Singapore works hard to maintain religious harmony: PM Lee
He cites the creation of structures that curb chauvinism and nudge social behaviour in positive ways
By Charissa Yong, US Correspondent In New York, The Straits Times, 25 Sep 2019
Singapore is ranked the most religiously diverse country in the world, but its harmonious society did not come about by chance, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in New York on Monday.
Rather, it worked hard to lay the foundation for religious harmony and maintain it over the years, he said in a speech on Singapore and the Government's approach to race and religion.
"We did not become so because Singaporeans are a uniquely virtuous people," he added when accepting the World Statesman Award from the Appeal of Conscience Foundation, a New York-based interfaith group promoting mutual acceptance and respect. "We created structures - constitutional, political, social - that discouraged intolerance, curbed chauvinism and nudged social behaviour in positive ways."
As examples, he cited the country's "strictly secular, but not anti-religious" constitutional approach that treats all faiths impartially, as well as electoral rules to boost multiracial politics, and policies to encourage people of different races to live and study together.
"I went to a Catholic school - there is a church in the school grounds and across the road, there is a synagogue," said PM Lee, referring to Catholic High School when it was in Queen Street, and Maghain Aboth Synagogue in Waterloo Street.
He also noted the compromises religious groups make. For example, mosques tone down their loudspeakers that carry the prayer call, and to make up for it, the call is broadcast on national radio.
On their part, Christians exercise restraint in proselytising to people of other faiths, he added. "Because to you, it is the gospel - the good news - but to people of other faiths, if it is not done sensitively, it can be taken amiss and can cause offence."
PM Lee said he accepted the award on behalf of all who contributed towards building a harmonious society in Singapore.
The World Statesman Award honours leaders who support peaceful coexistence and mutual acceptance in multi-ethnic societies. World leaders given the award in the past included German Chancellor Angela Merkel and former Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
Reading the citation was former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger, 96, whom PM Lee called a long-time friend of Singapore and a close friend of his father, the late founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew.
Dr Kissinger traced Singapore's success as an extraordinarily modern country despite it being a small island surrounded by large countries, describing its population as one that has faith in itself.
"I have had the good fortune of knowing the (Lee) family for most of my public life, and I have always believed in their contributions to peace and stability in Asia," he said.
PM Lee said Singapore's harmonious society, however, is facing a world that is changing, and Singaporeans need to adapt to new forces.
He listed four: Growing religiosity among all faiths, external influences, provocative views that proliferate on social media, and violence in the name of race and religion.
First, people of all faiths are practising their faiths more fervently, which in itself is not a bad thing, he said. "But as convinced as one might be of one's own faith, we cannot... show disrespect to other people's faiths or other people's gods."
This is why Singapore opposes practices that discourage people from befriending those of other faiths or exchanging greetings during their religious festivals.
Second, racial and religious groups in Singapore have extensive links with their larger counterparts abroad, which can result in the import of disputes from other lands. This can undermine social cohesion.
Singapore therefore bans or expels foreign preachers who bring their foreign quarrels into the country, or who want to persuade Singaporeans to practise their religions in ways inappropriate for local society, said PM Lee. "At the same time, we explain to Singaporeans that different societies often practise the same religion in different ways."
Third, social media means a single offensive or thoughtless post can go viral and be seen by millions.
He cites the creation of structures that curb chauvinism and nudge social behaviour in positive ways
By Charissa Yong, US Correspondent In New York, The Straits Times, 25 Sep 2019
Rather, it worked hard to lay the foundation for religious harmony and maintain it over the years, he said in a speech on Singapore and the Government's approach to race and religion.
"We did not become so because Singaporeans are a uniquely virtuous people," he added when accepting the World Statesman Award from the Appeal of Conscience Foundation, a New York-based interfaith group promoting mutual acceptance and respect. "We created structures - constitutional, political, social - that discouraged intolerance, curbed chauvinism and nudged social behaviour in positive ways."
As examples, he cited the country's "strictly secular, but not anti-religious" constitutional approach that treats all faiths impartially, as well as electoral rules to boost multiracial politics, and policies to encourage people of different races to live and study together.
"I went to a Catholic school - there is a church in the school grounds and across the road, there is a synagogue," said PM Lee, referring to Catholic High School when it was in Queen Street, and Maghain Aboth Synagogue in Waterloo Street.
He also noted the compromises religious groups make. For example, mosques tone down their loudspeakers that carry the prayer call, and to make up for it, the call is broadcast on national radio.
On their part, Christians exercise restraint in proselytising to people of other faiths, he added. "Because to you, it is the gospel - the good news - but to people of other faiths, if it is not done sensitively, it can be taken amiss and can cause offence."
PM Lee said he accepted the award on behalf of all who contributed towards building a harmonious society in Singapore.
The World Statesman Award honours leaders who support peaceful coexistence and mutual acceptance in multi-ethnic societies. World leaders given the award in the past included German Chancellor Angela Merkel and former Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
Reading the citation was former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger, 96, whom PM Lee called a long-time friend of Singapore and a close friend of his father, the late founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew.
Dr Kissinger traced Singapore's success as an extraordinarily modern country despite it being a small island surrounded by large countries, describing its population as one that has faith in itself.
"I have had the good fortune of knowing the (Lee) family for most of my public life, and I have always believed in their contributions to peace and stability in Asia," he said.
PM Lee said Singapore's harmonious society, however, is facing a world that is changing, and Singaporeans need to adapt to new forces.
He listed four: Growing religiosity among all faiths, external influences, provocative views that proliferate on social media, and violence in the name of race and religion.
First, people of all faiths are practising their faiths more fervently, which in itself is not a bad thing, he said. "But as convinced as one might be of one's own faith, we cannot... show disrespect to other people's faiths or other people's gods."
This is why Singapore opposes practices that discourage people from befriending those of other faiths or exchanging greetings during their religious festivals.
Second, racial and religious groups in Singapore have extensive links with their larger counterparts abroad, which can result in the import of disputes from other lands. This can undermine social cohesion.
Singapore therefore bans or expels foreign preachers who bring their foreign quarrels into the country, or who want to persuade Singaporeans to practise their religions in ways inappropriate for local society, said PM Lee. "At the same time, we explain to Singaporeans that different societies often practise the same religion in different ways."
Third, social media means a single offensive or thoughtless post can go viral and be seen by millions.
"It has become dangerously easy for people to cause offence and to take umbrage. We must not allow those who spread toxic views and poison on the Internet to get away with what may literally be murder."
But policing the Internet was a Sisyphean task that still needed to be done, he said, referencing the new Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act.
It allows the Government and the courts to compel the correction of misinformation and falsehoods online and take action against those who deliberately spread untruths.
Fourth is the continuing threat of terrorists who pervert and misuse religion to justify violence.
PM Lee cited how Singapore thwarted a planned terror attack just after the Sept 11 attacks in 2001, and strove swiftly to reinforce trust and confidence between religions.
Muslim leaders condemned the terrorists, while non-Muslims expressed continued confidence in their Muslim brethren, he said.
But government actions alone cannot bring about religious harmony, he said, calling on "responsible voices" to spread the message of tolerance and respect.
"I hope future generations of Singaporeans will cherish this harmony... and strengthen it further. We must never allow religion to be weaponised, or used as a front for other conflicts," he added.
But policing the Internet was a Sisyphean task that still needed to be done, he said, referencing the new Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act.
It allows the Government and the courts to compel the correction of misinformation and falsehoods online and take action against those who deliberately spread untruths.
Fourth is the continuing threat of terrorists who pervert and misuse religion to justify violence.
PM Lee cited how Singapore thwarted a planned terror attack just after the Sept 11 attacks in 2001, and strove swiftly to reinforce trust and confidence between religions.
Muslim leaders condemned the terrorists, while non-Muslims expressed continued confidence in their Muslim brethren, he said.
But government actions alone cannot bring about religious harmony, he said, calling on "responsible voices" to spread the message of tolerance and respect.
"I hope future generations of Singaporeans will cherish this harmony... and strengthen it further. We must never allow religion to be weaponised, or used as a front for other conflicts," he added.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and US President Donald Trump renew key defence pact on US use of Singapore air, naval bases, extending it by another 15 years to 2035
Agreement reflects good cooperation in defence and other areas, says PM Lee
By Charissa Yong, US Correspondent In New York, The Straits Times, 25 Sep 2019
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and US President Donald Trump have renewed a key defence pact which allows American forces to use Singapore's air and naval bases, extending it by another 15 years to 2035.
Both leaders lauded the close relationship between Singapore and the United States as they signed an amendment to the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding Regarding United States Use of Facilities in Singapore, a landmark agreement that underpinned America's security presence in the region for almost 30 years.
PM Lee said in brief remarks before the signing on Monday: "It reflects our very good cooperation in defence matters between the United States and Singapore, and also the broader cooperation we have in so many other fields - in security, in economics, in counter-terrorism, and in culture and education, as well."
He added at the InterContinental New York Barclay hotel, where the signing took place: "So, we are very happy with our relationship.
"We hope to grow it. And we hope that it will also be a means for the US to deepen its engagement in South-east Asia and in the Asia-Pacific region."
Mr Trump said that the US was "close friends" with Singapore, and that he and PM Lee had got to know each other very well.
"We have an extraordinary relationship with Singapore and with the Prime Minister," he added.
PM Lee is heading Singapore's delegation to the United Nations General Assembly, and spoke at the Climate Action Summit on Monday. He will also meet several foreign counterparts this week.
The 1990 MOU was signed by founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew and then US Vice-President Dan Quayle. It was last renewed in 2005. The agreement facilitates US forces' access to Singapore's air and naval bases, and provides logistics support for its transiting personnel, aircraft and vessels.
Under it, the US has rotationally deployed fighter aircraft for exercises, refuelling and maintenance, as well as deployed littoral combat ships to Singapore since 2013 and P-8 Poseidon aircraft since 2015.
Singapore's Ministry of Defence said the renewal underscores the Republic's support for the US' presence in the region, which remains vital for regional peace, stability and prosperity.
PM Lee and Mr Trump also touched on Singapore's trade surplus with the US and the large amounts each country has invested in the other.
"In Singapore, you are our most important foreign investor, and in America, as small as we are, we have US$55 billion (S$75.7 billion) worth of investment," PM Lee said, adding that it generated a quarter of a million US jobs.
Mr Trump replied that was not bad. "We do tremendous trade with Singapore, and we appreciate it very much," he said.
He also lauded the "tremendous success" of his meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore in June last year, thanking Singapore for hosting the summit and adding that the meeting was not given the credit it deserved.
PM Lee replied: "We are happy that it has helped to turn the situation in Korea around and point it in the right direction, and we wish you every success in continuing to make progress in this very difficult task."
Singapore's Foreign Ministry said that both sides reaffirmed the good progress of key bilateral defence initiatives, and welcomed Singapore's decision to acquire four F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, with an option for eight more in the future.
The leaders also affirmed their mutually beneficial economic ties, anchored by the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, and they discussed regional and global developments and other issues of mutual interest.
Earlier on Monday, PM Lee also met Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering. They discussed Singapore and Bhutan's ongoing collaboration in healthcare and technical and vocational education training, and explored ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation between both countries.
Separately, PM Lee and Crown Prince Alois of Liechtenstein discussed issues of mutual interest, including promoting countries' commitment to multilateralism, and supporting small state groupings such as the Forum of Small States and the Global Governance Group.
Agreement reflects good cooperation in defence and other areas, says PM Lee
By Charissa Yong, US Correspondent In New York, The Straits Times, 25 Sep 2019
Both leaders lauded the close relationship between Singapore and the United States as they signed an amendment to the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding Regarding United States Use of Facilities in Singapore, a landmark agreement that underpinned America's security presence in the region for almost 30 years.
PM Lee said in brief remarks before the signing on Monday: "It reflects our very good cooperation in defence matters between the United States and Singapore, and also the broader cooperation we have in so many other fields - in security, in economics, in counter-terrorism, and in culture and education, as well."
He added at the InterContinental New York Barclay hotel, where the signing took place: "So, we are very happy with our relationship.
"We hope to grow it. And we hope that it will also be a means for the US to deepen its engagement in South-east Asia and in the Asia-Pacific region."
Mr Trump said that the US was "close friends" with Singapore, and that he and PM Lee had got to know each other very well.
"We have an extraordinary relationship with Singapore and with the Prime Minister," he added.
PM Lee is heading Singapore's delegation to the United Nations General Assembly, and spoke at the Climate Action Summit on Monday. He will also meet several foreign counterparts this week.
The 1990 MOU was signed by founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew and then US Vice-President Dan Quayle. It was last renewed in 2005. The agreement facilitates US forces' access to Singapore's air and naval bases, and provides logistics support for its transiting personnel, aircraft and vessels.
Under it, the US has rotationally deployed fighter aircraft for exercises, refuelling and maintenance, as well as deployed littoral combat ships to Singapore since 2013 and P-8 Poseidon aircraft since 2015.
Singapore's Ministry of Defence said the renewal underscores the Republic's support for the US' presence in the region, which remains vital for regional peace, stability and prosperity.
PM Lee and Mr Trump also touched on Singapore's trade surplus with the US and the large amounts each country has invested in the other.
"In Singapore, you are our most important foreign investor, and in America, as small as we are, we have US$55 billion (S$75.7 billion) worth of investment," PM Lee said, adding that it generated a quarter of a million US jobs.
Mr Trump replied that was not bad. "We do tremendous trade with Singapore, and we appreciate it very much," he said.
He also lauded the "tremendous success" of his meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore in June last year, thanking Singapore for hosting the summit and adding that the meeting was not given the credit it deserved.
PM Lee replied: "We are happy that it has helped to turn the situation in Korea around and point it in the right direction, and we wish you every success in continuing to make progress in this very difficult task."
Singapore's Foreign Ministry said that both sides reaffirmed the good progress of key bilateral defence initiatives, and welcomed Singapore's decision to acquire four F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, with an option for eight more in the future.
The leaders also affirmed their mutually beneficial economic ties, anchored by the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, and they discussed regional and global developments and other issues of mutual interest.
Earlier on Monday, PM Lee also met Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering. They discussed Singapore and Bhutan's ongoing collaboration in healthcare and technical and vocational education training, and explored ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation between both countries.
Separately, PM Lee and Crown Prince Alois of Liechtenstein discussed issues of mutual interest, including promoting countries' commitment to multilateralism, and supporting small state groupings such as the Forum of Small States and the Global Governance Group.
Defence pact's renewal shows support for US presence in region: MINDEF
By Lim Min Zhang, The Straits Times, 25 Sep 2019
The renewal of a key defence pact between Singapore and the United States underscores the support for the US presence in the region, which remains vital for regional peace, stability and prosperity, the Ministry of Defence said yesterday.
Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen and his US counterpart, Defence Secretary Mark Esper, acknowledged the "milestone renewal" of the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding Regarding United States Use of Facilities in Singapore in a phone call on Monday (US time) before the signing.
The renewal allows American forces access to Singapore's military facilities for another 15 years until 2035.
During their call, the two leaders reaffirmed the excellent and longstanding bilateral defence relationship, MINDEF added.
They also reaffirmed the importance of the US' continued engagement of the region.
Mr Esper, who was confirmed as Defence Secretary in July, expressed appreciation for Singapore's enduring support of the US' regional presence.
Both sides also discussed the progress of key initiatives, such as in defence technology and military-to-military cooperation.
Dr Ng thanked Mr Esper for the US' continuing support for the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) overseas training in the US, said MINDEF.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who is on a working visit to New York, and US President Donald Trump signed the amendment to the 1990 memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the InterContinental New York Barclay hotel on Monday.
The agreement facilitates US forces' access to Singapore's air and naval bases, and provides logistics support for their transiting personnel, aircraft and vessels.
Under it, the US has rotationally deployed fighter aircraft for exercises, refuelling and maintenance, as well as deployed littoral combat ships to Singapore since 2013 and P-8 Poseidon aircraft since 2015.
The SAF uses air force bases such as Luke in Arizona and Mountain Home in Idaho as training locations. The longest-running bilateral exercise between the Singapore and US armies, Exercise Tiger Balm, was first conducted in 1981.
In a Facebook post yesterday, Dr Ng wrote that the signing at the highest levels of leadership signals Singapore's continued support for the US to play a constructive and stabilising role through its military presence in this region.
"I spoke with my counterpart, US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper, and both of us agreed and are delighted that this agreement sets the upward trajectory for defence ties for decades to come," he added.
Singapore and the US had agreed to renew the pact when Dr Ng and then Acting Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan met ahead of the Shangri-La Dialogue in May.
The last renewal of the 1990 MOU was done in July 2005, when a Protocol of Amendment was concluded by then Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean and then US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, extending the 1990 MOU by 15 years.
In 2005, the Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA) elevated bilateral defence relations, recognising Singapore as a major security cooperation partner of the US.
Other than the 2005 Protocol of Amendment, the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) was also signed under the SFA, providing for new areas of mutually beneficial cooperation, said MINDEF.
In 2015, an enhanced DCA that was signed deepened cooperation in five areas: military, policy, strategic, technology and non-conventional security.
Both sides also agreed in 2015 to enhance co-operation in new areas such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, cyber defence, biosecurity and communications.
By Lim Min Zhang, The Straits Times, 25 Sep 2019
The renewal of a key defence pact between Singapore and the United States underscores the support for the US presence in the region, which remains vital for regional peace, stability and prosperity, the Ministry of Defence said yesterday.
Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen and his US counterpart, Defence Secretary Mark Esper, acknowledged the "milestone renewal" of the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding Regarding United States Use of Facilities in Singapore in a phone call on Monday (US time) before the signing.
The renewal allows American forces access to Singapore's military facilities for another 15 years until 2035.
During their call, the two leaders reaffirmed the excellent and longstanding bilateral defence relationship, MINDEF added.
They also reaffirmed the importance of the US' continued engagement of the region.
Mr Esper, who was confirmed as Defence Secretary in July, expressed appreciation for Singapore's enduring support of the US' regional presence.
Both sides also discussed the progress of key initiatives, such as in defence technology and military-to-military cooperation.
Dr Ng thanked Mr Esper for the US' continuing support for the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) overseas training in the US, said MINDEF.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who is on a working visit to New York, and US President Donald Trump signed the amendment to the 1990 memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the InterContinental New York Barclay hotel on Monday.
The agreement facilitates US forces' access to Singapore's air and naval bases, and provides logistics support for their transiting personnel, aircraft and vessels.
Under it, the US has rotationally deployed fighter aircraft for exercises, refuelling and maintenance, as well as deployed littoral combat ships to Singapore since 2013 and P-8 Poseidon aircraft since 2015.
The SAF uses air force bases such as Luke in Arizona and Mountain Home in Idaho as training locations. The longest-running bilateral exercise between the Singapore and US armies, Exercise Tiger Balm, was first conducted in 1981.
In a Facebook post yesterday, Dr Ng wrote that the signing at the highest levels of leadership signals Singapore's continued support for the US to play a constructive and stabilising role through its military presence in this region.
"I spoke with my counterpart, US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper, and both of us agreed and are delighted that this agreement sets the upward trajectory for defence ties for decades to come," he added.
Singapore and the US had agreed to renew the pact when Dr Ng and then Acting Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan met ahead of the Shangri-La Dialogue in May.
The last renewal of the 1990 MOU was done in July 2005, when a Protocol of Amendment was concluded by then Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean and then US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, extending the 1990 MOU by 15 years.
In 2005, the Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA) elevated bilateral defence relations, recognising Singapore as a major security cooperation partner of the US.
Other than the 2005 Protocol of Amendment, the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) was also signed under the SFA, providing for new areas of mutually beneficial cooperation, said MINDEF.
In 2015, an enhanced DCA that was signed deepened cooperation in five areas: military, policy, strategic, technology and non-conventional security.
Both sides also agreed in 2015 to enhance co-operation in new areas such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, cyber defence, biosecurity and communications.
Singapore will do its full part to mitigate climate change: PM Lee
By Charissa Yong, US Correspondent In New York, The Straits Times, 25 Sep 2019
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said that Singapore will do its full part to mitigate climate change.
He was speaking on Monday at the United Nations Climate Action Summit in New York, where dozens of world leaders outlined what their countries were doing to confront global warming.
"But however hard we try, Singapore will not be able to stop climate change on our own. Thus, we are cooperating with other countries on this common endeavour," he said in his speech at the global conference.
Singapore, like many small island states, is vulnerable to the effects of global warming such as rising sea levels, said PM Lee. He repeated the grave warning he issued in his National Day Rally speech last month, saying: "For us, climate change is existential."
Throughout the day, world leaders laid out in brief speeches what they were doing, from achieving carbon neutrality to cutting greenhouse emissions, to fight what UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called a climate crisis.
PM Lee noted that Singapore pledged to have its carbon emissions peak around 2030, and will be switching to a cleaner fuel mix and deploying cleaner energy solutions.
Being small and very urbanised, Singapore is at a disadvantage when it comes to alternative energy sources, he pointed out. Some, like wind turbines to produce electricity, require a lot of land.
But Singapore has developed creative solutions within these constraints, said PM Lee, citing large-scale solar panels that float in the reservoirs and just off its shores.
Singapore is also making its physical and transport infrastructure greener, and is aiming for 80 per cent of its buildings to have energy-saving features by 2030.
It also wants 90 per cent of peak-hour commutes to be done via public, active mobility and shared transport by 2040.
"We are also developing our long-term low emissions development strategy, as called for under the Paris Agreement," said PM Lee, who will be in New York until Friday.
Singapore is working together with other countries on several climate change-related schemes, said PM Lee. He cited the South-east Asia Disaster Risk Insurance Facility, which provides flood risk pooling for the region and is supported by Japan and the World Bank, among other examples.
"Climate change is the ultimate global commons challenge," he said, calling on fellow leaders to redouble their efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Singapore is responsible for 0.11 per cent of global emissions, proportionately lower than its share of global gross domestic product, which the International Monetary Fund puts at around 0.42 per cent.
The UN chief had called for Monday's summit in a bid to reinvigorate the Paris climate agreement.
By Charissa Yong, US Correspondent In New York, The Straits Times, 25 Sep 2019
He was speaking on Monday at the United Nations Climate Action Summit in New York, where dozens of world leaders outlined what their countries were doing to confront global warming.
"But however hard we try, Singapore will not be able to stop climate change on our own. Thus, we are cooperating with other countries on this common endeavour," he said in his speech at the global conference.
Singapore, like many small island states, is vulnerable to the effects of global warming such as rising sea levels, said PM Lee. He repeated the grave warning he issued in his National Day Rally speech last month, saying: "For us, climate change is existential."
Throughout the day, world leaders laid out in brief speeches what they were doing, from achieving carbon neutrality to cutting greenhouse emissions, to fight what UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called a climate crisis.
PM Lee noted that Singapore pledged to have its carbon emissions peak around 2030, and will be switching to a cleaner fuel mix and deploying cleaner energy solutions.
Being small and very urbanised, Singapore is at a disadvantage when it comes to alternative energy sources, he pointed out. Some, like wind turbines to produce electricity, require a lot of land.
But Singapore has developed creative solutions within these constraints, said PM Lee, citing large-scale solar panels that float in the reservoirs and just off its shores.
Singapore is also making its physical and transport infrastructure greener, and is aiming for 80 per cent of its buildings to have energy-saving features by 2030.
It also wants 90 per cent of peak-hour commutes to be done via public, active mobility and shared transport by 2040.
"We are also developing our long-term low emissions development strategy, as called for under the Paris Agreement," said PM Lee, who will be in New York until Friday.
Singapore is working together with other countries on several climate change-related schemes, said PM Lee. He cited the South-east Asia Disaster Risk Insurance Facility, which provides flood risk pooling for the region and is supported by Japan and the World Bank, among other examples.
"Climate change is the ultimate global commons challenge," he said, calling on fellow leaders to redouble their efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Singapore is responsible for 0.11 per cent of global emissions, proportionately lower than its share of global gross domestic product, which the International Monetary Fund puts at around 0.42 per cent.
The UN chief had called for Monday's summit in a bid to reinvigorate the Paris climate agreement.
PM Lee meets world leaders, honours legacy of Gandhi at UN event
He discusses ways to deepen cooperation with other countries in trade, investment
By Charissa Yong, US Correspondent In New York, The Straits Times, 26 Sep 2019
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong met several world leaders on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, discussing ways for Singapore to deepen cooperation in the areas of trade and investment with countries as distant as Panama and Uganda.
PM Lee also paid tribute to India's independence hero Mahatma Gandhi, honouring the freedom fighter's legacy of non-violent resistance and philosophy of individual equality at an event marking the 150th anniversary of his birth on Oct 2.
After Gandhi died in 1948 and was cremated, Singapore received part of his ashes, which were scattered at sea 3.2km from the southern tip of Singapore.
Other places in Singapore also honour Gandhi's legacy, said PM Lee, citing as an example the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial at the Race Course Lane headquarters of the Hindi Society.
"But beyond these physical traces, Gandhi's ideas and ideals have resonated and endured," PM Lee said at the commemorative forum hosted by India.
He said that the national hero's philosophy of non-violence remains sage advice today, in a world where differences are more easily amplified and people take offence more readily.
PM Lee said: "If we take Gandhi's message to heart, then we must try our best to resolve differences calmly and peacefully, appreciating the views of the other side, and without inflaming passions or hardening attitudes.
"In so doing, we will build mutual understanding, tolerance and respect for one another."
Gandhi also believed in the intrinsic equality of every person, a fundamental ideal which Singapore upholds, said the Prime Minister.
Not only did Singapore become independent because it wanted to be a country where everyone was treated equally regardless of race, language or religion, but it also continues to work hard to strengthen its social cohesion today, he added.
Also paying tribute to Gandhi were UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and five other heads of government: Mr Narendra Modi of India, Mr Moon Jae-in of South Korea, Ms Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh, Mr Andrew Holness of Jamaica and Ms Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand.
Together, they inaugurated the Gandhi Solar Park at the UN headquarters in New York, the Gandhi Peace Garden at the State University of New York College, and UN postage stamps commemorating the Indian hero's 150th birth anniversary.
The UN General Assembly's general debate - the highlight of the week-long global summit, where world leaders gather to give speeches and discuss global issues - began on Tuesday.
On its sidelines, PM Lee met Belgium Prime Minister Charles Michel, who is also the incoming President of the European Council.
Both leaders reaffirmed the excellent state of relations between their two countries and explored ways to deepen their economic ties, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement.
They discussed the close and broad-based relations between the European Union and Singapore, and the regional grouping's continued role in strengthening the multilateral rules-based order against rising protectionist sentiments in the world, the PMO added.
PM Lee and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands touched on Singapore's schemes to advance financial technology, and discussed how inclusive finance - financial services for lower-income people who cannot access traditional banking services - can enable social development.
In another meeting, PM Lee and Ugandan Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda exchanged views on the warm relations between Uganda and Singapore, said the PMO.
Both leaders also discussed collaborating further in areas such as trade and investment, and explored potential regional partnerships, including with the East African Community, it added.
PM Lee also met Panama President Laurentino Cortizo and invited him to visit Singapore soon.
Both leaders reaffirmed the strong ties between Singapore and Panama, and noted their countries' good cooperation at international meetings, said the PMO.
They exchanged views on expanding the strong economic ties between Singapore and Panama, both of which are small, externally oriented countries acting as hubs in their respective regions of South-east Asia and Latin America, it added.
Mr Cortizo welcomed the growing presence of Singapore companies in Panama, including in maritime and port operations, as well as information technology.
Both leaders also zeroed in on education, infrastructure, logistics development and urban solutions as potential new areas for further cooperation.
He discusses ways to deepen cooperation with other countries in trade, investment
By Charissa Yong, US Correspondent In New York, The Straits Times, 26 Sep 2019
PM Lee also paid tribute to India's independence hero Mahatma Gandhi, honouring the freedom fighter's legacy of non-violent resistance and philosophy of individual equality at an event marking the 150th anniversary of his birth on Oct 2.
After Gandhi died in 1948 and was cremated, Singapore received part of his ashes, which were scattered at sea 3.2km from the southern tip of Singapore.
Other places in Singapore also honour Gandhi's legacy, said PM Lee, citing as an example the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial at the Race Course Lane headquarters of the Hindi Society.
"But beyond these physical traces, Gandhi's ideas and ideals have resonated and endured," PM Lee said at the commemorative forum hosted by India.
He said that the national hero's philosophy of non-violence remains sage advice today, in a world where differences are more easily amplified and people take offence more readily.
PM Lee said: "If we take Gandhi's message to heart, then we must try our best to resolve differences calmly and peacefully, appreciating the views of the other side, and without inflaming passions or hardening attitudes.
"In so doing, we will build mutual understanding, tolerance and respect for one another."
Gandhi also believed in the intrinsic equality of every person, a fundamental ideal which Singapore upholds, said the Prime Minister.
Not only did Singapore become independent because it wanted to be a country where everyone was treated equally regardless of race, language or religion, but it also continues to work hard to strengthen its social cohesion today, he added.
Also paying tribute to Gandhi were UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and five other heads of government: Mr Narendra Modi of India, Mr Moon Jae-in of South Korea, Ms Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh, Mr Andrew Holness of Jamaica and Ms Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand.
Together, they inaugurated the Gandhi Solar Park at the UN headquarters in New York, the Gandhi Peace Garden at the State University of New York College, and UN postage stamps commemorating the Indian hero's 150th birth anniversary.
The UN General Assembly's general debate - the highlight of the week-long global summit, where world leaders gather to give speeches and discuss global issues - began on Tuesday.
On its sidelines, PM Lee met Belgium Prime Minister Charles Michel, who is also the incoming President of the European Council.
Both leaders reaffirmed the excellent state of relations between their two countries and explored ways to deepen their economic ties, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement.
They discussed the close and broad-based relations between the European Union and Singapore, and the regional grouping's continued role in strengthening the multilateral rules-based order against rising protectionist sentiments in the world, the PMO added.
PM Lee and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands touched on Singapore's schemes to advance financial technology, and discussed how inclusive finance - financial services for lower-income people who cannot access traditional banking services - can enable social development.
In another meeting, PM Lee and Ugandan Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda exchanged views on the warm relations between Uganda and Singapore, said the PMO.
Both leaders also discussed collaborating further in areas such as trade and investment, and explored potential regional partnerships, including with the East African Community, it added.
PM Lee also met Panama President Laurentino Cortizo and invited him to visit Singapore soon.
Both leaders reaffirmed the strong ties between Singapore and Panama, and noted their countries' good cooperation at international meetings, said the PMO.
They exchanged views on expanding the strong economic ties between Singapore and Panama, both of which are small, externally oriented countries acting as hubs in their respective regions of South-east Asia and Latin America, it added.
Mr Cortizo welcomed the growing presence of Singapore companies in Panama, including in maritime and port operations, as well as information technology.
Both leaders also zeroed in on education, infrastructure, logistics development and urban solutions as potential new areas for further cooperation.
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