Remarks by Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Education Dr Maliki Osman at the Canada-in-Asia Conference Opening Plenary on 22 February 2023

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Second Minister for Education Dr Maliki Osman participated in the Canada-in-Asia Conference on 22 February 2023 in Singapore.

The transcript of the statement delivered by Minister Maliki is appended.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

22 FEBRUARY 2023

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The Honorable Mary Ng,

Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development

Ms Martine Biron,

Minister of International Relations of Quebec

Mr Jeff Nankivell,

President of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada

Mr Paul Davidson,

President of Universities Canada

Prof. Lily Kong,

President of Singapore Management University

Distinguished guests

Ladies and gentlemen, a very good morning.

1 It is my pleasure to join you for the launch of the Canada-in-Asia Conference here in Singapore. I thank the organisers - Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and Universities Canada - for putting together what promises to be an expansive showcase of the many unique opportunities this region presents for Canadian companies and institutions.

2 This conference, which emphasises the importance of cross-Pacific links and deepening exchanges, could not have come at a more timely moment. It has become somewhat fashionable to unwind international connections. People are losing faith in globalisation as its benefits were not pitched adequately, and those disadvantaged were not adequately taken care of. Nativist sentiments around the world are growing. The rules-based multilateral system is being severely eroded, as geopolitical rivalry sharpens. However, our experience with the COVID-19 pandemic shows that multilateral cooperation is the only way forward - no one is safe until all of us are safe.

3 The external environment has a profound impact on Singapore, our livelihoods, and our way of life. To put things in perspective, we are a nation state slightly larger than the city of Toronto in total land mass. We had our independence thrust upon us in 1965, and were immediately confronted with the need to make ourselves open and relevant to the world. We began as a trading nation and embraced globalisation from the very beginning. Our trade is now more than three times our GDP.

4 And so, despite the push back against globalisation, Singapore is doubling down on our international connections. We ensure that our policies are business friendly, our workforce is skilled, and our legal and regulatory systems are transparent and trusted, so that businesses looking to expand in the region can rely on us. We are also working with partners internationally to facilitate growth of the green and digital economies.

5 So, we welcome you and I thank you for choosing Singapore as your gateway to Asia. I encourage you to explore the brimming potential and opportunities, and Southeast Asia in particular has to offer.

a.      Southeast Asia remains a bright spot in the post pandemic global economy. We are a dynamic region with enormous potential.

b.     We collectively enjoy a rich demographic dividend, with a population of about 700 million – half of them are below the age of 35.

c.      In aggregate, ASEAN is the fifth-largest economy in the world. Our combined GDP of US$3.3 trillion is projected to double, if not quadruple, over the next two decades, making ASEAN a key global economic tent pole in a multipolar world.

d.     Last year, ASEAN and Canada committed to establishing a Strategic Partnership, and I am sure that this will bring about even more opportunities for deeper engagement.

Singapore-Canada relations

6 Singapore and Canada are like-minded partners in many ways. We are partners in multilateral platforms such as ASEAN, APEC, and the World Trade Organization, where we work together in the Ottawa Group to strengthen and update the rules-based multilateral trading system. During the pandemic, Singapore and Canada were among a small group of countries that committed to maintaining open and connected supply chains. We are also partners in the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership), where Members have committed to pursue deeper economic integration for the benefit of businesses, workers, and consumers. Singapore is working closely with Canada on its accession to the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement, or DEPA. Singapore and Canada also enjoy good cooperation on climate change issues, including through Singapore’s participation in the Ministerial on Climate Action, the US-Canada Greening Government Initiative, and the Powering Past Coal Alliance.

7 Bilaterally, Canada is the seventh largest source of foreign direct investment in Singapore. Investment stock stood at over S$90 billion in 2021, primarily in the financial and insurance sector, like manufacturing, and the wholesale and retail trade sectors. We have over 1,300 Canadian companies registered in Singapore, a ten-fold increase over the past decade.

8 On the defence and security front, Canada’s Defence Minister is an active participant in the annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. In line with our shared desire for an open and inclusive regional security architecture, the ASEAN Defence Ministers will welcome the commencement of Canada’s participation in the ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group Observership Programme in 2023.

9 Education links is another part, an important part, of the growing Singapore-Canada relationship. In my other capacity at the Ministry of Education, I have been happy to support the growing collaboration between Singapore’s Autonomous Universities and Canadian tertiary institutions like the University of Calgary, University of British Columbia, and McGill University. These partnerships are producing impactful research and innovative solutions for our modern-day challenges. One example is the joint NTU-UBC Research Centre of Excellence in Active Living for the Elderly, which was set up to develop artificial intelligence technology to enable the elderly to lead active and independent lives. Our students have also benefited immensely from these institutional partnerships. Through the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development, or the SEED programme, tertiary students and mid-career professionals from the ASEAN region, including Singapore, receive scholarships to pursue their studies in Canada in fields aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. More importantly, such collaboration allows our younger generation to connect and work together, appreciate each other’s background and perspectives and find common solutions for challenges that their generation will face.

10 In the face of global challenges, conferences like this forge greater understanding and meaningful interaction between our peoples and businesses. Globalisation has reduced the distance between us. It is up to us to harness the continued potential it offers. I wish you all the very best, as you build your networks and explore new opportunities in Singapore and our region.

11 Thank you. Have a great conference.

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