Transcript of remarks by Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Trade & Industry Gan Siow Huang at the Handover Event for Singapore's Humanitarian Assistance to Nepal, 4 September 2026

Ms Helen Campos, Honorary Consul of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal in Singapore;

Ladies and gentlemen;

Good morning and thank you for joining us today. This is a sad and sombre occasion. The devastating floods on 26 August along the Nepal-China border have taken many lives and caused massive destruction. I convey our sincere condolences to the government and people of Nepal for the tragic loss of lives and the massive destruction caused by the floods. Our hearts go out to those who have lost their lives as well as those affected by this disaster.

Even as we speak, search and rescue teams in affected areas are still searching for those who are missing and remain unaccounted for, and this includes nine Singaporeans.

MFA's Crisis Response Team has been on the ground in Nepal since 27 August and is working closely with the local authorities to locate our missing Singaporeans. MFA has also remained in close contact with the families, providing them with regular updates, assistance on the ground in Nepal, and other forms of support.

We will continue to render the necessary assistance as we work with all the relevant parties and families during this very difficult period.

The Nepali authorities have been unwavering in their assistance and support for our Crisis Response Team throughout this period, and I wish to convey our deepest appreciation. We have seen the tremendous efforts taken by the government of Nepal under extremely challenging conditions, to search for survivors and support those whose lives have been affected.

Singapore stands in solidarity with Nepal during this difficult period. The humanitarian assistance package that we are handing over today has been put together through close collaboration between several Singapore agencies and the Nepali authorities, to support Nepal's ongoing search and recovery efforts.

The package, with a total value of around S$560,000, comprises humanitarian and emergency response supplies, such as medical supplies, DNA test kits, and personal protective equipment. It also includes specialised equipment to support ongoing search, recovery, and Disaster Victim Identification efforts.

The Singapore Police Force, supported by the Home Team Science and Technology Agency and the Health Sciences Authority, is deploying officers specialising in Disaster Victim Identification and aerial surveillance to assist the Nepali authorities, in accordance with Nepal's request.

This is on top of the Singapore Government's earlier contribution of US$100,000 to the Singapore Red Cross’ public fundraising efforts. To date, the campaign has raised more than S$3 million. We are heartened by the generosity and compassion of Singaporeans in supporting the Nepali people during this difficult time.

The humanitarian assistance package that we are handing over today is a testament to the close relationship between our two countries. We hope that our modest contribution will support the brave men and women on the ground and bring comfort and relief to the people who are affected by this tragedy. We stand ready to provide further support in accordance with Nepal's needs.

Thank you.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

4 SEPTEMBER 2026