the long-term. Our transition at the recent 17th Party Congress. While there high standards of intellectual property protection give us an was intense interest in the personalities in the new edge for R&D in Asia. Our compact size is also an advantage, leadership line-up, there is no doubt about because we are able to create a truly integrated the continuation of China’s policies, environment to harness the synergies of which are pro-reform, pro-growth, interdisciplinary research. For example, and pro-markets. At the same time, we have set up the Biopolis which China is increasingly aware of the houses over 2,000 researchers limits of growth, and is starting from public research institutes as to address environmental well as corporate research labs. concerns and issues of Third, we are maximising social equity. our human capital. With no India has also made natural resources of our own, significant progress in we have invested heavily in our opening up and liberalising its people and in their education economy. But unlike China, it so that they can make the most has not reached the same level of their abilities and talents. In of nation-wide consensus for this regard, our high standards of reform, nor has it moved with science and mathematics education the same degree of resolve. India’s are a major plus, and continued political system, with multiple parties emphasis on these fields will help to in a coalition government, is much create a workforce capable of keeping up more complex. The labour unions and with the demands of new growth industries bureaucracy are well entrenched and resist change. Despite with high technology requirements. experience singapore is these shortcomings, the economy is growing by 8-9% every One such growth area is clean energy, which Singapore published by Public Affairs year. Those who know India say that the elephant may be is moving into, starting with solar energy. We are putting Directorate, Ministry of slow to rise, but once it is in motion, there is no stopping it. in place programmes to build up technical manpower and Foreign Affairs, Singapore In Southeast Asia, oil-exporting economies like Malaysia a pool of industry and technology leaders. The Government Tanglin, Singapore 248163 and Indonesia are benefiting from the high energy prices, will be establishing a clean energy scholarship programme Tel: (65) 63798350 or while Vietnam is pressing ahead with reforms and is on the to fund some 130 Masters and PhD students over the Fax: (65) 64710537 verge of takeoff. Southeast Asia as a whole is being carried next five years for study and research in local and top Email: [email protected] along by the growth of China and India, and moving forward. foreign universities. Website: www.mfa.gov.sg Singapore is at the heart of Southeast Asia and taking Most importantly, we seek to nurture in our young a Designed by Epigram. full advantage of the favourable conditions around us. We spirit of inquiry and experimentation – never satisfied Printed in Singapore. are deepening cooperation with our nearest neighbours, with the status quo, always rethinking old approaches All rights reserved. Indonesia and Malaysia, and other Southeast Asian partners and searching for fresh possibilities. Then we will have ISSN: 0219-2896 to establish a single ASEAN-wide economic community. At Singaporeans, in every generation, who are not only good the same time, we are seeking opportunities further afield at executing tasks reliably and well, but have the skills and Picture credits: in the wider Asian economy, especially in China and India. habits of mind to create new ideas, explore new frontiers, cover, P9, P10, &11: MFA In China, the China-Singapore Industrial Park in and keep Singapore special and unique for many more P2 (top), P3 (bottom) & P7: Suzhou, a pioneering flagship project, has been a success. years to come. Berita Harian We are now launching a new collaboration – an Eco-City P4: Hill & Knowlton project in one of the Chinese cities, as a model for P2 (bottom), P3 (top) & P5: sustainable development. With India, we have concluded a Speech by Mr Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister, at The Straits Times Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) Global Entrepolis @Singapore 2007, 12 November 2007, P6: The New Paper – the first comprehensive FTA that India has signed with 6.45 pm at Suntec City. P12: Stephanie Wong any country. This has expanded bilateral trade and tourism.

12 experience singapore January 2008

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