MFA Press Statement: Visit of Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Culture, Community and Youth Mr Sam Tan to Reykjavik, Iceland from 11 to 14 October 2013

Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Culture, Community and Youth Mr Sam Tan called on President Grímsson on 12 October 2013, when he passed President Grímsson a copy of Mr Lee Kuan Yew's "One Man's View of the World". [Photo: MFA]
 

Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Culture, Community and Youth Mr Sam Tan led the Singapore delegation to attend the inaugural Arctic Circle Forum (ACF) in Reykjavik, Iceland from 11 to 14 October 2013 at the invitation of Icelandic President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson.

At the ACF, Mr Tan delivered a speech on “Singapore in the Arctic”.  It outlined Singapore’s areas of potential cooperation with Arctic states, including environmental protection, the development of a safe Arctic region, sustainable economic development and the development of human capital.  The text of Mr Tan’s speech is appended.

Mr Tan also called on President Grímsson, during which they discussed possible areas of bilateral cooperation between Singapore and Iceland as well as issues related to the Arctic.  Mr Tan will also call on Icelandic Foreign Minister Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson and meet Icelandic Members of Parliament.

Mr Tan departs for Singapore tomorrow.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
14 OCTOBER 2013

Text of Senior Parliamentary Secretary Tan’s speech at the Arctic Circle Forum on 12 October 2013

“SINGAPORE IN THE ARCTIC”

His Excellency Ólafur Grímsson, President of Iceland;

Board Members and advisers;

1        It is my pleasure to be here in Iceland to attend the inaugural Arctic Circle Forum. Thank you very much for inviting Singapore to this event.

Introduction

2        This Forum has garnered a lot of attention since it was first proposed earlier this year.  As an inclusive arena for all interested countries and organisations to discuss Arctic development and opportunities, the Forum has attracted many representatives from different backgrounds, interests, and ideas.  This shows that the Arctic is an increasingly important region not just for the Arctic states, but also for the whole world.   

3        In the face of a changing environment, we note that the sustainable development of the Arctic is of utmost importance.  Singapore, as a small, low-lying island state that is reliant on seaborne trade, can be greatly influenced by what happens in the Arctic region.

4        Singapore’s Arctic engagement began in 2009, following a study into the implications of Arctic developments on Singapore.  Thus began a series of visits and discussions with experts in the field, which helped Singapore identify the concerns and challenges facing the Arctic region, the environment and its indigenous communities.  This is why we applied to be an observer in the Arctic Council, and why we are participating in this inaugural Arctic Circle Forum.  As the newest kid on the block, we hope to continue to learn from our friends.

5        Singapore aims to contribute positively and meaningfully to the work that is being done in the Arctic region.  We look forward to leveraging Singapore’s experience to dovetail the priorities of the work that is being done on the Arctic region.  Here, we have identified four areas that Singapore intends to focus on:

a.     environmental protection;

b.     development of a safe Arctic region;

c.      sustainable economic development; and

d.     development of human capital.

Singapore’s Arctic Interests – Environment

6        Climate change and evidence of global warming are undeniable.  The melting of the Arctic sea-ice is becoming more and more rapid. Recent predictions forecast a rise of anywhere from 1 metre (3 feet) to 7 metres (23 feet) in sea-levels by the year 2100.  There are many varying predictions, but all point to the same conclusion – that if we continue with the current amounts of carbon emissions, the resultant effects will be devastating to mankind. 

7        This is of particular concern for Singapore.  The highest elevation in our low-lying island is the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve – a mere 163 metres above sea-level.  Geographical distance is not a factor when it comes to the global effects of climate change.  The melting of the Arctic sea-ice can pose a threat to our survival.  In other words, what happens in the high north can have implications for countries much nearer to the equator.

8        This is why we are serious about doing our part to address climate change.  Singapore has consistently strived to be energy efficient.   Our CO2 emissions per dollar GDP are among the lowest internationally, based on data published by the International Energy Agency.  The Asian Green City Index developed by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has also ranked Singapore as Asia's Greenest metropolis.

9        Although Singapore makes up less than 0.2% of global emissions, we are committed to play our part in the global fight against climate change.  Singapore has made an unconditional pledge to reduce our emissions by 7 to 11% below business-as-usual (BAU) level by 2020.  We are also studying how we can stabilise emissions beyond 2020, while continuing economic growth.

10        Climate change requires a global solution with every country playing its part to reduce emissions.  It is therefore important to provide support to build capacity in developing countries to those that need it.   Singapore is committed to sharing experience and know-how with other developing countries.

11        Singapore has also taken other steps in protecting the Arctic environment.  We are aware that Arctic migratory birds stop by our Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve and our Southern Islands during the winter season in the Arctic.  Our National Parks Board (NParks) and Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) are working with Arctic and other partners to track Arctic waterbirds’ migratory habits along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.

Singapore’s Arctic Interests – Safe Arctic Region

12        It is equally important to open up the Arctic region through safe and responsible shipping. We believe that this can be achieved through an international rules-based framework for Arctic shipping that is based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Singapore is therefore working with the Arctic states and other maritime partners through the International Maritime Organization to develop a Polar Code. This will regulate the safety of ships operating in polar waters.

13        Singapore is situated along one of the most important sea lines of communication, the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS), and about 120,000 vessels call at our port each year. We are thus very conscious of the importance of working with our neighbours and the international maritime community to ensure the safety of navigation and the protection of the marine environment in our region.

14         Besides international cooperation, there is also a need for adequate and reliable infrastructure to deliver swift and effective emergency response to maritime emergencies in the Arctic.  The Arctic region is a fragile environment with harsh climatic conditions.  In the event of maritime accidents such as an oil spill, quick and effective responses will be necessary to minimise any environmental damage.  Likewise, there is a need to have in place a swift Search and Rescue system to minimise the loss of lives.  I note with sadness the tragic loss of lives of the three men who died in a helicopter crash in the Northwest Passage last month (September 9).  Singapore stands ready to cooperate with the Arctic states and share our experiences on such emergency response plans.

Singapore’s Arctic Interests – Sustainable Economic Development

15        Economic development in the Arctic is no less important.  The Arctic is a resource-rich region – the United States Geological Survey estimates that 22% of the world’s oil and natural gas could be located beneath the Arctic.  Recently, UK exploration company Tullow Oil stumbled upon a reservoir off the far north of Norway which could contain 160 million barrels of oil.  There are also large gold, iron, and zinc mines in the region.  Arctic fisheries also supply the world with a large amount of fish. 

16        Singapore has no interest – nor do we have the resources or capability – for natural resource exploration and development.  However, we do have the technical knowledge to develop tools for the Arctic.  Singapore was the first Asian country to construct icebreakers.  A Singapore company, Keppel Corp, is also one of the world’s leaders in offshore rig construction, and has completed ice-class rigs for Arctic oil and gas industries.  They are now looking into the construction of a new, environmentally-friendly “green” rig.  In this way, we can contribute to the sustainable economic development of the Arctic.

17        Arctic research is also an important component of Singapore’s Arctic interests.  The NUS Centre for Offshore Research and Engineering and the Singapore Maritime Institute have either conducted or are interested to conduct research on the Arctic.  It is imperative that we gain a deeper understanding, which would help us adapt to the changing environment and contribute to the ongoing research already taking place on the region.

Singapore’s Arctic Interests – Human capital

18        During our visits to the various Arctic regions such as Iqaluit, Nuuk and Rovaniemi, we learned about the key role indigenous peoples play in the development of the Arctic region.  While it is easy for outsiders to see the Arctic as merely a barren, icy place with polar bears, the Arctic is actually a rich, diverse region full of tradition, culture, heritage, and life.  However, the rapidly changing face of the Arctic has also brought inevitable changes to these peoples’ lifestyles.

19        Singapore was once a developing country, without resources, struggling to survive.  Few people believed that we would make it, but we did.  Our founding fathers had the foresight to focus on developing human capital – to train, educate, and guide our people so that our country could develop economically, raise our productivity, and innovate.  We believe that the development of human capital is also important for the Arctic, to ensure that the indigenous communities can continue their lifestyle and adapt to these changes that have been thrust upon them.

20        In this regard, Singapore took a first step by organising a study visit for some members of different Arctic indigenous communities in June 2012.  These representatives came to Singapore for a short, one-week visit, and were shown the Singapore Story – from urban planning to port management to water recycling.  The feedback we received was very positive, and we intend to organise a second study visit to Singapore in the near future.  To further build on this initiative, we welcome the opportunity to partner other interested Arctic countries and organisations through our Third Country Training Programme (TCTP), to develop tailored technical training programmes for the Arctic indigenous communities.

21        Singapore also recognises the importance of preserving the local knowledge and heritage of the Arctic communities.  Tradition does not mean outdated or obsolete; in fact, tradition partners well with modernism.  One way this is demonstrated is through the Singaporean company Thornton Media.  Founded by a Cherokee and Singaporean couple, Thornton Media has developed Apple and Android indigenous language applications.  Thus far, they have covered a wide range of American indigenous languages, including Inuvialuktun and Gwich’in.  These applications preserve indigenous languages that are quickly diminishing, as fewer and fewer people speak it over time.  What the Thorntons are doing is marrying tradition and heritage with modern-day technology.

22        While seeking to contribute to developing the human capital in the Arctic, Singapore is also raising awareness amongst a cross-section of our population on the Arctic.  The Frozen Tundra exhibition at the Singapore Zoological Gardens features Inuka, a polar bear born in Singapore, and offers a glimpse of the Arctic to our young.  In August this year, we partnered the Canadian High Commission to co-host a photo exhibition called ‘The Accessible Arctic’, featuring 36 photographs from Canadian Geographic.  There are also several Singaporean artists who spent time in the Arctic region in the last few years, who had, following their residency, showcased their work to the public.  There are early plans to organise another exhibition to showcase these pieces in the future, to bring the Arctic even closer to Singapore. 

Conclusion

23        Singapore is acutely aware that developments in the Arctic will not only affect Arctic states.  It also affects Singapore – a tropical country over 7,200km away from the Arctic – and the wider community of states.  Singapore thus looks forward to working with Arctic states, concerned parties, and relevant organisations to ensure the sustainable development of the Arctic region for our mutual benefit. 

24        The Arctic Circle is a premier forum for engaging countries, companies and organisations interested in the Arctic.  More importantly, it allows us to discuss the appropriate course of action necessary to address Arctic issues.  I look forward to a fruitful, open dialogue with everyone, and I wish the Arctic Circle Forum every success in the years to come.

25        Thank you.

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