Singapore
DPM Lawrence Wong on Singapore’s ethos and global challenges
At the “Reinventing Destiny” conference, DPM Lawrence Wong delved into Singapore’s ethos of unity, addressed global challenges, and touched on domestic political landscapes, emphasizing Singapore’s resilience and continuous journey amidst global and local shifts.
SINGAPORE: In a dialogue at the “Reinventing Destiny” conference on Monday (14 Aug) commemorating the 100th birth anniversary of the late founding prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong underscored Singapore’s journey amidst its diverse society.
“There will always be tensions, but I think we have developed an ethos of accommodation and compromise among our society,” Wong articulated, highlighting Singapore’s ethos that has fostered unity over the past 58 years.
He continued, “In a multi-ethnic society and a society of great diversity, if every group insists on their maximum entitlement and takes every compromise as a slight or an insult to their tribe, I think we will be in for huge trouble.”
Navigating the Tumultuous Global Climate
Addressing global challenges in a session chaired by CNN’s journalist Fareed Zakaria, DPM Wong pinpointed the changing landscape Singapore confronts.
He remarked on “the evolving global multilateral trading system,” the transformation of globalisation now “shaped not by economic logic but by geopolitical alignment,” and a major shift in US-China relations from “strategic engagement to strategic competition.”
Emphasizing Singapore’s resilience in these shifting sands, Wong conveyed, “We are starting off in a far stronger position today. We have more resources, we are better-equipped… and we have a solid reputation as a reliable and trusted hub for the region and the world. We can build on all of these competitive strengths to move forward.”
A More Contested Domestic Political Landscape
Touching upon local politics, Wong, who is slated to become the next Prime Minister, candidly remarked that the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) no longer enjoys the “near-total dominance it once enjoyed.”
Addressing recent concerns about PAP’s reputation after a series of scandals, he stated, “When things go right, when people praise us and say ‘we are No.1, we are the gold standard’, don’t let that go into our heads. At the same time, when there are challenges and setbacks, we learn from the setbacks… It’s the mistakes and the failures where we find greater motivation to learn and be better. That’s the attitude I take.”
In response to queries on Singapore’s stance on migrant workers, Wong shared, “We treat our migrant workers well, and we will continue to do better,” emphasizing the balance needed. He added, “If I were to build a dormitory next to your home, please welcome that dormitory with open arms.”
When posed with a question about the alleged affair of a permanent secretary, Wong reiterated that the PAP has zero tolerance for corruption, but holds a more nuanced view of extramarital affairs.”
In response to another question from the floor, Singapore Democratic Party Chairman Paul Tambyah inquired about land scarcity, asking if it was possible to justify the continued existence of government-owned single-family homes with an area of 525,171 sq ft. However, Mr Peter Ho, the former chairman of the Urban Redevelopment Authority, dismissed the question as politically sensitive.
Wong’s Take on China’s Economic Concerns and Global Impact
Discussing China’s economic state, Wong pinpointed challenges in its property sector, emphasizing that “to get consumption going again requires not just short-term measures.”
On US-China tensions, Wong observed the transition from engagement to “extreme strategic competition,” but added, “China wants to take its rightful place in the world as a modern, great nation. And so there is a tremendous drive and determination… to move forward.”
The dialogue was part of a significant conference orchestrated by leading Singaporean institutions, including the Singapore University of Technology and Design’s Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities, the National University of Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, and the Institute of Policy Studies.
Crime
Singaporean fugitive deported from Thailand, to be charged with drug trafficking
A Singaporean fugitive arrested in Thailand, was deported to Singapore on 19 September 2024 and faces drug trafficking charges. Authorities expect him to face the death penalty under Singapore’s tough drug laws for running a smuggling operation between Thailand, Australia, and Singapore.
A 31-year-old Singaporean man, wanted for drug trafficking offences, was arrested in Thailand and deported to Singapore on 19 September 2024.
The fugitive, identified as Benny Kee Soon Chuan, was apprehended by Thai police at his residence near Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and will face charges in court on 20 September.
Kee, described as a high-level trafficker, ran a smuggling operation that trafficked crystal methamphetamine, ketamine, and Ecstasy to Australia and Singapore using Thailand as a transit hub, according to Pol Lt Gen Panurat Lakboon, secretary-general of Thailand’s Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB).
Cross-Border Investigation and Arrest
The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) of Singapore had issued an arrest warrant for Kee following investigations into two drug trafficking cases in December 2020 and November 2022.
He had been on the run since 11 April 2016, prompting CNB to collaborate with its international counterparts, including the ONCB. Thai authorities were tipped off by CNB on 12 August 2024, and after weeks of investigation, Kee was apprehended on 17 September.
Thai immigration officials revealed that Kee had entered Thailand earlier in 2024 using a Vanuatu passport.
Following his arrest, Kee’s Thai visa was cancelled, and assets worth 15 million baht (S$585,000), including luxury watches, gold pieces, and a luxury car, were seized during a raid on his residence in Samut Prakan.
Lt Gen Panurat confirmed that the fugitive had been living an affluent lifestyle in Thailand despite lacking legitimate employment.
Links to Broader Drug Network
Kee is believed to be linked to other Singaporean traffickers involved in the smuggling of drugs from Thailand.
In March 2021, Thailand’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons Task Force (AITF) intercepted packages containing Ecstasy and ketamine destined for Singapore, as well as crystal methamphetamine bound for Australia.
Two other Singaporean men, aged 21 and 29 at the time of their arrests, were later sentenced to imprisonment and caning in Singapore for their involvement in these operations, which were connected to Kee’s trafficking network.
Death Penalty Under Singaporean Law
Kee’s deportation to Singapore brings him under the jurisdiction of Singapore’s severe drug laws, which prescribe the death penalty for those convicted of trafficking substantial amounts of controlled substances.
Singaporean authorities have indicated that he could face the death penalty under the country’s strict drug trafficking laws. Pol Lt Gen Panurat indicated that Singaporean authorities are expected to seek the maximum penalty for Kee’s alleged offences.
Arts & Culture
Epigram Books to close SAM bookshop amid low sales and footfall
Epigram Books will shut down its bookshop at the Singapore Art Museum on 26 January 2025, citing low sales and foot traffic. The independent bookstore, known for supporting local authors, will continue to operate its online store, but its future in brick-and-mortar retail is uncertain.
Epigram Books, a major supporter of Singaporean literature, will close its Epigram Coffee Bookshop at the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) on 26 January 2025.
The decision comes after years of struggling with low sales and foot traffic at the Tanjong Pagar Distripark location, marking the end of the bookstore’s three-year lease.
The announcement on 19 September follows Times Bookstores’ closure of its final outlet in Holland Road, highlighting the growing challenges faced by brick-and-mortar bookstores in Singapore.
Edmund Wee, publisher at Epigram Books, expressed disappointment, stating: “We tried everything to make this work. Over the past three years, we’ve often asked ourselves, how many people even knew our bookstore existed here, let alone visited?”
Despite efforts to boost traffic, including operating shuttles to increase accessibility, the bookstore struggled to attract visitors consistently.
Epigram Coffee Bookshop, previously located at the Urban Redevelopment Authority Centre on Maxwell Road and later in a pop-up at Beach Road, relocated to SAM in May 2022 in partnership with Balestier Market Collective.
The 20-seater store featured towering shelves showcasing local and Southeast Asian titles, including books from other independent publishers like Ethos Books and Math Paper Press.
However, the location’s industrial setting, which only saw spikes in visitors during major exhibitions like Olafur Eliasson’s, limited consistent footfall.
The closure coincides with the end of Eliasson’s exhibit on 22 September 2024. Although the exhibition provided a temporary boost to the bookshop’s sales, Epigram noted that the increased traffic was short-lived.
Epigram’s future in physical retail remains uncertain. Mr Wee indicated that high rental costs make reopening a physical store unlikely: “Unless rent prices relent, it’s unlikely we’ll move into another space.”
Epigram Books has been a significant presence in Singapore’s independent book scene, promoting local authors and holding literary events.
The bookshop was also a community hub for the literary arts, hosting numerous book launches and events supporting local writers. “These spaces are special to our literary arts community. They’re where book lovers gather, where literary events and book launches happen in support of our writers,” said Mr Wee.
Despite the closure of the SAM store, Epigram will continue to operate its online store. The publisher emphasized the need for continued support from readers: “We’ve come this far with everyone’s support, and we look forward to continued support from our readers as we transition to focus on online sales.”
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