Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen delivered the Keynote Address at the third International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Fullerton Forum: The Shangri-La Dialogue Sherpa Meeting at the Fullerton Hotel this morning.

Addressing an audience of defence officials, senior military officers and academics, Dr Ng noted the important role they played as 'Sherpas' in guiding each Shangri-La Dialogue to a fruitful conclusion. He also outlined four key themes for discussion at the upcoming Shangri-La Dialogue: the threat of religious extremism, dynamics between major powers, political instability in Asian countries, and trans-national challenges arising from disasters and cybersecurity threats. To tackle security challenges, Dr Ng called on the forum to focus on optimising multilateral platforms to improve regional security, implementing practical measures that would deliver concrete outcomes, and building real capacity to respond to challenges quickly and effectively. Dr Ng said, "In today's interdependent world, it is crucial for us to recognise that regional peace and stability depend on the collective will, and indeed the collective efforts, of nations to address the security challenges facing our region."

Organised by the IISS, the Sherpa Meeting strengthens the Shangri-La Dialogue by providing an inter-sessional platform for delegates to engage in frank discussions on current defence and security issues. Widely recognised as Asia-Pacific's foremost defence and security summit, the Shangri-La Dialogue brings together defence ministers, senior officials and security experts to exchange views on key issues that shape the defence and security landscape of the region.

Held from 25 to 27 January 2015, about 60 delegates from countries regularly represented at the Shangri-La Dialogue are participating in this year's Sherpa Meeting.