The Big Read: Forget Dollars and Cents. Hosting Trump-Kim Summit’s Real Value is in Affirming S’pore’s Place in the World

TODAY

17 June 2018

It was a surreal moment on Tuesday morning (June 12) when United States President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un shook hands in front of a global audience, heralding a remarkable thaw in ties between two of the world’s fiercest adversaries.

History was made, and Singapore, as the host, would be noted for its small contribution to world peace and security.

Said Ambassador-at-Large Ong Keng Yong: “Foreign countries and leaders that matter to Singapore are familiar with what Singapore can do or cannot do. Where there was any doubt, the Trump-Kim Singapore summit has clearly demonstrated our ability and capability.”

“What has happened with the Trump-Kim summit is that the relevance of Singapore as an important place in the world of politics, economy and human development has been reaffirmed and strengthened.”

“This is very valuable for us, as we have today new geopolitical and technological dynamics around the globe, and the growing assumption is that the 20th-century architecture and institutions are not relevant anymore,” said Mr Ong, who is also the executive deputy chairman of the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS).

He added that it should not be taken for granted that other countries will accept Singapore’s role hitherto without envy and resistance.

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RSIS / Online

Last updated on 18/06/2018