S’pore must strengthen defences against evolving foreign interference tactics: Sim Ann

As foreign interference tactics evolve and grow in sophistication, Singapore has to strengthen its defences against these threats, said Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Sim Ann.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will amend Singapore’s foreign interference law to strengthen the levers to address such operations, she added.

Joining the debate on the President’s Address on Sept 23, Ms Sim said the ubiquitous digital environment and advanced digital tools have “supercharged” the ability of foreign actors to mount hostile information campaigns at scale, with speed and precision.

“With a diverse population that is highly digitally connected, Singapore is an attractive and vulnerable target,” she added.

She cited how MHA had used the foreign interference law in July 2024 to block a network of accounts alleging that Singapore was in the pocket of a foreign actor that was behind the selection of the Republic’s fourth-generation leader.

The network could have been used to mount other hostile information campaigns against Singapore, Ms Sim noted.

It was linked to exiled Chinese businessman and convicted fraudster Guo Wengui.

The Government invoked the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act (Fica) again in October 2024 to block 10 websites masquerading as local sites.

Ms Sim said traditional methods of interference have also continued, through local and influential proxies.

In 2024, the US arrested and charged a former analyst at the Central Intelligence Agency over allegedly acting as an agent for a foreign country.

Meanwhile, an Australian businessman was jailed in 2024 after he was convicted of attempting to influence a former federal minister to advance the aims of Beijing.

Ms Sim said Singapore is not immune to such foreign interference. MHA has thus taken preventive measures like defining those who are directly involved in the nation’s political processes as “politically significant persons” under Fica.

Transparency requirements and reporting are imposed on this group of individuals, said Ms Sim, who is also Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

She told the House that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is stepping up engagement efforts with students, youth and businesses to help them better understand Singapore’s operating context and foreign policy considerations.

Singaporeans should remain alert to possible attempts to influence the nation’s foreign policy through manipulating public sentiments or spreading misinformation, she cautioned.

“Always question what you see, hear or read – ask where the information came from, is it true and what is the intent,” she said.

The ultimate defence against foreign interference is an aware and discerning people, Ms Sim said.

“We must, as a nation and as a people, be alive to attempts by foreign actors to interfere in our politics, policies and way of life. Legislative levers can only do so much.”

In her speech, Ms Sim also set out geopolitical shifts affecting Singapore, including the great power competition between the US and China.

Conflicts are also weighing heavily on the global system, and make cooperation more difficult.

A rise in nationalism and protectionism has resulted in the fragmentation of global trade and technology ecosystems.

This in turn has put multilateralism and rules-based international trade under considerable strain, she said.

Singapore, as a global business hub with an open economy, is facing greater risks, less room to manoeuvre and sharpened trade-offs in its foreign policy decisions, she added.

“In the face of these geopolitical shifts, it would be natural to wonder whether Singapore’s foreign policy should change significantly. But in fact, Singaporeans can expect more continuity rather than change,” said Ms Sim.

She said Singapore has remained consistent in being a trusted friend and honest broker to its partners, adding value where it can while accepting the limitations of being a small country.

The Republic will double down on existing international partnerships and networks, Ms Sim said.

It will ensure relationships with its immediate neighbours – Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei – remain strong, wide-ranging and forward-looking, she said, adding that Asean remains a cornerstone of Singapore’s foreign policy.

The country will continue to build strong relations with the US and China, and deepen strategic relationships with other partners such as Japan, South Korea, India, the European Union, Australia and New Zealand, she said.

She also outlined efforts to build new partnerships in emerging growth regions such as Africa, Central Asia, the Middle East and South America.

While the rules-based international order may be under strain, many countries – Singapore among them – still believe there is more to be gained from cooperation than contestation, Ms Sim said.

This is why the Republic will continue to support multilateral institutes and enhance international law, she said, adding that it actively contributes to the development of global norms.

It will also continue to take up leadership roles in international bodies where it has significant expertise, she added, citing the International Civil Aviation Organisation, International Maritime Organisation, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs and World Intellectual Property Organisation.

Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction.

MHA to boost laws to tackle drugs, foreign threats, road safety concerns