Official Visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong to Negara Brunei Darussalam for the 9th Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme, 11 to 14 December 2023

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong is in Negara Brunei Darussalam with a delegation of Singapore political office-holders for the 9^th Young Leaders’ Programme (YLP).

  DPM Wong witnessed the commissioning of KDB AL-FARUQ, the second of two ex-Fearless-class Patrol Vessels transferred from the Republic of Singapore Navy to the Royal Brunei Navy. The commissioning ceremony was officiated by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office of Negara Brunei Darussalam, at the Muara Naval Base. In March this year, the commissioning ceremony of the first patrol vessel (KDB AS-SIDDIQ) was officiated by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam and witnessed by Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen. The transfer of the two Patrol Vessels reflects the close and longstanding defence cooperation between Singapore and Brunei, which is a key pillar of our special relationship.

DPM Wong also delivered a special lecture on bilateral relations to Bruneian leaders, senior officials, academics and students at the Brunei Prime Minister’s Office. DPM Wong spoke about the strategic importance of the longstanding Singapore-Brunei relationship and how both countries remain important partners to this day. DPM Wong also reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to ensure the next generation of leaders will continue to push the partnership to even greater heights. DPM stressed the need for Singapore and Brunei to work together to create new economic opportunities for our peoples, promote sustainable development, and shape a rules-based regional architecture where all countries, small and large, can thrive.

DPM Wong, Mrs Wong, and delegation will have a morning walk and breakfast with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Billah and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah at the Abode eco-resort in Temburong tomorrow, before returning to Singapore.

.    .    .    .    .

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

13 DECEMBER 2023

.    .    .    .    .

TRANSCRIPT OF SPEECH BY DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER LAWRENCE WONG

ON SINGAPORE-BRUNEI SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP

13 DECEMBER 2023

Honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen

1.             I am happy to be back in Brunei for the second time this year, at the invitation of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, to co-chair the Young Leaders Programme or YLP.

2.             The YLP was conceived in 2012 by His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and PM Lee Hsien Loong to develop familiarity and friendships between the younger leaders of our two countries.

a.      SM (then DPM) Teo Chee Hean used to lead the Singapore delegation for the YLP.  In fact, I was part of the very first YLP, as the then-Acting Minister (CCY).

b.      A decade later, I am glad to lead the Singapore delegation for this year’s YLP.  I have invited SM Teo to join us, to provide continuity. I have also brought younger colleagues from Singapore to be part of the delegation, so we can continue to build close personal ties between the leadership teams of our two countries.

c.      I thank my co-chair HRH Crown Prince Billah, and all our Bruneian friends, especially Pehin Halbi Yussof and Dato Amin Liew, for their warm hospitality and excellent arrangements for the visit. You have given us a very good programme, a chance to have social interaction with our counterparts – we had a bowling game yesterday; we had an audience with His Majesty, a luncheon with his Royal Highness the Crown Prince; we had the chance to meet many people. We really appreciate all that you have put together, including the many meals you have hosted us to. Thank you very much.

3.             The special relationship between Brunei and Singapore was built decades ago by the late Seri Begawan and Mr Lee Kuan Yew.

a.      Theirs was a friendship forged by the profound shared experiences of their time.

b.      The steps each side took towards independence for our countries.

c.      The shared belief that our hard-won independence and sovereignty could only be sustained through determination and grit, and by working with like-minded countries like each other.

4.             Ever since, our bilateral relations have grown from strength to strength, especially since we have so much in common.

a.      Brunei and Singapore are the two smallest countries in ASEAN.

b.      We are both heavily dependent on external trade.

c.      We both place a high premium on a stable and rules-based international order, because that is the basis for our prosperity and growth.

d.      That’s why there’s such a strong and natural affinity between our two countries. This has enabled our friendship to endure through the decades, and helped us flourish as two sovereign nations.

A Dangerous and Fragmented World

5.             Next year, we mark the 40^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries. It is an opportunity to celebrate our many achievements, to renew our bonds of friendship, and to chart the next bound of our special relationship. 

6.             It is timely for us to do so because we are entering a different world – one which is more dangerous and fragmented, and less hospitable to small states like ours.

a.     We can see troubling developments all around us.

b.    In Europe, the war in Ukraine has been raging on for nearly 2 years, with no resolution in sight.

c.     In the Middle East, the conflict between Israel and Hamas is entering its third month, and is causing immense suffering for the people of Gaza.  The violence also threatens to escalate into a wider conflict in the region.

d.    Here in Asia, we are fortunate to have enjoyed peace for more than 50 years since the end of the Vietnam war.  But things can easily go wrong.  Although both superpowers, China and the US, do not want a conflict, there are tensions and risks in this part of the world, because of the cross-strait situation, as well as rival claims in the South China Sea. Accidents and miscalculations can easily happen. 

7.             These geopolitical uncertainties are also weighing on the global economy.

a. In the past, free trade was actively promoted around the world, as part of win-win cooperation, and for global shared prosperity.

  b. Now, trade is shaped not just by economic logic, but also by geopolitical alignment and national security.  The major powers are taking active steps to rebuild their industrial capacity and shore up their own security.  Countries are near-shoring and friend-shoring to build more resilient supply chains.  Companies are adding in more redundancy and taking steps to reduce disruption risks. We are operating in a very different global economy from the past few decades.

8.             Meanwhile, climate change continues to loom large.  Countries around the world have taken steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  But these steps still fall far short of what would be necessary to stabilise the climate at between 1.5~2degrees of warming.  That is the threshold beyond which many scientists expect to see irreversible tipping points in terms of global warming. In fact, we are already experiencing more frequent extreme weather events.  If we continue on the current trajectory, we are likely to see more weather changes as well as an escalating environmental and climate disaster.  We hope it is not too late to prevent this from happening. But we have to be prepared for worst case scenarios, including the impact of rising sea levels on our low-lying coastal areas.

9.             In short, the world has become more fragmented and volatile, more dangerous – with more tail risks which can create significant uncertainties for all of us.

Strengthening our Partnership

10.          As small states, both Brunei and Singapore have to adapt to the world as it is, and not as we would like it to be.  But we are far from powerless.  Being small allows us to stay nimble and move quickly. We survive and thrive through our own wit and ingenuity.  Importantly, we work with like-minded partners to advance our shared interests.  For example, consider how four small countries, Brunei, Singapore, Chile and New Zealand or the P4, came together for a free trade agreement years ago. This set the stage for a much more ambitious Pacific Rim agreement, which became the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), and later the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), now one of the world’s largest free trade areas.

11.          So small states have agency; we can make things happen despite our small size.  That is why, in this big, dangerous world, it is essential for Singapore and Brunei to band together. As close friends, we must work together to manage risks proactively, and position ourselves well for the future.  

12.          Fortunately, we have built up a deep collaboration across a wide range of areas over the decades. This forms a very strong foundation for us to build upon.

13.          One good example is defence cooperation, which is a key pillar of our relationship. We established our longstanding defence relations in 1976, well before formal diplomatic ties were established when Brunei became independent in 1984. At that time, with the British scaling down their presence in Singapore and the region more generally, Singapore was rapidly developing our own military capabilities. Brunei was also keen to build up its own defence capabilities. So, we became natural partners in the security domain.

14.          Since then, our military-to-military interactions have deepened in scope and complexity.

a.      Today, we have regular exercises between all three services of our armed forces. Last year, our armies celebrated the 25th anniversary of Exercise Maju Bersama.

b.      This morning, I had the honour of attending the commissioning ceremony of a Patrol Vessel, the KDB AL-FARUQ, together with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Billah. This is the second Patrol Vessel which the Republic of Singapore Navy has transferred to the Royal Brunei Navy. It will further expand opportunities for cooperation in maritime security as well as naval training, engineering and logistics.

c.      Meanwhile, Singapore will always be appreciative of Brunei’s steadfast support for the SAF’s training at Temburong. Generations of Singaporean soldiers, including myself –  in fact all the males in my delegation – have trained in the jungles of Temburong. Once you have trained there, you will never forget the experience; it stays with you all your life. We have fond, lasting memories of our time training in Temburong, and I am sure subsequent generations of Singaporeans training there will likewise have similar memories.

d.      These interactions help enhance the professionalism of our two armed forces. More importantly, they also build trust and forge deep ties of friendship among our peoples.

15.           Another longstanding example of our partnership is the Currency Interchangeability Agreement.

a.      It is a very unique arrangement between our two countries, and it has withstood the test of time – surviving major economic disruptions, such as the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis and the 2008 Global Financial Crisis. 

b.      This policy of freely convertible currencies has benefited both our economies and peoples. It has eliminated foreign exchange rate risks and minimised transaction costs. It has facilitated the growth of trade and investments between our two countries.

16.          Beyond these two pillars, Singapore and Brunei collaborate across a whole range of areas, in health, education, culture, foreign affairs, just to name a few.  We saw this clearly during the Covid-19 pandemic over the last three years. Ministers from both sides regularly engaged one another throughout the pandemic, including over text and Whatsapp messages, to share information on the latest best practices to respond to the virus, and explore ways to support each other through that difficult time.

a.      We ensured that trade, especially of medically critical products, continued to flow unimpeded between our two countries.

b.      We helped each other optimise our respective Covid-19 vaccination schedules, by coordinating a mutually beneficial vaccine-swap of Moderna vaccines. 

c.      When Singapore decided to open up our borders and allow fully vaccinated travellers to enter Singapore without quarantine (i.e., Vaccinated Travel Lanes), Brunei was one of the first countries we opened up to.

17.          All these reflect the very close ties between our two countries. And last year, during His Majesty’s State Visit to Singapore, our bilateral relations took another step forward when we agreed to cooperate in several new areas of mutual interest.

18.          I am therefore confident that we can build on these very strong foundations to advance our shared interests, build even closer bonds, and forge a partnership that endures for all seasons. Let me suggest four broad areas where we can further strengthen our cooperation. 

19.          First, there is potential for closer ties to make our countries more resilient. Food security is one area where we are natural partners. Brunei has abundant land and natural resources, while Singapore imports almost all of our food. We already import seafood products from Brunei. Recently, we also accredited Brunei as a new source for eggs. There is scope to do more, including in areas like processed beef, poultry (or chicken), as well as agri-tech R&D.  Such cooperation will bring about mutual benefits for both sides.  It can enable Brunei to diversify its economy as part of its Brunei Vision 2035, and at the same time, provide Singapore with an additional reliable source of food imports. 

20.          Beyond food, we can also explore other areas of resilience. In particular, we can work together to strengthen our preparedness for future disease outbreaks and pandemic threats.  We can be sure there will be yet another disease outbreak in the future, and future pandemics to deal with. We can also improve our medical supply resilience, such as by facilitating the movement of medical products during times of emergency and crisis.

21.          Second, there is much we can do to support each other’s green transition.  Both our countries seek to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.  Achieving this goal will not be easy.  It will require a massive restructuring and transformation of our economies towards more low-carbon activities.  We therefore have a shared interest in working together and exchanging best practices.  In particular, Brunei has the potential to scale up deployment of renewable energy, especially solar. Singapore is looking to import renewable energy as well as green hydrogen. Both countries are also exploring solutions like carbon capture and storage, as well as carbon markets. There is therefore a lot for both sides to gain by stepping up cooperation in these areas.

22.          Third, as small countries, we should work together at regional and global fora to amplify our voices on the international stage.  We have always collaborated closely in ASEAN.  We should continue to push for greater ASEAN integration.  One way is deepening digital connectivity in Southeast Asia, by advancing the ASEAN Digital Framework Agreement or DEFA. We can also benefit from better infrastructure linkages in the region, for example, in transport and power grid connections.  A strong and united ASEAN will give us the best chance to secure continued peace, stability and prosperity for all of us and for the region. 

23.          Globally, our shared strategic outlook also makes our two countries natural partners at many international platforms.  We should work together to sustain and strengthen the rules-based international order. At the WTO, we can help to advance the discussions around outstanding issues like dispute settlement, shape the agenda for WTO reform, and strengthen the global consensus on free trade. We can also find ways to update multilateral institutions like the IMF and the World Bank, so that they are better equipped to deal with the global challenges of our time.

24.          Fourth, we must continue to engender more frequent and closer interaction with each other, and strengthen our people-to-people ties, because these people linkages are the foundation of our special relationship.

a.      We are doing this at the leadership level, and as I mentioned earlier, this started with the friendship between the late Seri Begawan and Mr Lee Kuan Yew.  The friendships and frequent interactions have continued with His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and successive PMs of Singapore – from Mr Goh Chok Tong to now Mr Lee Hsien Loong. And I assure you that it will continue under my watch.

b.      Over the past few days, I’ve had good meetings with His Majesty the Sultan, as well as High Royal Highness Crown Prince Billah. My colleagues in the delegation have also had the chance to get to know their counterparts better. Everyone in the leadership team in Singapore are fully invested in growing the special relationship with Brunei. 

25.          Apart from this, we should intensify exchanges between our two civil services, to share best practices and bring them closer together. Today, we conduct many exchanges and training with each other – I am sure many of the Bruneian officials in this room have either participated in the various programmes held in Singapore, or hosted visiting Singaporean counterparts here in Brunei.  In fact, we have with us today 10 participants of the Brunei-Singapore Defence Scholars’ Interaction Programme, an exchange programme jointly organised by MINDEF-Singapore and MINDEF-Brunei to build ties between the future leaders of our armed forces. They have spent the past three days in Brunei meeting senior defence leaders from both sides, and learning about our common security challenges. 

26.          Recently, we took another step to deepen our civil service exchanges, with eight Bruneian civil servants starting yearlong attachments with Singapore government agencies. These are important initiatives that we want to continue to enhance as much as possible. 

27.          We should also broaden and strengthen exchanges amongst our youths.  Many of us in this room would probably appreciate and understand the importance of the special relationship between our two countries.  But younger Bruneians and Singaporeans may be less familiar with our historical circumstances, the its strategic imperatives of our two countries coming together, or they may even take the special bond we share for granted.

a.      We should therefore make an extra effort to encourage more exchanges between our youths, and to nurture youth leaders on both sides so that they will have a broad understanding of our history, culture as well as  strategic imperatives and perspectives.

b.      We are bringing our students together through the Brunei Darussalam-Singapore Youth Education Scholarship, and will soon welcome a second batch of students in Singapore this month.  For our young adults, we have the Singapore-Brunei Youth Leaders Exchange Programme, which we take turns to host, and Singapore is happy to host next year. These are all important platforms which we must continue to develop and grow.

Conclusion

28.          As small states, Singapore and Brunei will always share similar interests and concerns. In a world increasingly beset by turbulence and volatility, both of us have stood as bastions of peace and stability. Working hand in hand, we have defied the odds of history to succeed. We have built a deep reservoir of mutual trust and respect for each other. 

29.          The 40^th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year is an occasion for us to celebration.  But we should not just look back and take stock of what we have achieved. We must also look forward – to set new and more ambitious targets for cooperation, and to renew and strengthen our partnership for the next bound.

30.          Together, we can navigate the challenges ahead, and create many more opportunities for shared growth and prosperity. Together, we can take the special Singapore-Brunei relationship to even greater heights and ensure our partnership endures for all seasons.

.    .    .    .    .

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong witnessed the commissioning ceremony for the Patrol Vessel KDB AL-FARUQ, officiated by His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, 13 December 2023. (Photo Credit: Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI)).

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong and His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah with officers from the Republic of Singapore Navy and Royal Brunei Navy, 13 December 2023. (Photo Credit: MCI)

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong’s Special Lecture on Singapore-Brunei relationship at the Brunei Prime Minister’s Office, 13 December 2023. (Photo Credit: MCI)

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong engaging Bruneian audience in a Q&A session moderated by Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Brunei Prime Minister’s Office Dr Dayang Hajah Huraini, 13 December 2023. (Photo Credit: MCI)