Foreign ministers from all 10 Asean countries are in Singapore to discuss projects aimed at making the region more resilient and innovative.

Rajaratnam School of International Studies associate professor Alan Chong said the meeting is where the other Asean countries confirm their acceptance of Singapore’s agenda during its time as Asean chair. “Singapore has its wish list as chairman, but this can only go forward if there is an Asean consensus. This meeting is about endorsing the Singapore wish list.”

One issue certain to be on the agenda is how, since last August, nearly 700,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled Myanmar’s Rakhine state amid a military crackdown.

As Asean chair, Singapore will have to “delicately dance about the awkward situation of Myanmar”, said Dr Chong. “Singapore will have to manage it carefully without sounding like it is endorsing the situation,” he said.

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