Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen spoke at the 11th Munich Young Leaders (MYL) Roundtable this evening1 on the topic "The Dialectics of Modern Democracy: Challenges Facing the Multilateral Order".
At the roundtable, Dr Ng interacted with 24 young and upcoming leaders from 20 countries. He sought their views on the challenges facing the modern multilateral system, which is coming under increasing pressure from external and domestic forces. Referencing the intensifying competition between the United States (US) and China, as well as the US' strong condemnation of Russian actions such as the 2014 annexation of Crimea, Dr Ng said that: "the problem is not only with what China and Russia did or does, it is ultimately, it's an issue of what China and Russia is or are, and it is anathema to the US' professed idea of freedom, democracy, and market place economics…this is quite a deep and visceral mismatch of values and political systems." Dr Ng discussed with the young leaders on how this deep and visceral mismatch between political systems and values could be resolved. Noting the reports of antipathy towards the Muslim community and their practices, he also shared his views on the practice of Islam and the need for a middle ground for the practice of Islam to reconcile with modernity. He also discussed with the young leaders on the future of the European Union.
The MYL Roundtable, held on the sidelines of the 55th Munich Security Conference (MSC)2, brings together young leaders from governments, think-tanks and the private sector from the Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States (US) to discuss issues related to foreign and security policy.
Dr Ng also had a bilateral call with United Kingdom (UK) Secretary of State for Defence Gavin Williamson this afternoon. Both sides reaffirmed the warm and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and the UK. Dr Ng and Mr Williamson also discussed various geopolitical developments, including the Five Power Defence Arrangements and the UK's plans to step up defence engagements in the Asia-Pacific. Both sides reaffirmed the significance of the Defence Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (DCMOU)3 that was signed last year. The DCMOU captures existing long-standing bilateral defence relations and cooperation, and provides a foundation for future defence cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Dr Ng is on a three-day visit to Munich to attend the 55th MSC from 15 to 17 February 2019. He will officiate at the launch ceremony of the Republic of Singapore Navy's first Type 218SG submarine in Kiel tomorrow.
1 All times are in Singapore time.
2 Conducted annually in Germany since 1963, the MSC is a high-level security conference that brings together key foreign affairs and defence leaders from around the world. This will be the eight time that Dr Ng is attending the MSC.
3 The DCMOU was signed by Dr Ng and Mr Williamson on 2 June 2018 on the sidelines of the 17th Shangri-La Dialogue.
Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen (second from left) speaking at the 11th Munich Young Leaders' Roundtable on the topic "The Dialectics of Modern Democracy: Challenges Facing the Multilateral Order".
Dr Ng (right) with the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Defence Gavin Williamson (left) on the sidelines of the 55th Munich Security Conference.