Debate on President’s speech: Sim Ann on vigilance against foreign interference

Singapore faces greater risks, narrowed room for manoeuvre and sharpened trade-offs in its foreign policy decisions, said Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs Sim Ann. Speaking in parliament on Tuesday (Sep 23), she stressed the need to stay vigilant against foreign interference as advanced digital tools have supercharged the ability of foreign actors to mount hostile information campaigns to advance their interests. With a diverse population that is highly digitally connected, Singapore is an attractive and vulnerable target, she said. The Ministry of Home Affairs has taken preventive measures and plans to update and strengthen the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act to address foreign interference threats. Ms Sim urged Singaporeans to remain alert to the possibility of external attempts to influence their country’s politics, policies and way of life.