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Building Friendships is
The same at every level
Whether it is with just one person or a large group, the approach you would take to
develop closer relations is largely the same. TANG BI FENG looks at the ways ties are
strengthened.

President Halimah Yacob sharing a toast with Romanian President Klaus Werner Iohannis and Romanian First Lady Carmen Iohannis at a
state banquet held at the Istana. CMG FILE PHOTO

‘Just visiting’

What you would do: Dropping in at one another’s place to catch up or just to hang out are
common ways for friends to bond. This may happen more often during special occasions like
Chinese New Year, Hari Raya or a birthday. You may receive a few unexpected invitations from
old friends or open up your home as a place to gather.

What countries would do: Hosting officials from other countries or visiting another country in
an official capacity is a big deal. It signals to the world: “Hey, look how close we are!”

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When a head of state officially visits another country at its invitation, this is known as a state
visit. The President of Romania, Mr Klaus Werner Iohannis, made a state visit to Singapore from
March 9 to 12, at the invitation of President Halimah Yacob. He was accompanied by Romanian
First Lady Carmen Iohannis, Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Bogdan Aurescu, and senior
officials from the Romanian Presidential Office.

The state visit coincided with the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations
between Singapore and Romania, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement on March 9.

During the visit, Mr Iohannis and Madam Halimah expressed a desire to enhance bilateral
cooperation in various sectors such as cyber security, digitalisation and education. Bilateral
means the two countries will work together, in contrast to “unilateral” when one state works
alone or “multilateral” when a few states work together.

‘Join my team?’

What you would do: Working on group projects with friends is part and parcel of student life.
Sometimes, you would team up with familiar faces, but there are times you would work with
new ones. Interacting with unfamiliar people may seem daunting at first, but it can be a process
in which you learn more about yourself and develop new skills.

What countries would do: On an international level, countries tend to group together with
those who share stronger ties to achieve their goals. But they would also want to make new
friends in order to create new opportunities.

For example, the Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project is a joint

collaboration among these four Asean countries. Under this project, which commenced in June
2022, Lao PDR will provide up to 100 megawatts of renewable hydropower to Singapore, via
Thailand and Malaysia, for two years.

This is the first multilateral cross-border electricity trade involving four Asean countries and will
benefit them by developing a regional market for trading electricity, increasing investments, and
strengthening energy security.

‘I got this for you’

What you would do: Exchanging gifts during special occasions, such as birthdays or during the
festive season, is something friends do. You may even get or craft little items for them that show
that you are thinking of them. Each gift says a bit about you and how well you know them.

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What countries would do: Foreign leaders often
exchange gifts during visits. In diplomatic terms,
the action conveys the respect and appreciation a
country has for the other.

A unique gift from Singapore to visiting heads of

states and other distinguished guests is an orchid
hybrid named after them. This is often called
“orchid diplomacy”. In August 2021, United States
Vice-President Kamala Harris received orchids as a
welcome gift during an official visit. The
purple-pink orchids, named the Papilionanda
Kamala Harris in her honour, even came with an official “birth certificate”.

Orchids are chosen for their vivid colours and ability to endure harsh conditions, which conveys
the message that Singapore is vibrant and tough. And as a sign of Singapore’s multicultural
heritage, orchid hybrids produced by cross-pollinating two different breeds are chosen. The
tradition of naming orchids after important figures started in 1956, and more than 200 orchid
hybrids have been named as part of orchid diplomacy so far.

‘I’m here when you need me’

What you would do: Whether your friend asks or not, you would usually offer help when you
see he needs it. It could be something physical, like helping him with homework, or just a
listening ear when he has something on his mind. He may or may not accept your aid, but just
knowing you are there is a form of support.

What countries would do: During a crisis, international state-level aid can come in different
forms, such as relief supplies, manpower or loans.

During the deadly floods that hit Australia in March 2022, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)
mobilised two of its helicopters in Australia. They transported military personnel and emergency
supplies to civilians affected by the floods in Queensland and New South Wales. The SAF also
delivered tents, blankets, ready-to-eat meals, water and medical supplies from Singapore.

Providing foreign aid during times of need can further promote bilateral ties and reaffirm
relationships between countries.

Sources: The Straits Times, Energy Market Authority, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore, Britannica, National Parks Board,
BiblioAsia, Collins Dictionary

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forging partnerships
while staying independent
ANG YIYING looks at how Singapore stays stable and globally relevant by building ties
and being strong on international law.

There are distinctive “Chinatowns” in almost every major American city, such as this one in Texas. PHOTO: AFP

What is a foreign policy?

In short, foreign policy is a government’s strategy for dealing with other nations.

Why it matters to you

Singapore’s foreign policy can determine which countries it trades or cooperates on
projects with. This could determine access to food or goods from certain countries, or
additional opportunities for you to study or work in countries that Singapore is friendly
with.

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Strengthening ties with neighbours

Singapore is continually building better relations with Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia.

Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Mohamad Maliki Osman said that, since last year, there have
been more than 10 high-level visits between Singapore and Malaysia, and that the two countries
were looking for more opportunities for their people to get to know one another.

“We have to create opportunities for our young Singaporeans and Malaysians
to engage one another and to spend time together to learn about and appreciate one another’s
perspectives and aspirations. Our education system plays an important role in this, especially now
with the easing of Covid-19-related travel restrictions.”
Dr Maliki, an excerpt of his speech, translated from Malay, on Feb 27 to Parliament

For example, 41 junior college students in the Malay Language Elective Programme visited
Selangor and Ipoh last year, where they attended classes at the Universiti Putra Malaysia in
Selangor.

With Indonesia, there are new growth areas, such as Indonesian companies keen to boost
exports to Singapore in the agri-food and energy sectors. Cooperating with Indonesia also helps
to strengthen the region.

Singapore also has a special relationship with Brunei. Both have signed memorandums of
understanding to boost cooperation in areas such as energy and green economy, trade and
investment in food and medical products, youth education scholarship and public service
capacity development.

Promoting growth in the region with Asean

“In addition to the warm relations with our neighbours, Asean remains a cornerstone
of Singapore’s foreign policy… the combined GDP of all 10 Asean countries currently stands
at about US$3 trillion. Asean is expected to become the fourth largest single market in the
world by 2030. Asean is home to over 660 million people, with 60 per cent of our population under
the age of 35 – a significant demographic dividend.”
Dr Maliki

There are a lot of opportunities in Asean, especially economic ones. One initiative by Asean is
the Asean Smart Cities Network. Smart cities use technology and data to improve the lives of
those living there.

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However, the 2021 coup (which is an unlawful overthrowing of the government) in Myanmar is
still an ongoing issue that has no end in sight.

Here are four things you need to know about Singapore’s foreign policy, as
stated by Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan in his speech to Parliament on
Feb 27.

Foreign policy begins at home.

“If we are not united and successful as a thriving, vital city state in the heart of South-east
Asia, we will quickly become irrelevant to the world.”

When people talk about a country, they focus on both domestic policy and foreign
policy. Domestic policy refers to the internal policies of a country. If a country has poor
internal policies or is facing a lot of internal problems, it will be in a weak position
globally because it cannot bring any benefits or advantages to other countries.

Having a clear-eyed understanding of Singapore’s long-term interests and

vulnerabilities in a volatile and dangerous world.

“We refuse to be a vassal state that can be bullied or bought. We will not be a proxy or
stalking horse for any superpower. We will uphold principles, but not choose sides.”

This is a statement reiterating Singapore’s independence and sovereignty (authority of

a country to govern itself). A vassal state is one that is subordinate to another. In
ancient times, this could be a weaker country paying tribute to a stronger kingdom or
having some of its policies dictated by the stronger kingdom.

Make common cause with as many countries as possible

by building overlapping circles of friends.

“The innermost circle obviously consists of our immediate neighbours and Asean
(Association of South-east Asian Nations).”

Singapore can have many circles of friends based on different common causes. Asean
is an important one because it comprises Singapore’s closest geographical neighbours.
The organisation was established in 1967.

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 Uphold international law and rules-based multilateralism.

“...we must always uphold international law, rules-based multilateralism, and the avenues
of peaceful resolution of disputes – precisely because we are a tiny city state.”

Multilateralism refers to when multiple countries work together towards a common

goal. In simple terms, international law are the rules by which countries are supposed
to abide by.

Keeping an eye on frosty US-China relations

The United States perceives China’s rise in power as something that might harm its national
interests.

“Both sides are now locked in intense and sharpening strategic

competition across multiple domains.”
Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan

If the US and China take steps to reduce mutual interdependence, this will affect the global
economy as both are major economic powers. Singapore will be affected because it has an
open economy and is highly dependent on doing business with the entire world.

There is also the issue of Taiwan. China believes Taiwan is a part of China, while in Taiwan, more
people are identifying themselves as exclusively Taiwanese.

“A conflict over Taiwan will have global repercussions, and a

much more direct impact on Singapore than the ongoing war in Ukraine. Not only is
Taiwan much closer to us geographically, but our ties with the US, China and Taiwan are much
stronger and deeper compared to our ties with Russia and Ukraine.”
Dr Balakrishnan

Reinforcing the importance of international cooperation

“...we live in an increasingly fragmented world, with the erosion of shared

rules for the global commons, and more frequent resort to unilateral action. It is therefore
even more important for Singapore to strongly advocate adherence to international law
and to actively contribute to shaping global norms.”
Dr Balakrishnan
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Last year, when he was addressing the United Nations General Assembly, Dr Balakrishnan had
pointed out “multiple concurrent crises” the world was facing, including Russia’s invasion of
Ukraine, sharpening superpower rivalry, uneven and fragile recovery from the Covid-19
pandemic, greater division, disruption and polarisation within societies, and the climate crisis.

A January 2023 paper by the International Monetary Fund mentioned the “unequal benefits of
globalisation” as one of the reasons for scepticism about multilateralism. This could lead to
countries going their own way instead of seeking cooperation or being part of a bloc. One
example of this is when United Kingdom citizens voted to leave the European Union in 2016.

When it comes to trade, it could lead to protectionism, which is when countries restrict
international trade.

But Singapore has always believed in international cooperation. The nation has a “significant
role” in developing international oceans law, new global norms in cyberspace, and outer space. It
has signed agreements to diversify trade relationships, even in the past few years when there
was a pushback against globalisation and against free trade.

“We have to live with the world as it is, and not as we wish it should be.”
Founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew as quoted in Dr Balakrishnan’s speech in
Parliament on Singapore’s foreign policy

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S’pore shines in the world
of diplomatic relations
Despite being a small nation, the nation’s impartiality and practical approach are valued
by countries keen to find a neutral place to settle difficult issues. NUR SYAHIIDAH
ZAINAL reports.

The Intergovernmental Conference on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction congratulating its president, Ambassador Rena Lee, on the
successful conclusion of the BBNJ treaty. PHOTO: MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, SINGAPORE

While Singapore generally maintains a neutral stance in external conflicts, the city-state places
great emphasis on using diplomacy and constructive engagement to maintain a peaceful and
stable regional and international environment in order to safeguard its interests.

Glossary
Sovereignty: The authority of a state or country to remain autonomous or to have the
power to govern itself.
Sanctions: An official measure, usually economic or military, such as halting trade, that is
adopted against a country that violates international law.
Consensus: An opinion or decision that is generally accepted among a group of people.
Jurisdiction: An area or a country in which a particular system of laws has authority.

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Singapore is known for its proactive and pragmatic diplomacy. Due to its strong economy, and
friendly ties with other nations, it plays an important role in facilitating regional and international
conflicts, and is often a key player in security and diplomatic initiatives. Here are some
examples:

Territorial disputes in the South China Sea

From 2015 to 2018, Singapore was the

country coordinator for Asean-China dialogue
relations. During that time, it played a leading
role in addressing territorial disputes in the
South China Sea, which involves China and
several Asean countries.

China has claimed sovereignty over almost

the entire South China Sea — including its
estimated 11 billion barrels of untapped oil and
190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. The move
antagonised Asean members, such as Brunei,
Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, which have also made competing claims.

During its time as coordinator, Singapore facilitated negotiations on a code of conduct (COC) to
manage tensions in the disputed waters. The COC is meant to prevent the overlapping territorial
claims in the South China Sea from erupting into violent confrontations.

North Korea–United States Singapore Summit

Singapore has supported the international community’s efforts to denuclearise North Korea
through sanctions and diplomatic engagement.

In June 2018, the island hosted a historic summit between then US President Donald Trump and
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

The summit aimed to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the North Korean nuclear crisis, and it
resulted in a joint statement outlining the commitment to peace and denuclearisation of the
Korean peninsula.

At the time, the summit was hailed as a positive start to a complicated negotiating process, as
well as a remarkable turnaround from the previous year, when the two leaders had traded insults
and threats as Pyongyang conducted a series of ballistic missile tests.

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Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement

This month, the United Nations’ member states finally agreed to a text on the first international
treaty to protect the high seas.

This historic treaty is essential to enforce the 30x30 pledge, which aims to protect 30 per cent
of the planet’s oceans and lands by 2030. That pledge was made by countries at the UN
biodiversity conference last December.

The treaty will provide a legal framework to establish marine protected areas – to protect against
the loss of wildlife, for example – for parts of the ocean that lie outside national boundaries.

The long-awaited consensus came after more than 15 years of discussions, which included four
years of formal talks. The agreement was presided over by Mrs Rena Lee, who is Singapore’s
Ambassador for Oceans and Law of the Sea Issues and Special Envoy of the Minister for Foreign
Affairs.

Sources: The Straits Times, NPR, BBC, The Guardian, Vox, The Diplomat, Council for Foreign Relations

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Extending help to allies:
How S’pore aided Turkey
quake rescue efforts
The Operation Lionheart contingent comprised officers from an elite rescue team,
paramedics, rescue dogs and a doctor. SARAH ZAFIRAH and NISHALINI SARALATAN
report.

A girl looking for her family’s belongings at the site of their collapsed home, in the aftermath of a deadly earthquake, in Kahramanmaras,
Turkey, in February. PHOTO: REUTERS

Dust and rubble. Cries for help. And death in the air.

This scene greeted members of the Singapore Civil Defence Force’s Operation Lionheart, who
were deployed to Kahramanmaras, Turkey, to assist in search-and-rescue operations.

After a devastating earthquake hit parts of Turkey and Syria on Feb 6, a 20-man team was
despatched soon after, in advance of a 48-man team that arrived on Feb 10.
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During the 10-day mission, the team rescued a young boy (https://str.sg/crawl) and a man from
the rubble, as well as coordinated and assisted search-and-rescue teams on the ground. Both of
the rescues took place within 48 hours of the advanced party’s arrival.

On the team’s second day in Turkey, five Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (Dart) personnel
were deployed at the site of a partially collapsed three-storey building. Someone was stuck
inside, trapped behind a concrete slab.

First Warrant Officer Muhammad Faris Mohammad, 37, and WO1 Fendilato Mohamad Tahir, 44,
assisted an SCDF paramedic and the Local Emergency Management Agency to rescue him.

As the team inserted a fibre optic scope into the rubble, they called out for him. When they
heard a voice, they used the camera on the scope to pinpoint where the sound was coming
from – a dark figure in a corner.

“(The camera light) is not really bright, but it’s bright enough to see the features and the eyes...
We could see his relief,” said WO1 Faris, recalling his experience.

Collective effort
Colonel Chew Keng Tok, 51, who led the
48-man main team over to Turkey, highlighted
the “tremendous support” provided by the
Singapore embassy in Ankara in facilitating their
journey.

Behind-the-scenes, staff from the Ministry of

Foreign Affairs, the Singapore embassy, the
Turkish embassy and the SCDF had been
urgently discussing what to do. One of them
was Mr Muhammad Tarmizi Mustaffa Kamal, an
attache at the Singapore embassy in Ankara.

On the ground, he and his team worked around

the clock to tackle unexpected challenges and much of the administrative work that
accompanies humanitarian aid.

Mr Tarmizi helped to coordinate the arrival of the contingent into Turkey, working with the
relevant Turkish authorities from the government, airport, and airlines. Embassy staff were also
on site in Adana province to secure transport into Kahramanmaras.

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The embassy also had to receive six tonnes of rescue equipment flown in on a chartered flight,
facing some problems on the way. “The cargo’s arrival timing was constantly changing due to
flight congestion at the airport,” said Mr Tarmizi. “So, our local contacts were needed to find
suitable transportation even late into the night.”

It was a constant challenge to find resources because of the sheer enormity of the disaster, but
the embassy used its local knowledge and contacts so that the contingent “could get what they
needed to start their operations quickly”.

Mr Tarmizi added: “We even deployed (the embassy’s) vehicle to transport the contingent’s
search-and-rescue dogs.”

The embassy also helped the contingent procure additional supplies as weather conditions
proved to be even more severe than expected. “We wanted to ensure that the team members
were able to remain healthy and operate at optimum conditions,” he said. Eventually, the team
was provided with electrical heaters and cup noodles, which comforted them in the freezing
cold after a long shift.

The staff also planned the contingent’s exit – eventually taking personnel, dogs, and equipment
on a 1,000km drive from Kahramanmaras to Istanbul, which is like driving from Singapore to
Phuket.

‘Team Singapore mindset’

Saying the scale of destruction was a challenge, Mr Tarmizi added: “The damage in Turkey was
more than a hundred thousand times worse in magnitude and destruction than that caused by
the Hotel New World collapse in 1986. It was also of utmost importance that we moved with
speed, as every minute mattered.”

He noted how critical it was that they adopted a “‘Team Singapore’ mindset” towards the
operation. “The embassy took care of local logistical challenges,” he said, “and left the contingent
to concentrate on saving lives.”

While they were there, the contingent also aided in coordinating international teams of different
nationalities and capabilities. With about 30 teams to work with, over 26 different sites, they
had to ensure that there were no overlaps in search-and-rescue efforts.

While conducting search-and-rescue operations, the force did, at times, struggle with
communicating with rescuers who did not speak English. However, Col Chew said that their
urban search-and-rescue methodology was a protocol that rescue teams all over the world use.
As a result, the method became a “common language” for them, so everyone knew what to do
whenever a victim was found.
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The SCDF also learnt from other teams on the ground. For example, they noted that the teams
from Europe were very well-prepared for below-freezing temperatures, which could be as low
as minus 6 deg C at night, and are considering how their team could work better in cold
climates.

Recalling their efforts, WO1 Fendilato said: “This is collective work. So it is not about who gains
points, which country is the better team. We are just here to assist.”

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MUN AT WORK: annual
conference shows
value of diplomacy
ISABELLE CHOY finds out what happens at the student-led Model United Nations gathering.

The Singapore Model United Nations conference was first organised in 2004 by the National University of Singapore’s Political Science
Society. TNP FILE PHOTO

Imagine taking four days out of the June holidays to attend a conference, wearing formal
business attire – a suit or a blazer, and dress shoes. You would have to write a position paper, act
as a country’s delegate, and speak in front of students of different nationalities.

This is what goes on at a Singapore Model United Nations (SMUN) conference. For the past 19
years, the team behind SMUN has organised these annual conferences and invited pre-tertiary
and tertiary education students from South-east Asia and the Asia Pacific to participate in them.

This year, SMUN turns 20. To mark this milestone, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan will
grace the conference’s opening ceremony in June. In line with its theme for the year, SMUN will
focus on empowering young people and encouraging youth diplomacy.

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SMUN was first organised in 2004 by the National University of Singapore’s Political Science
Society. It was inspired by the 2003 Harvard National Model United Nations. The conference
has also grown in size – reaching about 450 people in 2018, up from about 270 students in
2012.

Like the real thing

At MUN events, students gather for a conference that can last up to four days. They will be
appointed as delegates for different countries in an international organisation.

Similar to the real United Nations’ or other inter-governmental organisations’ meetings, the
students will represent their given countries, debate a topic, and come to a conclusion together.
Students will have to do thorough research and ensure that their stance aligns with their
assigned country’s stance on the issue discussed.

For instance, students in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) group would debate the action of decreasing economic growth to combat climate
change.

The United States delegates may argue against the notion — saying that while combatting
climate change is essential, its economic growth takes precedence over it. Meanwhile, students
representing a country like Bangladesh, which has faced devastation from the effects of climate
change through droughts and floods, will argue for the notion.

Through such debates, countries will try to come up with a compromise, write it down as a
resolution and pass it in the council. In this case, part of the resolution could include the US
agreeing to give Bangladesh financial aid to help the country better manage the natural disasters
it encounters.

Explaining why discussing world topics was relevant to Singapore, Mr Muhammad Zahid Mohd
Zailani, 22, the secretary-general of this year’s SMUN, said: “If you think that the world is not
connected to the things on your table, you are terribly mistaken. That’s my warning to the youth.
(Not) everything in front of us is from Singapore. It came from somewhere else. It came from
negotiation, talks and mutual benefits (between) Singapore and another country.”

“It is very crucial for each and every one (of us) and especially the youth in Singapore (to care
about global affairs and international relations) because we are the youth; we are going to
replace this current generation (of leaders) so we should be prepared, alarmed (about the
negative developments in global affairs) and always be on guard for the benefit of Singapore,”
said the second-year political science student from NUS.

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For Ms Shermaine Lim, 18, a graduate from Raffles Institution, participating in SMUN 2022 was
“a fun experience” and she recommended that all young people should join future conferences.
She came out of the programme more confident about public speaking and more
knowledgeable about global affairs. “You can’t go through MUN without gaining these skills,” she
said.

Source: Best Delegate

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6 things you should
know about Indonesia
The current chair of Asean not only is one of Singapore’s closest trading partners, it also
shares cultural traits with the island. NISHALINI SARALATAN reports.

A nickel mining site operated by Gema Kreasi Perdana next to clove trees belonging to local farmers on a hill on Wawonii Island in
south-east Sulawesi. PHOTO: AFP

There is a new acronym in town – CIVETS – when it comes to emerging market economies, and
Indonesia represents the “I” in it. The rest are Colombia, Vietnam, Egypt, Turkey and South
Africa. Indonesia has bounced back since the Asian financial crisis hit it badly more than 25 years
ago. The country has strong economic growth, a growing middle class, a youthful population and
a host of natural resources such as tin and natural gas.

The nation also has many farms that support a variety of cash crops. It is a major global supplier
of commodities such as coffee, rubber, timber, palm oil and cocoa. The country is inching
towards its plans to break into the top 10 biggest economies in the world by 2030.

1. Strong business ties with Singapore

As founding members of Asean, Singapore and Indonesia enjoy friendly ties. Both countries
have worked closely to strengthen their economies.

One example of this cooperation is the development of Bintan Island. Given its proximity to
Singapore, its local economy is heavily centred on tourism. For example, Bintan Resorts was
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founded in 1990 as a collaborative initiative between the governments of Singapore and
Indonesia. The island is also a well-known international and regional investment destination.

Indonesia is also one of Singapore’s sources of food. The country’s poultry supply to Singapore
increased significantly after the Malaysian chicken export ban. In July 2022, Indonesia
announced that it will be setting up four farms on the islands of Batam and Bintan to supply live
chicken to Singapore. Besides poultry, Singapore also imports live pigs from Pulau Bulan, near
Batam.

2. Most populous country in Asean

The United Nations projected that Indonesia’s population will grow to 290 million in the next 30
years, with about 28 per cent of the population below the age of 30 years.

In a young workforce, there are more people

who can actively boost the economy with their
purchasing power. A young population also
means that dependency ratios – numbers of old
and young people supported by those of
working age – remain low, which may result in
less financial stress on young people.

However, there would be some drawbacks

without the right government policies. A young
workforce must have access to both education
and skills training. This is especially so for
middle- and lower-income workers.

In Indonesia, officials are trying to convince people to have fewer children to reduce the strain
on government services, among other things. The Indonesian government wants to push the
birth rate lower to 2.1 children per woman by 2025.

It aims to focus more on improving the lives of the population by equipping them with the right
skills as well as education, so that its young people can be a demographic bonus instead of a
burden.

3. A unique heritage deserving of protection

Indonesia has traditions and art forms that could vanish if nothing is done to protect them. Chief
among them is the craft of batik, which is becoming increasingly less popular.

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To promote and preserve this ancient art, Indonesian batik was given a place on the Unesco
Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.

Batik items are often handed down within families for generations. Batik holds great significance
and is part of the lives of Indonesian people from literally beginning to end – infants are carried
in batik slings decorated with symbols designed to bring the child luck, and the dead are
wrapped in funerary batik. You can also spot officials wearing batik clothing at formal events.

Besides batik, Indonesia has nine other elements on the Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
These include wayang puppet theatre, which is a performing art, and traditional craftsmanship
like gamelan and saman dance.

4. Strict laws

Though it has the largest Muslim population in the world, Indonesia is not an Islamic state.

The only region within Indonesia that officially practises sharia law is Aceh province, the
westernmost province of Indonesia. Sharia acts as a code for living that all Muslims should
adhere to, including guides on prayers, fasting and donations to the poor.

It was first introduced in Aceh in 2001, in an attempt to appease rebels who were pursuing a
long-term armed rebellion to overthrow the government.

This system is considered controversial by some, as it restricts run-of-the-mill activities such as

going to the movies or karaoke.

Such a ban on entertainment has also been extended to video games. At the end of June 2019,
the Indonesian Ulama Council of Aceh Province, an independent organisation that acts as an
interface between the government and the Islamic community in Aceh, issued an official order
against PUBG, a popular online game in the province, claiming that it promoted bad behaviour
and insulted Islam.

Separately, amendments to Indonesia’s criminal code that were announced in 2022 meant that
laws have gotten much stricter, as conservatism has crept into politics over the years. For
instance, from the year 2025 onwards, unmarried couples, including tourists, can be imprisoned
for up to a year for adultery committed in any part of Indonesia.

Other changes include restoring a ban on insulting a sitting president or vice-president, state
institutions and the national ideology.

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5. Major co ee producer

Indonesia, one of the oldest coffee-producing

countries, is also the fourth-biggest producer of it in
the world. It is also the source of kopi luwak, a
speciality coffee that is very pricey.

Kopi luwak’s value is based on how the beans are

processed. They must go through the intestines of
Asian palm civets, which removes the bitterness.
After the partially digested coffee beans are passed
out of the creatures, they are cleaned, roasted and
then distributed.

6. Homemade brands are also global stars

Indonesia has a raft of brands that are popular worldwide. For one, Indofood – the producer of
Indomie – is also the largest instant noodle producer in the world. Over 15 billion packets of this
tasty and cheap food is produced annually, with exports to more than 90 countries.

In 2005, Indomie broke the Guinness World Record for “Largest packet of instant noodles”. It
created a packet that was 3.4m by 2.355m, and about 8,000 times the weight of a single
regular pack of instant noodles.

Another yummy brand: J.Co. Known for its quirky doughnut names such as Berry Spears and
Avocado Dicaprio, this brand is one of Indonesia’s most popular doughnut-makers, with over
230 stores there, stores as far as Saudi Arabia, and three outlets in Singapore.

The ride-hailing company Gojek also has its roots in Indonesia. It started out as a call centre in
2010 on a mission to improve the livelihoods of local “ojeks” (a Bahasa Indonesia word for
motorcycle taxis) and to make getting around such a large country easier.

Gojek is now a dominant transport facilitator in South-east Asia. In Indonesia, it reached 30

million monthly bookings in 2017 and employed more than 30,000 people with disabilities. In
2021, it was valued at US$10 billion and has evolved into a “super app” that offers over 20
different services, from meal delivery to personal hairdressers.

Sources: The Straits Times, SCMP, Indofood, Gojek, BBC, The Jakarta Post, PBS, Human Resource Management Academic Research
Society, Unesco, Indonesia-Investments, The Guardian, Asean Post

23
in my words: Asean youth
introduce their homelands
Asean nations have developed rapidly over the last few decades, and are now abuzz with
opportunities for young people, development, and new pursuits. EUNICE SNG and ANDREA
GOH asked young people from around the region what they think about their countries.

A farmer working in a rice field located next to high-rise residential buildings in Hanoi. PHOTO: AFP

VIETNAM: Mr Minh Nhat Nguyen, 23, student

“Twenty years ago, Vietnam was quite poor, but now it is starting to resemble a very modern
city. The streets are not much different and traffic is still dangerous. But one of the first things I
have noticed is that there are fewer blackouts.

When I was in Vietnam during my childhood, there would be a blackout every other week, which
is something you never experience in Singapore. It was super common to just not have
electricity for a really long time.

24
I also noticed that now, people use phones more and there is more reliable infrastructure. Right
now, it is super cheap to get Internet connectivity in Vietnam. You would see someone who is
peddling trash on the street, and he would have a smartphone.”

MALAYSIA: Mr Ahmad Izuddeen Mohammed Anuar Mushoddad, 19, student

“In 2020, the Ministry of Youth and Sport established a programme called MFLS, or Malay
Future Leaders School. I am an alumnus of the programme. It is quite competitive because each
school can select only 10 students to go for the first stage of MFLS.

In the programme, they teach young people like us how to be more professional and
competitive. They also teach us how to socialise with other people and how to boost our
confidence. I think this is a good initiative from the government, because they see how younger
people can impact the country.

Young people have a lot of ideas but, sometimes, they cannot share them with the government.
So now, the Malaysian government tries to hear their ideas and get them involved in
decision-making. Additionally, we had a chance to meet ministers from various sectors and
even the Raja of Perlis.” (Raja is the title for the head of the state of Perlis.)

THE PHILIPPINES: Ms Tapay Charissa Isabel Baluya, 22, student

“A lot of things have changed in the Philippines. In my dad’s province, Batangas City,
condominiums used to be non-existent. There were many slums around with houses that were
not professionally made. So, what is very new is that in the last five years, private properties
have cropped up. Previously, you would never see them at all outside Makati City, but now you
can see them everywhere – even in provinces. This used to be a rare sight.

Additionally, in the past, Filipinos would usually eat only street food or food from the typical
Filipino food chains in malls. But now, the country has a lot of international fast food chains. I
went to a mall in Taguig City and there is Genki Sushi and bubble tea. That is a huge first – I think
they came just two years ago.

Now there is food from all over the world as well, even in the supermarkets. Previously, I never
saw things like blueberries or raspberries.

25
In Batangas City and Metro Manila, there was a lot of litter around. It was very bad. But, in the
past few years, they have actually started to clear it. So I think it is very good that they have
been putting in efforts to reform the place and make it cleaner.”

BRUNEI: Ms Ummi Irdina Syazyiah Haji Umar, 20, student

“Brunei has not changed much over the years. We cannot build a lot of big and tall buildings
because we prioritise mosques. We are a quiet country and have no concerts here because we
cannot make entertainment too grand. There are also only four McDonald's outlets in Brunei.

However, one thing I noticed is that the cafe community is getting bigger. There are a lot of
hidden cafes that I just recently got to know about. That is why, lately, I am into cafe hopping. I
was quite surprised about it. I think it started growing only about three to four years ago because
of the trend of aesthetic cafes on social media. That is why all these cafes try to make
themselves look as pretty as possible. Some of these cafes are home-based while others are
randomly hidden in quiet buildings.

The strongest industry in my country is oil and gas. Most of my friends who take engineering
courses look forward to doing internships and applying for jobs at Brunei Shell Petroleum.
Others who are not in engineering are focused on getting a government job. For example,
medical students usually aim to work at our main hospital – Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha.

On Sundays, Bruneians, both young and old, love to visit this open market called Bandarku
Ceria. There will always be vendors and local people setting up their booths. Bruneians love to
gather there to walk around and socialise. They sell food that they cooked themselves,
traditional toys and music instruments. So you can really see the cultural side of Brunei when
you visit this outdoor market.”

INDONESIA: Ms Violin Yapputri, 22, student

“Recently, about two to three years ago, the Indonesian government created an internship
programme under an initiative called Kampus Merdeka. The programme tries to streamline the
application process and connect different companies to the students. To do this, the
government cooperates with several organisations to open positions for students.

26
But I heard that it is very competitive and has very limited spots. The programme offers a lot of
positions at well-known companies like Tokopedia, Gojek, Traveloka, Unilever and other
start-ups.

The Merdeka internship can be converted to credits for clearing university requirements. The
salary will be paid by the government of Indonesia, but the company can give bonuses. At the
end of the programme, participants have to create a report about the struggles they faced, what
projects they completed, their day-to-day activities and the lessons they learnt. This internship
is not mandatory.”

THAILAND: Ms Supakjira Meesakul, 23, student

“I think in Thailand, there are now many varied fields because Thai society is more open to
occupations that did not exist or were not popular in former eras. These include programmers
and content creators, which are some popular jobs in Thailand.

I also took part in the Asean University Student Council Union. It is a conference. I was
nominated as the country coordinator and have to arrange meetings for future batches. I had (a)
good work experience with friends from other countries in Asean.

There are many sports centres in the area I live in for rock climbing, skateboarding, Thai boxing.
(There are also) swimming pools, badminton courts, gyms. I like to do these activities with my
friends on the weekend because, in addition to building good relationships with them, we can
exercise and that makes us more healthy.”

INDONESIA: Mr Dominic Lam, 27, student

“We are not that poor... Sure, poverty exists in the fringes of Indonesia, in the villages, out in the
mountainous areas, in the paddy fields. Those communities are underprivileged but, once you
hit the metropolitan area, it is no different from Singapore, honestly.

All the things Singapore has, they’re (in Indonesia) too. Bandung has a vibrant indie art theme,
especially among independent artists like Machine 56 (an internationally-famous
cyberpunk-themed clothing designer). His medium is clothes, but he’s an artist. He’s gone
international and been invited to exhibitions in Tokyo.

27
Indonesia’s arts scene is even more vibrant than Singapore’s, in my opinion. We even have this
one rich guy who is so into the arts that he opened his own museum to bring art to the masses.
The tickets to his museum, where he invites big names like Yayoi Kusama, are cheaper than
Singapore’s. It's more affordable to see the Japanese artist in Indonesia than it is in Singapore.

Our gross domestic product may be not that high, but the Indonesian middle class is afforded
the same standard of living as Singapore’s. One of my cousins is a housewife in a single-income
household. Her accountant husband takes home much less than what an accountant in
Singapore would make. But, in terms of quality of life, they can afford to go on holiday – they do
road trips, stay in nice hotels (your-own-private-jacuzzi kind of hotels) – they go out to eat
often. The daughter goes to a pretty good private school, they send her to so many enrichment
classes: swimming, gymnastics, taekwondo.

Indonesia is a beautiful country, so much so that local tourism is good enough. Any person in
Jakarta will tell you how often they go to Bandung for the weekend, the same way Singaporeans
go to JB.

Indonesia is moving away from simple mining of resources to higher value work. A bit more
manufacturing and refining. Within the cities, life has gotten so much better because of the
foreign investments, tax revenues, higher quality work.

Like, you can actually see (the developments). When I was younger, the streets were lined with
trash. There are now plants in pots – surprisingly nice-looking pots – just lining the streets. And
there never used to be a pavement, now there is. Last time it was just road, and a painted line
marking the sidewalk.

I actually want to look into agriculture, not as a job, but policy-wise. I’m studying food policy in
global food systems, so I’m looking to hopefully become somebody working in the United
Nations, representing Indonesia.”

28
Neighbours and allies: How
Asean boosts South-east Asia
NISHALINI SARALATAN finds out what actions the regional grouping takes to promote
economic development and stability.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi welcoming Timor-Leste’s Foreign Minister Adaljiza Magno during the 32nd Asean Coordinating
Council Meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Feb 3. PHOTO: REUTERS

The story of Asean is one of how 10 countries – then weaker and during more turbulent times –
banded together for support, and now make up one of the fastest growing regions in the world.

The Association of South-east Asian Nations (Asean), was established on Aug 8, 1967, by
Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. It was initially formed to create a
common front against the spread of communism.

In 1976, the founding members signed the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South-east Asia,
which emphasises mutual respect and non-interference in other countries’ affairs.

29
The resolution of Cambodia’s civil war in 1991, the reduction of Cold War tensions, and the
normalisation of relations between the United States and Vietnam in 1995 brought peace to
mainland South-east Asia, and led to more countries joining Asean.

Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Cambodia then joined between 1984 and
1999, making up the 10 member states.

The members work as a bloc rather than as independent countries to promote economic and
cultural exchange, maintain peace, stability and cooperation within a politically turbulent region,
and establish relationships with foreign powers with similar aims.

For example, as a step to boost regional cooperation, the members signed a treaty in 1995 to
refrain from developing, acquiring or possessing nuclear weapons.

After the 1997 financial crisis, which started in Thailand, Asean members pushed to further unite
their economies. For instance, Asean members worked with China, Japan, and South Korea to
provide financial support to one another and fight currency speculation through the Chiang Mai
Initiative in 2000.

The chairmanship of Asean rotates annually based on the alphabetical order of the English
names of the member states. In November 2022, Cambodia passed the chairmanship baton on
to Indonesia. A key challenge for Indonesia’s chairmanship now is how to address the political
crisis in Myanmar.

Economy: Prospering together by reducing barriers

Economic integration is one of Asean’s goals, and the Asean Economic Community (AEC) is a
step towards the realisation of this goal.

For instance, the AEC Blueprint 2025 envisions Asean to be a single market with a free flow of
goods, services, investments, capital and labour. In the plan, Asean would have enhanced
physical connectivity in areas such as transport, infocomm technology, and tourism.

By working together as a bloc, Asean is able to call upon a combined population of about 668
million people, about 8.5 per cent of the world’s population.

Infrastructure: Developing digital connectivity

The first Asean Digital Ministers’ Meeting took place in January 2021 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,
via video conference. The two-day meeting was chaired by Malaysia’s Communications and
Multimedia Minister and attended by ministers from all 10 Asean member states.
30
By the end of the meeting, the group launched the Asean Digital Masterplan (ADM) 2025 to
guide the group’s digital cooperation over the next five years.

Policymakers, regulators and businesses noted that, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic,
advances were not taking place at the same speed for all communities within Asean. They
realised that digitally enabling a wide range of economic activities would make Asean a more
prosperous region and enable it to recover more quickly from the effects of the pandemic.

However, for the plan to work, three conditions had to be met. First, there needs to be excellent,
ubiquitous and high-speed digital connectivity. Second, services that run over this connectivity
must be safe, relevant and trustworthy for users. Last, there needs to be a removal of the
barriers which now prevent many businesses and consumers from using digital services.

One of the desired outcomes of the ADM, for instance, is the increase in the quality and use of
e-government services, by helping Asean members develop them. Examples of such online
services include filing tax returns and renewing a driving licence. With e-government services,
governments can deliver information and services to citizens with fewer constraints.

Security: Promoting peace and stability through dialogue

In February 2021, Myanmar’s military seized power

in a coup, overthrowing the elected government of
state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.

Since then, more than 2,000 pro-democracy

civilians have been killed. In addition, according to
the United Nations, more than 1.4 million people
have been internally displaced.

The situation in Myanmar stymied the past

chairmanships of Brunei and Cambodia, which had
tried to budge the former’s regime.

One such effort was the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) strategy, which was a call to immediately
end violence in the country. It was signed at an emergency Asean meeting held in Jakarta in April
2021, two months after the coup. However, just two days after the agreement was signed, the
junta walked back on it, announcing that it would consider the suggestions made by Asean
leaders when the situation was stable again. Instead of halting attacks, the junta ramped up its
use of force, including arbitrary arrests and blocking humanitarian assistance from reaching
some groups of people.
31
As this year’s Asean chairman, Indonesia said it would adopt a “big brother” mindset and press
the Myanmar junta to abide by the 5PC.

Aside from Myanmar, Indonesia also plans to intensify talks with China and Asean members to
finalise a code of conduct for the disputed South China Sea area (https://str.sg/code), amid
escalating tensions in the region. It hopes to help tackle the territorial and maritime disputes in
the waterway, even though the negotiations for the code have stalled for years.

Sources: Asean.org, SCMP, CNA, The Straits Times, Britannica, hrw.org, harvardpolitics.com, Voice of America

32
‘My two cents on
Asean currencies’
ANDREA GOH looks at the cash of countries in the region and what their designs
represent.

Men playing chinlone in the compound of a monastery in Kyimyindaing Township, in Yangon. The traditional game is featured on the kyat,
which is the name of Myanmar’s currency. ST FILE PHOTO

Cash is more than a tool to get the things you want. Currency can also teach or remind people of
the names, places, or events that shaped a country.

The space on a note or coin is a perfect canvas for a national self-portrait. The evolution of its
design can provide a surprisingly insightful look into its country’s history and cultural symbols.

Each new design is an opportunity for a country to spotlight national icons, or update its values.
For example, Myanmar did away with all colonial imagery on its banknotes following its
independence from the British in 1948, opting instead to feature native animals like peacocks
and elephants.

33
MYANMAR: KYAT
The five kyat note features chinlone, or caneball, Myanmar’s national sport. This traditional game
is said to be 1,500 years old, and was created originally as entertainment for ancient
Myanmarese royalty – which is why it functions almost like a performance.

The game is non-competitive. Players work together to prevent the ball from touching the
ground, all while passing it back and forth as creatively as possible. Having trouble picturing it?
See the game in action at https://str.sg/chin.

CAMBODIA: RIEL
Many Cambodian riel banknotes, such as the 2,000 riel note, feature a mythical snake-like
creature on the front. According to Cambodian legend, the naga is a reptilian race of
seven-headed snakes hailing from the Pacific Ocean, the princess of which married the king of
ancient Cambodia. Modern-day Cambodians are said to be the descendants of the naga.

LAO PDR: KIP

This 1,000 kip note features three women in traditional clothing from the Lao Lum, Lao Theung
and Lao Sung. Though Lao PDR is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in South-east
Asia, with over 200 ethnic groups, these refer to simplified location-based groups. The Lao Lum
(lowland Lao) live in the flatlands and valleys of the largely mountainous country, the Lao
Theung (midland Lao) on mid-level slopes, and the Lao Sung (highland Lao or hill tribes) on
mountaintops or hills.

INDONESIA: RUPIAH
Indonesia has showcased its traditional dances on its
banknotes. On the 2,000 rupiah note, there is an
illustration of the Minangkabau ethnic group’s piring
(or plate) dance, originally a ritual to celebrate good
harvest.

Similarly, the 20,000 rupiah note shows the kancet

ledo, or gong dance, from the Dayak Kenyah tribe,
that is performed as part of welcome ceremonies.
Rather than gongs, as one might assume from the
name, what takes centre stage in this dance are the
fistfuls of massive black-and-white hornbill feathers performers hold in each hand. Check out
one dancer’s rendition of kancet ledo at https://str.sg/kan.

34
MALAYSIA: RINGGIT
Flying traditional kites has been a Malaysian traditional pastime for centuries, a fact
commemorated by the appearance of the wau bulan, or moon kite, on the one ringgit note.
Making such kites is no easy feat – each handcrafted kite requires specially treated bamboo and
intricate, hand-cut patterns.

They are also a popular decorative item in many Malaysian homes, and were the inspiration for
the Malaysian Airlines logo.

VIETNAMESE: DONG
Vietnam’s first-ever university, Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam, was established way back in 1076. Also
known as the Temple of Literature, it is featured on a recent issue of the 100,000 dong bill.
Though originally built to honour the Chinese philosopher Confucius, it later morphed into
Vietnam’s Imperial Academy, where many of ancient Vietnam’s most influential minds and
scholars studied.

Sources: Numista, The Cambodia Site, Facts and Details, Holiday Ayo, Indonesia Tourism, Beadgrup, Britannica, Minority Rights
Group International, BizToday, Uncover Vietnam, Visit Southeast Asia, Sportsmatik, Destination Myanmar Travel, HT School
Hindustan Times, IMF, Central Bank of Barbados, New International

35
4 reasons why the kebaya
is more than just clothing
SARAH ZAFIRAH looks at the cultural significance of the kebaya and why it deserves to
be recognised by Unesco.

Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand will be jointly nominating the kebaya for inscription onto the Unesco Representative List of the
Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. ST FILE PHOTO

Have you ever worn a kebaya for a festival or wedding? If you have, you may have shown off a
piece of intangible cultural heritage on those special days.

This month, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand will be jointly nominating the kebaya for
inscription onto the Unesco Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The kebaya of different communities found in these countries have different styles – with their
own types of sewing, embroidery and designs. Still, the kebaya unites these four countries and
physically displays their shared history and heritage.

36
Read on to find out more about the kebaya’s significance.

1. The kebaya has a complex, cross-cultural history

The term “kebaya” comes from the Farsi word “qaba”, referring to a long jacket. It was adopted in
the Arabic language, and used by English, French and Dutch writers in the 17th century to refer
to a long Asian robe. Then, it was used in the vernacular Melayu Pasar, which people in the Malay
archipelago commonly spoke during the 15th to 19th centuries.

The popularity of the intricately embroidered kebaya we know today reached its peak in the
1930s, when Chinese Peranakan women began ordering machine-embroidered pieces from
Java. In the 1950s, tailors in Singapore began to offer custom-made kebayas, a legacy which
continues today.

2. Kebaya designs represent a blend of cultures

The traditional Javanese motif of the palm fruit is usually found on the skirt of the kebaya.

You can also find motifs which borrow from Malay, Chinese, Indian and European cultures, like
flowers, animals or mythical creatures, printed on the skirt or embroidered onto the tunic.

3. Prominent women inspired

kebaya styles

The Kartini kebaya, worn by aristocratic

Indonesian women, was inspired by the kebaya
worn by women’s rights activist Raden Ajeng
Kartini in the 19th century. It has a V-neck collar
and a distinctive fold on the bodice.

In Singapore and Malaysia of the 1950s, the

actress and singer Saloma popularised the
Saloma kebaya or tight kebaya. It is a style that
accentuates the contours of the body through a wide neck and low back.

4. Stylised kebayas can be found in the modern world

You can find the kebaya thousands of kilometres up in the air. The distinctive uniforms of air
stewardesses on Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines take inspiration from the kebaya.

37
Butting heads over
who gets to be top dog
Though countries are mostly friendly with one another, constant competition between
them creates friction. TANG BI FENG looks at the times when tensions strain even the
strongest of ties.

Glossary
● Propaganda: Information that is skewed and used by a person or group in an influential
position to support a political cause or perspective. It can be deceptive too.
● Radicalisation: The process of someone taking on extreme views after being influenced.
● Misinformation: Misleading or incorrect information that may or may not be spread with the
intention to deceive. Examples include gossip, pranks and even “tips” such as unverified health
advice.
● Disinformation: False information created specifically to confuse and deceive, such as
doctored videos or images accompanied by made-up details.
● Agenda: The underlying motives of a specific person or group.

In the past, a balloon in the sky might mean that a child has lost his toy. But, in recent months,
these innocent playthings have taken on an entirely different meaning, with the United States
shooting down alleged spy balloons.

The incident was yet another blow to the deteriorating relationship between the US and China,
the latter allegedly being the source of the devices.

It is an example of how most countries, despite being on friendly terms with one another to
maintain peace and boost economic growth, can occasionally get into disagreements after one
behaves like a “bad friend”. IN looks at this incident and others like it.

United States: Tensions ballooning over spying accusations

A giant white balloon, supposedly as large as the Statue of Liberty, was first spotted by the US
above the Aleutian Islands, an island chain in Alaska, on Jan 28 this year.

After it drifted over Canadian and US airspace – Alaska, Yukon, the Northwest Territories, British
Columbia, northern Idaho and Montana – over six days, it was brought down on Feb 4 by a
missile fired from a fighter jet over US territorial waters. The debris was then collected for
analysis.

38
According to the US State Department, the
alleged spy balloon, which was of Chinese
origin, was equipped with an antenna that
could pinpoint the locations of communication
devices and was capable of intercepting calls
made on those devices. However, the officials
were unclear over the specific information the
balloon stole, or was supposed to steal.

China has since voiced anger over the shooting

down of its balloon, as the country maintains
that it was a “civilian airship used for research,
mainly meteorological purposes” that had
veered off its course.

Nevertheless, the US stated that this incident was not the first of its kind, and has accused China
of operating a global surveillance programme covering more than 40 countries in five
continents. A second balloon was also spotted flying over Latin America; China has admitted
that it also belongs to them.

China later countered with its own accusation, saying that the US had sent balloons through its
airspace at least 10 times in the past year, which the US denied.

Experts said that spy balloons are less expensive and easier to send out than drones or satellites.
In addition, according to the BBC, a balloon is able to loiter over and monitor a target area for
long periods. A satellite’s movement, on the other hand, is restricted to its orbital pass.

Australia: Unmasking spies home and abroad

Countries use various methods to collect confidential information that may be used to protect
their interests or give them an edge. For example, during the Cold War, opposing countries were
focused on retrieving information about their enemies’ atomic capabilities.

How they get the information can be legal or illegal. Either way, when discovered, it is big news.
It has recently been reported that more Australians are being targeted by foreign spies, even
more so than during the Cold War and the period after the Sept 11 attacks in 2001, its security
chief warned.

In a public address, Mr Mike Burgess, the director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence
Organisation, said that government officials were not the only targets. Judges, journalists,
bankers, doctors and police officers were also preyed on.
39
In one case, influential journalists were offered all-expenses-paid “study tours” of a foreign
country. Once there, spies pretending to be local officials would try to gain critical information
on Australian politics, economics and defence. The spies would also hack the journalists’ phones
and laptops to steal data and install malware to gain illegal access to contacts, e-mail and calls.

Mr Burgess attributed the rise in spy activity to the intensifying rivalry between the US and
China, and territorial disputes, such as the ongoing debate over who “owns” certain parts of the
South China Sea.

In February, Australia said it had taken down a ring of spies from Russia. They had posed as
diplomats by pretending to be embassy or consular staff, among others, and had operated in
Australia for 18 months.

Russia: Spamming social media to push a point of view

Widespread use of Internet and social media, and a lack of relevant education, has made it easy
for groups to spread disinformation to fulfil their agendas.

Russia has been the mastermind behind a few such disinformation campaigns, with the most
recent one related to the invasion of Ukraine.

For instance, an investigation by Vice News exposed a disinformation campaign in March 2022,
where Russian TikTok influencers were paid to post videos peddling pro-Kremlin – another name
for the Russian government – narratives about the war on TikTok.

These campaigns, said to have been put in place at the onset of the invasion, were organised in
Telegram. An unknown administrator provided the influencers with clear directions on the
content of the video, hashtags to use, location to film and even the dates or times the clips
should be uploaded.

Based on investigations by Vice, the campaigns involved a number of prominent Russian

influencers, some of whom have over a million followers on TikTok. Although TikTok banned new
uploads from users located inside Russia on March 6, 2022, these influencers were taught how
to circumvent the ban so that they could continue uploading their videos.

In addition, a report published on March 15, 2022, by Tracking Exposed, a European non-profit
that investigates social media algorithms, exposed how international content has also been
blocked on the platform in Russia following the ban.

40
The restriction was not announced by TikTok, and it was reckoned that 95 per cent of the
content previously accessible by Russian users was now unavailable. This created an echo
chamber in Russia, in which TikTok users in Russia could access only pro-war content posted by
Russian TikTokers.

On Feb 9 this year, TikTok announced that it had shut down two networks of about 1,700
pro-Russian influencers who had tried to delude Europeans about the ongoing conflict. Most of
the accounts had operated from Russia, but had pretended to be based in Europe. It is unknown
whether there are more of these networks or if such campaigns are still ongoing.

In addition, research published on May 1, 2022, by Gov.UK stated that the Kremlin was operating
a “troll factory”, which is a group conducting disinformation activities on the Internet.

The troll factory recruits Kremlin supporters through Telegram to spam the social media profiles
of Kremlin critics, such as those of senior British ministers and other world leaders, with
pro-Putin or pro-war comments. This large-scale disinformation campaign was designed to
skew international public opinion and garner more support for the war globally.

Singapore: Radicals using online space to spread influence

Other than spreading propaganda, disinformation

also often radicalises individuals.

The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is a militant

group that wants to conquer land to form its own
nation. It is notorious for its radicalisation efforts
through online platforms such as Discord and TikTok.
It goes online to recruit individuals, especially young
people, from all over the world.

Usually, its videos are edited in a cinematic style that

portrays the militants as heroes who stand up against
oppressors. Such delusions of grandeur or even “heroism” could be enticing to impressionable
young people hungering for a sense of purpose and affirmation, said clinical psychologist Carol
Balhetchet in a 2021 Straits Times article (https://str.sg/bsav).

Singapore has not been spared from such self-radicalisation. In December 2022, an 18-year-old
student was detained after he made plans to participate in armed violence in Singapore and
abroad in support of ISIS.

41
The self-radicalised teen had declared Coney Island as his “caliphate” after planting a self-made
flag, designed based on the flag of an Al-Qaeda-linked terrorist organisation, on Aug 9, 2022,
and had wanted to attack an army camp and a mosque, among other plans.

ISIS’s propaganda does not only influence young people. A 38-year-old Ministry of Education
teacher fell for ISIS’s propaganda too. He was detained in October 2022 for planning to travel to
Palestine and engage in armed combat.

Sources: BBC, Vice, The Straits Times, Oxford Languages, Tracking Exposed, Business Insider, Gov.UK, Ministry of Home Affairs
Singapore, Vox, NowThisOriginals, The Guardian, Washington Post

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Experts weigh in on how to
filter out fake information
By SERENE LUO

Fake information is increasingly hitting close to

home – and your pockets as well. Whether to
sway opinions, to gain popularity, or just to sell
more products, misleading info has been used
on everyone’s favoured platforms – Telegram,
TikTok and Discord, to name a few.

Even artificial intelligence is not foolproof.

ChatGPT, the AI chatbot that has recently been
making waves worldwide, is also capable of
muddling up facts and making nonsensical
claims because it produces answers by making
guesses based on the source material it
“trained” on, which is not infallible.

To figure out what you read is legitimate, follow

this advice from experts based in Singapore and worldwide.

What role can various groups or people play in becoming more aware or to build resilience
against fake news or foreign interference campaigns?

(For individuals) it (is) crucial to widen the basket of media sources we consume so that we aren’t
limiting ourselves to perspectives put forward by just a select few media outlets. The media landscape
we are exposed to now is global in nature, and there is a lot of information out there that we can turn
to, to verify what we've seen and/or heard.

We are no longer passive audiences that have a single version of reality imposed on us, which we must
contend with and accept as the truth. When faced with information that our gut is telling us does not
seem right – perhaps because it doesn't make sense to us or does not align with what we know from
our previous experiences or existing knowledge – we should feel empowered to seek out the truth.

Dr Wu Shangyuan, a lecturer from the department

of communications and new media, National University of Singapore

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Media platforms and news agencies have built and are building tools to filter non-informative
content. The wire agency AFP, for instance, has developed Invid to check the origin of videos.
The recent international investigation on foreign influence in media has highlighted the complexity of
the issue. From direct influence to false content, there are many ways through which the problem can
arise.

So, on top of ad-hoc plug-ins and tools to help journalists circumnavigate dodgy material, the other
tools for the media-companies’ toolbox are regular training and codes of practices. It can go as far as
rating systems where media companies can prove their trustworthiness, with evaluation systems such
as Newsguard or Journalism Trust Initiative.

Mr Etienne Millien, journalist and director of the

French publishers’ association for media literacy, APEM, which represents 800 publications

On the part of corporations or governments that encounter such fake news or hostile information
campaigns, it is important for them to act in a timely and decisive manner to provide corrections to
such misinformation, offering truthful narratives set in data and evidence, to ensure that falsehoods
are corrected as soon as possible and that the fake news isn’t allowed to spread further and cause
greater confusion and conflict…

Where information is collected by one country that may impact another, there should be open
channels of communication between them to facilitate this information exchange.

Dr Wu

First, recognise fake news as a non-traditional regional security problem. Disinformation can further
deepen societal divisions. Asean governments, particularly defence and intelligence agencies, should
also enhance information exchange and share best practices for combatting disinformation.

Second, individual Asean states should be fearless in articulating the concerns of misinformation in
international fora involving major powers… this is a way to exercise Asean agency and ensure that
external interests will not strain domestic stability.

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Finally, build open dialogue with civil society, media, and technology providers on acceptable
behaviours in the digital space. This helps to establish cyber norms that will help Asean create a safe,
open, and positive cyberspace for its people.

Ms Melinda Martinus, lead researcher at the Asean Studies Centre,

Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute, a research centre based in Singapore

What suggestions do you have for teenagers on how they could be more discerning when it
comes to misinformation or disinformation they see online? What tips could you share?

Content that triggers a violent or excessive reaction should immediately raise a red flag in your head. If
you have a passionate reaction (rage, extreme excitement, very deep sadness) you should be
suspicious as it is likely that the person providing this content is focusing on generating such emotion.
They are targeting your passion, not your reason. Why would they do that ? Because the more
passionate you are, the more engaged you become, and it is therefore easier to lead you to a specific
point of view, usually a radical one…

You are a clever person, ask yourself why you react a certain way to some content and do take a
second before acting on it (sharing, commenting).

If discovering that a piece of content triggers some form of engagement, ask yourself why. Is this useful
to me? Does it help me understand the world better, or am I doing someone’s bidding by letting my
passion take over my reason?

Mr Millien

Learn how to do journalism yourself from excellent coaches. That gives you a natural advantage when
looking at any content – as a judge about whether it is worth sharing with your audience, rather than
as the usual potential victim of potentially bad info.

This doesn’t mean that you want to become a journalist, but learning how they approach information
for news and then express themselves, those behaviours, if you will, are useful for approaching content
and expressing oneself in almost any context about most anything. And it’s the coaching from people
who know how to do and teach solid journalism that’s key, not simply creating your own content.

Dr Aralynn Abare McMane, executive director, Global Youth & News Media, a France-based
international non-profit that aims to bring together news media and the young in ways that also
support society and the planet. She suggests looking to resources including News Decoder, a
France-based news service, Youth Journalism International, in the US, or The Straits Times.
45
Who’s who in the
world of Global alliances
DEBRA ANN FRANCISCO takes a closer look at the international groupings that develop
close ties and offer mutual benefits.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan giving a speech at a reception to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Forum of Small
States in 2022. PHOTO: MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Just as good friendships offer support in bad times, encourage positive behaviour and build
confidence, so too are international friendships founded on such benefits. Alliances between
nations are forged on the same desires to promote security, economic cooperation, shared
values, and cultural ties. IN looks at the international alliances that have offered their members
the benefits of diplomacy.

NATO: The alliance that guarantees security for its members

The Nato (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) is an intergovernmental military alliance of 30

countries that border the North Atlantic Ocean – 28 European and two North American
countries. The Republic of North Macedonia became Nato’s 30th member in 2020.

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How it came to be
In 1947, the US suggested the concept of a “western union” that would include the United
States, the United Kingdom and France. The other European countries were interested in being
part of the alliance as well in the post-war years as a collective defence against the threat of
expansion in Europe by the former Soviet Union.

On April 4, 1949, the foreign ministers from 12 countries signed the North Atlantic Treaty. They
were from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands,
Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Notable conflicts that Nato troops have been involved in include the war in Afghanistan after
the attacks on American soil on Sept 11, 2001, and the Iraq War from 2003 to 2011.

Recent events
Nato’s latest challenge is 2022’s invasion of Ukraine by Russia. The invasion happened after
weeks of fruitless diplomatic efforts by Western leaders to avoid war.

Nato has said that it will continue to respond to Russian threats and actions in a united and
responsible way. It has also condemned the unprovoked aggression against Ukraine, which is an
independent and democratic country.

G20: The friendship group concerned with economic stability

The Group of 20, or G20, is an international body that promotes economic cooperation
between 20 of the world’s largest economies. They meet regularly to coordinate global policies
on trade, health, and climate. The body also invites several guest countries to join the meetings.

G20 members come from 19 countries and the European Union; notably Australia, China,
Germany, India, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These nations
represent over 75 per cent of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population.

Singapore, although not a G20 member, was invited to participate in 2010, 2011 and from 2013
to 2023. The G20 presidency rotates annually among the member nations. India holds the
current presidency of the G20.

There are numerous working groups within the G20. Women20 (W20) is an example of an
engagement group which was launched in 2015 during the Turkish Presidency. W20 focuses on
“gender inclusive economic growth” to further the advancements of women in the workplace.

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How it came to be
The G20 was founded in 1999 after the Asian financial crisis of 1997-98 as an informal meeting
for the most important industrialised and developing economies to discuss international
economic and financial stability.

Previous G20 summits have addressed the 2008 financial crisis, and other pressing issues of
the day, including the Syrian civil war and the most recent economic challenges caused by the
Covid-19 pandemic.

Recent events
Similar to most friendships, disagreements do occur. G20 members struggled to find common
ground in perspectives on some economic issues and on the topic of the Russian invasion of
Ukraine at its most recent summit in Bali in 2022.

UN: The largest league for world peace

The United Nations (UN) is the world’s largest and probably the most familiar intergovernmental
organisation. It seeks to maintain international peace and security, and deepen friendships and
cooperation among member nations.

The UN also works to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need, protect human rights,
and uphold international law. It has set sustainable development goals for 2030 to fight climate
change and limit global warming.

It has 193 member states and two permanent non-member observer states of Palestine and
Vatican City. A country can only qualify to apply to be a member of the UN if it is an
independent country with an established government and must be recognised by the
international community as a sovereign state. Singapore was admitted to the UN on Sept 21,
1965.

The UN includes a whole host of specialised agencies, funds and programmes such as the World
Bank Group, the World Health Organisation, the World Food Programme, United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) and United Nations Children’s Fund
(Unicef).

How it came to be
On Jan 1, 1942, representatives of 26 Allied nations fighting against the Axis Powers met in
Washington, D.C. to pledge their support for the Atlantic Charter by signing the “Declaration by
United Nations”. It was the first official use of the term “United Nations”, which had been
suggested by then US President Franklin Roosevelt.

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At the end of World War II in 1945, representatives of 50 countries (led by countries such as the
United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union) gathered at the United Nations
Conference on International Organisation in San Francisco to draft and sign the UN Charter,
which created the new international organisation, and which would also hopefully prevent
another world war.

FOSS: Young grouping with a big voice

The Forum of Small States (FOSS) is an informal and non-ideological grouping of small states
which meets several times a year to discuss issues that pertain to small states and work together
to advance shared interests such as environmental and economic vulnerabilities. These
partnerships also enable small member states to have a bigger collective voice in the UN.

In 2015, Singapore launched the FOSS Fellowship Programme to foster better understanding
and closer cooperation among FOSS states. Under this programme, ambassadors based in cities
where FOSS branches exist are invited to Singapore for study visits, where they can exchange
views on development challenges with Singapore’s leaders and policymakers.

FOSS comprises 108 countries. The first members of the FOSS include countries such as
Honduras, Jamaica, Uruguay, Botswana, Bahrain, Mongolia, and Malta. Singapore has served as
Chair of FOSS since 1992.

How it came to be
FOSS came about from an observation by Singapore diplomats that small states, which formed
the majority of the membership in the UN, tended to be disadvantaged because they were
proportionally under-represented on boards of the UN specialised agencies.

Singapore first mooted the idea of the FOSS and established it in 1992. It has always taken the
view that small states face immense challenges, especially in the face of recent external
conflicts and tensions between other countries.

Uncertainties and threats can pose grave dangers to the economies, societies, and very
existence of small states like Singapore, which would be vulnerable when faced with such
shocks.

Sources: Nato, The Straits Times, G20, Kids Britannica, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prime Minister’s Office, United Nations, Council of
Foreign Relations

49
Young talents ready to
shine in ‘contest of skills’
DEBRA ANN FRANCISCO lists the highlights of the WorldSkills Asean Competition in
Singapore which you can visit in July.

Ms Regina Chia competing in her skill area of health and social care at the WorldSkills Competition in 2019. She was given scenarios to
respond to, such as having to treat a patient who had suffered a stroke and could not speak. PHOTO: WORLDSKILLS SINGAPORE

Come July 2023, Singapore will host the WorldSkills Asean Competition (WAC) for the first time.
Held over three days, from July 23 to 25, the 13th edition of the competition will be held at the
Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre.

The WAC is a biennial competition where young talents around South-east Asia gather to
showcase their skills and talents in various categories. The competitors are selected from
national skills competitions held in their respective Asean member countries, which take turns to
host the competition.

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First held in 1995 in Malaysia, the WAC also aims to drive young people to develop and upgrade
their skills in the Asean region to an international level. It provides an opportunity for the
exchange of knowledge, expertise and experience among delegates from member nations.
Singapore took part in its first WAC in Kuala Lumpur in 2008, and it has been participating in it
ever since.

This year’s competition will see over 260 top youth talents from the 10 Asean members
competing in 22 skills areas. Visitors to the competition will be able to watch the young talents
showcase their flair and skills in areas such as cooking, graphic design technology, the Internet of
Things and mobile robotics.

A special feature of WorldSkills Asean Singapore 2023 is the “One School – One Country”
programme, the goal of which is to encourage cultural exchanges between countries. This year
on July 21, nine secondary schools will participate in the programme where they will be paired
with competitors from Asean countries. This cultural experience will provide local students with
a greater awareness of professional skilled careers in the commercial and industrial sectors, and
aims to raise the profile of skills, and skilled careers among young people.

At the same time, in conjunction with the WAC, there will be an Education and Career Guidance
(ECG) fair held at the same venue.

At the exhibition booths, students can look forward to learning more about sectors such as
manufacturing and engineering technology, infocomm technology, social and personal services,
transportation and logistics, and creative arts and fashion. Industry partners will be there to
share information about career opportunities and engage them in interactive activities, and talks.

Students who visit the ECG Exploration Space Booth will get to participate in activities that can
help them to explore multiple education and career pathways. They can also visit the Try-a-Skill
booths to attempt modified versions of the skills competition.

The ECG Fair is open to the public on July 23, while registered secondary school students have
been invited to visit the ECG Fair on July 24 and 25.

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