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The Star

Wong maps bold global playbook

A rock in a storm: Wong swearing in as Singapore's Prime Minister at the Istana in Singapore. — Reuters The new government's first priority is to secure for Singapore an assured place in a changed world, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. With major world powers reassessing strategies and shifting positions to gain the upper hand, competition is intensifying, and smaller nations risk being caught in the crossfire, or being cut out of the conversation altogether, he warned. 'Singapore will not stand still. We cannot afford to be passive. We must be clear-eyed, proactive and adapt nimbly to the shifting dynamics,' he said on Friday, at the swearing-in ceremony of his new Cabinet at the Istana. In a world that is more uncertain and unpredictable than before, the conditions that once underpinned success are shifting, Wong said. 'The rules-based international order, which formed the foundation for peace, security and free trade, is fraying. 'Multilateral cooperation is gi­­ving way to a tangle of bilateral and transactional deals, where might often makes right.' He added: 'Our goal is not just to navigate this uncertain world, but to help shape it for the better – by working with like-minded partners, upholding shared principles and values, so that small nations too have a place under the sun.' This will be done on several fronts. The government will deepen Singapore's relations with the major powers, especially the United States and China. 'We will stay friends with both, without being caught in their rivalry. We will engage openly and honestly with each, in a consistent and principled manner. 'Where our interests align, we will work with them. Where they do not, we will stand firm and protect Singapore's security and sovereignty,' he said. The republic will also strengthen its ties with friends near and far, while seeking new ones in parts of the world such as Africa and South America where it does not yet have much presence, Wong added. The government will also work with tripartite partners to develop a new economic blueprint for the next phase. 'We will work closely with NTUC to support our workers and job seekers, so that every Singa­porean who is prepared to work is able to secure a job and progress in their careers,' he added. Beyond immediate concerns, the government will also prepare Singapore for the future. It will accelerate the nation's transition to cleaner energy and create smarter, more connected and greener homes for all Singaporeans. The new government will continue to engage Singaporeans from all walks of life, and actively involve them in creating and implementing solutions. 'This is how my team and I will govern – in partnership with Singa­poreans. Everyone will have a say in shaping our way forward and building our shared future,' said Wong. — The Straits Times/ANN