PM Wong wants to engage Singaporeans on foreign policy issues

Everyone needs to understand what's at stake, given rising global tensions, he says

- Anjali Raguraman

In a world with increasing geopolitical tensions and armed conflicts, and one buffeted by crisis after crisis, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said he wants to engage Singaporeans on foreign policy issues.

"It's important for me to engage Singaporeans on these issues because I think everyone needs to understand what's at stake, especially on critical issues where our collective security and fundamental interests are involved," said PM Wong.

He was speaking on Aug 23 at his first press conference since taking on the prime minister role in May.

Singapore cannot afford to neglect its external environment, he said, noting that there are "powerful forces shaping the world around us" that will have a direct impact on Singapore, and that there will be more to come in the coming years.