Singapore-Burma relations
Individual Documents
Description:
"QUESTION
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs (a) whether the Government has data on the number of Singaporeans who have been placed under exit bans by the foreign countries they are living in; (b) if so, what is the total number of such persons for each of the last five years; (c) what is the breakdown of the countries involved; and (d) what are the top five most common reasons given for the exit bans.
REPLY
The Government does not have data on the number of Singaporeans who have been placed under exit bans by foreign countries. Foreign authorities do not have an obligation to inform the Government when exit bans are issued to Singaporeans.
QUESTIONS
Mr Vikram Nair: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs (a) whether the Government has investigated the allegations in the report by the UN Special Rapporteur claiming that Singapore-based entities had shipped US$254 million worth of supplies to the Myanmar military; (b) if so, what is the update; and (c) whether any actions are being taken.
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs (a) how many Singapore-based companies have been identified by the United Nations Special Rapporteur in Myanmar in the sale of dual-use items, raw materials and spare parts for military related uses in Myanmar; (b) what actions have been taken against such companies; and (c) what is the number of such companies against which actions have been taken.
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong: To ask the Prime Minister in view of the report published on 17 May 2023 by the United Nations Special Rapporteur in Myanmar relating to Singapore companies or Singapore-based entities implicated in the sales of dual-use items, raw materials and spare parts for military related uses (a) how many cases involved Singapore-based banks in the financing of the transactions, including trade financing; and (b) what actions have been taken or are being taken against such banks.
REPLY
1 Let me first make clear that the Singapore Government has not imposed a general trade embargo on Myanmar. We do not want to add to the suffering of Myanmar’s civilian population. In 2022, Singapore’s total bilateral trade with Myanmar was S$5.8 billion. The allegations in the May 2023 report by UN Special Rapporteur for Myanmar Thomas Andrews pertain to supposedly US$254 million worth of goods over a two-year period. Nonetheless, we take Mr Andrews’ report very seriously, and have requested him to provide specific and verifiable evidence to aid our efforts. An initial list of 47 entities were identified. More recently, another 91 entities were identified too. I seek Members’ understanding that this is an interim update as the investigations are ongoing.
2 First, nine entities are no longer registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority, which means that they can no longer carry on business or operate as legal entities in Singapore. This includes entities that were allegedly involved in the transfer of components and spare parts for fighter aircraft, equipment for the Myanmar Navy, as well as radios, research and equipment for electronic warfare.
3 Second, most of the 47 entities no longer have business facilities with Singapore banks. The banks will review the remaining accounts and take appropriate measures, including enhanced scrutiny to ensure that the transactions processed by these entities are not suspicious. Such measures would curtail their ability to continue with any undesirable business.
4 As Myanmar is on the blacklist of the Financial Action Task Force, financial institutions in Singapore have also been applying enhanced due diligence for Myanmar-linked customers and transactions that present higher risks.
5 Third, we are looking into specific details of the alleged US$254 million worth of “arms and related goods” that were shipped through Singapore-based entities to the Myanmar military. In Mr Andrews’ report, there were no indications that specific armaments were being transferred to the Myanmar military. Instead, under the category of “arms”, what was cited were only spare parts and equipment, without details of what these constituted. The other major categories of items covered in the report included “dual use supplies” which included items such as computers, electrical components, and medical equipment. Another category of items was “manufacturing equipment” which comprised items like welding machines and overhead cranes; and “raw materials” which covered items such as steel beams and aluminium ingots, pipes and valves, and fabric.
6 Members would appreciate from these descriptions that the items do not necessarily constitute “arms” or weaponry in its ordinary meaning. Many of them such as computers and medical equipment are also non-controlled items. It is difficult to isolate specific suspicious transactions from such broad categories. We are therefore seeking more details such as export transaction documents to ascertain how these transactions are connected to the manufacture of weapons in Myanmar, so that our checks and investigations can be more thorough, and effective based on objective evidence. At the same time, let me make clear that it is not the Singapore Government’s policy intention to block legitimate trade with Myanmar. Doing so would further set back the country’s development and exacerbate the suffering of the civilian population of Myanmar.
7 Finally, I would like to re-state categorically that the Singapore Government has not conducted any military sales to the Myanmar military in recent years, including during the period covered in Mr Andrews’ report – that is, between February 2021 and December 2022. Indeed, Mr Andrews himself reaffirmed in his report that “there are no indications the Government of Singapore has approved, or is involved in, the shipment of arms and associated materials to the Myanmar military.”
8 We will continue to work closely and constructively with Mr Andrews to seek specific, verifiable, and where possible court admissible information to advance our investigations.
9 In conclusion, let me reiterate that the Government remains committed to implementing our policy to prevent the transfer of arms and dual-use items which have been assessed to have potential military application to Myanmar, where there is serious risk that they may be used to inflict violence against unarmed civilians. We will not hesitate to take action against any individual or entity which contravenes this..."
Source/publisher:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore
Date of publication:
2023-07-03
Date of entry/update:
2023-07-03
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Politics and Government - global and regional - general studies, strategies, theory, Singapore-Burma relations, Human Rights Defenders, Human Rights and international relations
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"In response to media queries on the latest report released by United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar Tom Andrews, the MFA Spokesperson said:
“UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews noted in his report that the Singapore Government prohibits the transfer of arms to Myanmar. Singapore also does not authorise the transfer of dual-use items which have been assessed to have potential military application to Myanmar where there is a serious risk that they may be used to inflict violence against unarmed civilians. Special Rapporteur Andrews has also noted that “there are no indications the Government of Singapore has approved, or is involved in, the shipment of arms and associated materials to the Myanmar military.”
Singapore has taken a principled position against the Myanmar military’s use of lethal force against unarmed civilians and has worked to prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar as called for in United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution A/RES/75/287 “The Situation in Myanmar”.
We appreciate the Special Rapporteur’s efforts to provide information to aid Singapore’s investigations into whether any offences were committed under Singapore law. Singapore will not hesitate to take action against any individual or entity which contravenes our laws.
In the meantime, the Singapore Government remains committed to providing humanitarian assistance to support the people of Myanmar. We will continue to work with our fellow ASEAN Member States and the United Nations to facilitate peace and national reconciliation in Myanmar.”..."
Source/publisher:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore
Date of publication:
2023-05-19
Date of entry/update:
2023-05-19
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Politics and Government - global and regional - general studies, strategies, theory, Singapore-Burma relations, Human Rights and international relations
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Sub-title:
Statement on Singapore’s prohibition of arms and dual-use item transfers to Myanmar
Description:
"The National Unity Government strongly welcomes Singapore’s confirmation that it prohibits arms
transfers to the illegal military junta in Myanmar.
H.E. Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs, confirmed the existing ban in a
parliamentary statement on 14 February 2023, highlighting that it was consistent with UN General
Assembly Resolution 75/287 (2021) on the situation in Myanmar, which Singapore voted for.
Foreign Minister Balakrishnan also confirmed that Singapore would not authorise the transfer of dualuse
items "assessed to have potential military application to Myanmar, where there is a serious risk that
they may be used to inflict violence against unarmed civilians" . Putting corporations on notice, the
Foreign Minister added that Singapore would take a “very firm line” against companies who
contravened its laws including those on the transfer and brokering of strategic goods and technology.
The National Unity Government extends its sincere gratitude to the Government of Singapore for its
principled stance, and to Foreign Minister Balakrishnan for his expressions of solidarity with the
Myanmar people.
The National Unity Government remains committed to working in partnership with Myanmar’s fellow
ASEAN Members to end the illegal junta’s atrocities and to advance the peace, security and prosperity
of our region..."
Source/publisher:
President Office - National Unity Government
Date of publication:
2023-02-16
Date of entry/update:
2023-02-16
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
National Unity Government (NUG), Politics and Government - global and regional - general studies, strategies, theory, Singapore-Burma relations
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"President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. is honored to welcome Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong to Washington, D.C. The U.S.-Singapore strategic partnership is anchored in our shared respect for the rules-based international order, adherence to international law, and the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter – including respect for sovereignty, the peaceful resolution of disputes, cooperation among nations, and fundamental human rights. These principles have underpinned decades of unprecedented peace and stability as well as economic and social development, in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world.
The United States and Singapore recognize that threats to the UN Charter and rules-based international order anywhere, including Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine, place peace and prosperity everywhere at risk. The war in Ukraine has a negative impact on the Indo-Pacific region, which already faces many complex challenges. Taken together, the opportunities and challenges of the 21st century demand deeper cooperation between us.
The leaders welcome the enduring strength of the bilateral strategic partnership, marked by Singapore’s unique status as a Major Security Cooperation Partner, by the 5,400 U.S. companies that call Singapore home, by the countries’ close people-to-people ties, and by the series of high-level bilateral visits during the first year of the Biden-Harris Administration. The leaders resolve to further expand bilateral cooperation, taking bold new steps to drive broad-based economic growth and innovation, raise infrastructure standards in the region, address the climate crisis, promote health security, increase supply chain resilience, improve cybersecurity, ensure the long-term sustainability of outer space activities, and more. As we strengthen our partnership, we will promote a world in which all nations, large and small, can stand together as equals to tackle the most pressing challenges of our era and deliver for our people.
Upholding the Rules-Based International Order
President Biden reiterates the sustained and growing commitment of the United States to its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region, as described in the Indo-Pacific Strategy of the United States. President Biden and Prime Minister Lee reaffirm their strong support for ASEAN Centrality and the ASEAN-centered regional architecture. Prime Minister Lee welcomes President Biden’s invitation to ASEAN leaders for a historic ASEAN-U.S. Special Summit in Washington, D.C. The leaders highlight the success of the U.S.-Singapore Third Country Training Program, which has received more than 1700 officials from across ASEAN. The United States seeks cooperation with all partners who share our objectives in the Indo-Pacific region, and to that end, we welcome the Quad’s support for ASEAN Centrality, deeper economic integration, addressing of regional challenges, and promotion of an open, inclusive, stable and secure Indo-Pacific region and a rules-based order. We also welcome the enhanced engagement of European and regional partners in Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
The United States and Singapore emphasize our unwavering commitment to the principles of sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and condemn Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, which clearly violates international law, including the United Nations Charter. The United States and Singapore recognize the need to preserve a world in which borders cannot be changed by force and state-to-state relations are guided by international law. Given the unprovoked attack on Ukraine, many countries across the Atlantic and the Pacific, including the United States and Singapore, have imposed their own financial sanctions and export controls against Russian entities. The United States and Singapore will ensure the effective implementation of their respective measures. The United States and Singapore are deeply concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in and around Ukraine, and call on all parties to allow safe and unfettered passage of civilians, facilitate unhindered access to humanitarian assistance for those in need in Ukraine, protect civilians, and respect human rights.
Amid global security challenges, the United States and Singapore continue to build on our partnership to pursue our shared interests. The leaders reaffirm a shared commitment to the goal of the complete denuclearization and the establishment of a permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula. Both leaders call on the DPRK to engage in serious and sustained diplomacy and emphasize the importance of full implementation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. The leaders underscore the importance of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and encourage the peaceful resolution of disputes. President Biden and Prime Minister Lee also reflected on the close counterterrorism partnership shared by the United States and Singapore, and Singapore’s support of the United States relocation efforts related to Afghanistan last year.
In the maritime domain, the United States and Singapore reaffirm the right of freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the seas accorded by international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). We reaffirm the need to pursue peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS, which sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out. We respect states’ ability to conserve, sustainably develop, and effectively manage their maritime natural resources in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS. We reaffirm that all concerned parties must abide by the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and reiterate our support for ASEAN-led efforts to develop an effective and substantive Code of Conduct for the South China Sea that upholds the legitimate rights and interests of all parties and is consistent with UNCLOS. We also affirm the importance of acting consistently with the relevant Standards and Recommended Practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the relevant instruments and conventions of the International Maritime Organization.
The United States and Singapore share deep concerns about the situation in Myanmar and the challenges it poses to regional stability. We continue to call for an end to violence against civilians in Myanmar, the release of all political detainees, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and foreign detainees; unhindered humanitarian access; and for Myanmar to return to its path of democratic transition. We appreciate the constructive role played by Singapore and ASEAN in facilitating a peaceful solution in the interest of the people of Myanmar, and we call for the Myanmar military regime to urgently implement the ASEAN Five Point Consensus. We are concerned the crisis has reversed years of economic progress in Myanmar and increased the risk of illicit finance.
Driving Inclusive Prosperity and Addressing Emerging Challenges
President Biden and Prime Minister Lee underscore their shared commitment to promoting broad-based economic growth in the United States, in Singapore, and throughout the region. They reaffirm the close collaboration between the United States and Singapore on developing an Indo-Pacific economic framework with regional partners that will expand cooperation on trade, supply chains, clean energy, decarbonization, infrastructure, tax, and anti-corruption. They welcome Thailand’s leadership as host of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in 2022, and look forward to the United States hosting APEC in 2023. The leaders reviewed ongoing efforts to facilitate regional trade and increase supply chain resilience and looked forward to the implementation of the U.S.-ASEAN Economic Futures initiative.
The leaders also look forward to expanding economic cooperation under the U.S.-Singapore Partnership for Growth and Innovation (PGI), which aims to secure inclusive growth for our economies and regions in new and forward-looking areas: digital economy, energy and environmental technology, advanced manufacturing, and health services. New initiatives announced under the PGI include the development of interoperable ethical Artificial Intelligence governance frameworks, and plans for a U.S. business development mission to Singapore to facilitate new business opportunities and strengthen partnerships in advanced manufacturing.
President Biden and Prime Minister Lee commit to deepening cooperation between the United States and Singapore on high quality infrastructure development in the region. To that end, the United States and Singapore renewed and expanded the MOU to deepen cooperation on infrastructure development to cover new collaborations in green and sustainable infrastructure projects in the region that address social and economic needs and promote inclusive, private sector-led growth.
The climate crisis poses an existential threat to the world. Recognizing the need to enhance ambition in this decisive decade, the United States has put forward an ambitious target to achieve a 50-52 percent reduction from 2005 levels in economy-wide net greenhouse gas pollution in 2030 and to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by no later than 2050, and Singapore has announced it will raise its climate ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by or around mid-century, and will be making a formal revision to both its Nationally Determined Contribution and Long-Term Low-Emissions Development Strategy (LEDS) later this year after consulting closely with key stakeholders. We commit to strengthening the U.S.-Singapore Climate Partnership, and we look forward to working with other countries to implement the Paris Agreement. President Biden and Prime Minister Lee recognize that decarbonizing the shipping sector is essential to transitioning to a clean energy economy and they commit to working together to advance green shipping, including by establishing alternative bunkering infrastructure for the provision of low- and zero-carbon fuels at our ports.
The United States and Singapore highlight their shared commitment to bolstering global health security and building back better from the COVID-19 pandemic, and preparing for further pandemics and other shocks to health systems. We must work with allies and partners to strengthen and finance vaccine readiness and accelerate efforts to control COVID-19 globally, for example by working with global health organizations such as the World Health Organization, GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.
The United States and Singapore affirm the importance of ensuring that critical and emerging technologies foster an open, accessible, and secure technology ecosystem, based on mutual trust, confidence, and respect for a rules-based international order. To this end, we commit to increasing resiliency in our technology supply chains, and developing robust approaches to data governance and security, seeking consistency and interoperability where feasible. We also plan to explore R&D and other collaborations, including through the PGI, in order to progress towards affordable, resilient, secure and interoperable advanced high-speed wireless communications (“NextG”) in the Indo-Pacific region.
The United States and Singapore maintain a strong and growing partnership on cybersecurity. We seek global adherence to the UN framework of responsible state behavior in cyberspace and pledge to deepen our cooperation on combating cyber threats, promoting resilience, and securing our critical infrastructure, amongst other issues. We welcome the establishment of the United States-Singapore Cyber Dialogue to cement our cross institutional linkages to jointly tackle cybersecurity issues. We will continue to jointly lead critical efforts in the International Counter Ransomware Initiative to tackle the surge in ransomware attacks worldwide.
The United States and Singapore believe in the importance of creating a safe, stable, secure, and sustainable space environment that facilitates space exploration, science, and commercial activities that benefit all of humanity. President Biden welcomes Singapore’s commitment to the Artemis Accords. President Biden and Prime Minister Lee also welcome the convening of a United States-Singapore Space Dialogue.
Today’s challenges all demand closer cooperation between us. For many decades the United States and Singapore have worked together to overcome the challenges of the day, and we will continue to do so, with determination and resolve. Together, we are deepening our strategic partnership to seize opportunities and address emerging threats. We are defending and strengthening the rules-based international order that has long supported global security and prosperity, and will continue to do so long into the future..."
Source/publisher:
The White House (Washington, D.C.)
Date of publication:
2022-03-29
Date of entry/update:
2022-03-30
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"Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong received a video call from Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on 14 January 2022.
Prime Minister Hun Sen briefed Prime Minister Lee on Cambodia’s ASEAN Chairmanship priorities and agenda for 2022. Prime Minister Lee reaffirmed Singapore’s support for Cambodia’s ASEAN Chairmanship and thanked Prime Minister Hun Sen for the briefing on his recent visit to Myanmar.
Prime Minister Lee noted that there had not been any significant progress in the implementation of ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus since its adoption on 24 April 2021 at a meeting at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta between ASEAN Leaders and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. Prime Minister Lee expressed his view that until there was significant progress in implementing the Five-Point Consensus, ASEAN should maintain its decision reached at the 38th and 39thASEAN Summits of inviting a non-political representative from Myanmar to ASEAN meetings. Any discussion to revise the ASEAN Leaders’ decision had to be based on new facts. Prime Minister Lee emphasised the need for the ASEAN Chair to engage all parties concerned, including the Tatmadaw and the National League for Democracy (NLD). The Tatmadaw had proposed a ceasefire with Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs) only but the call for a cessation of violence in the Five-Point Consensus referred also, and indeed primarily, to violence against the Tatmadaw’s political opponents and civilians. Prime Minister Lee noted that just days after Prime Minister Hun Sen’s visit, there had been further attacks by the Tatmadaw against its political opponents, and additional prison sentences imposed on State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.
Prime Minister Hun Sen made some proposals on how to coordinate a ceasefire in Myanmar and deliver humanitarian assistance to the Myanmar people. Prime Minister Lee said that he was unsure what role ASEAN or the ASEAN Chair’s Special Envoy on Myanmar could play in coordinating a ceasefire since we did not even have access to all parties. However, Singapore had no in-principle objections to such a mechanism if it could foster an end to violence. Prime Minister Lee said that there was a need for progress in the delivery of humanitarian assistance with the involvement of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre) and with the cooperation of the Tatmadaw. Prime Minister Lee agreed that these proposals raised by the ASEAN Chair should be further discussed among the ASEAN Foreign Ministers and Senior Officials.
Prime Minister Lee hoped that Cambodia would consider his views and those of other ASEAN Leaders. He reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to work with Cambodia and other ASEAN Member States on the full implementation of ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus and relevant ASEAN decisions..."
Source/publisher:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore
Date of publication:
2022-01-15
Date of entry/update:
2022-01-16
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
ASEAN-Burma relations, Singapore-Burma relations
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"In response to media queries, the MFA Spokesperson said:
Singapore remains deeply concerned about recent developments in Myanmar and disappointed by the lack of tangible progress in the implementation of the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus. We reiterate our call for the cessation of violence, constructive dialogue among all parties, and urge the Myanmar military authorities to cooperate with the ASEAN Chair’s Special Envoy on Myanmar to swiftly and fully implement the Five-Point Consensus, including by facilitating the Special Envoy’s visit to Myanmar to meet with all parties concerned. Singapore also calls for the release of all political detainees including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, U Win Myint and foreign detainees, and for the Myanmar military authorities to avoid actions that would be detrimental to eventual national reconciliation and restoration of peace and stability in Myanmar..."
Source/publisher:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore
Date of publication:
2021-12-07
Date of entry/update:
2021-12-08
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"October 20, 2021: A legal memorandum from leading international barrister Felicity Gerry QC found that international law and guidance places due diligence obligations on the Singapore Exchange (SGX), and possible liability on the Monetary Authority of Singapore and the Singapore Government, in relation to companies doing business with the Myanmar military.
The legal memo found that Singapore has an international legal obligation “to investigate, prevent and cease transactions that amount to wrongful acts”, which are applicable to business transactions with the Myanmar military and its business interests.
Legal remedies would be “easily pursued and enforced” against SGX if the Myanmar military’s financial organs are found to be in breach of international laws and/or compliance regulations including international human rights and humanitarian law.
The legal memo authored by Felicity Gerry QC, counsel on the list at the International Criminal Court and at the Bar of England and Wales and Victoria, Australia, and Daye Gang, also of the Victorian Bar in Australia, focussed on the listing of Emerging Towns & Cities Singapore (ETC), the developer of the Golden City complex, under a build-operate-transfer agreement with the Myanmar Army’s Quartermaster General’s Office (QMGO). The memo was written at the request of the Australian Centre for International Justice and Justice For Myanmar.
In February, SGX initiated regulatory actions against ETC after Justice For Myanmar published an investigation into payments to the Myanmar army, implicating funds raised on the SGX. ETC has commissioned two independent reviews: one by Nexia TS Advisory into contractual payments to the QMGO and fundraising; and another by Kelvin Chia Partnership into the applicability of sanctions and compliance with “applicable laws”.
However, the legal memorandum finds these reviews may not address international law risks in light of the 2019 UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar (FFMM) report into the Myanmar military’s economic interests, and ongoing atrocity crimes.
The legal memo also raised the possibility of reputational and sanctions risks for the SGX, its regulator the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and by extension, the Singapore Government, should it not prevent continued payments from ETC to the Myanmar army.
Yadanar Maung, Justice For Myanmar spokesperson:
“This legal memorandum raises urgent questions for SGX and the Singapore government. As the memo points out, Singapore has been the largest foreign investor in Myanmar. ETC is just one of many Singapore companies that have commercial ties to the Myanmar military junta and its conglomerates. The memo shows that there could be serious legal consequences for Singapore authorities if they continue to turn a blind eye to the complicity of Singapore companies in the Myanmar military’s atrocity crimes. We welcome SGX’s regulatory actions against ETC and appeal to SGX and MAS to stop ETC’s payments to the Myanmar army. The Singapore government must end the use of its territory as a base for business with the criminal Myanmar military.”
Rawan Arraf, Executive Director at the Australian Centre for International Justice:
“This wide-ranging legal memorandum demonstrates the necessity for the Singapore Exchange and Singaporean authorities to seriously examine their obligations under international law, to include global governance compliance. As part of their examination of the issues, consideration must be made to providing effective redress to those that may have been harmed by business with the Myanmar military. More broadly, businesses operating in Myanmar need to undertake their due-diligence obligations broadly and seriously, and to ensure they promptly end all commercial ties with the Myanmar military and its business interests.”
According to the memo, potential international law issues arising from ETC’s continued listing on the SGX include:
● state and corporate responsibility under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights;
● due diligence risks associated with the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises;
● supply chains and modern slavery;
● state responsibility for internationally wrongful acts;
● implications arising out of the Singapore-Myanmar bilateral investment treaty;
● commercial liability risks in relation to genocide, construction contracts, torts and land disputes;
● criminal liability risks in relation to atrocities, the crime of genocide, human trafficking, terrorist financing and money laundering;
● international sanctions risks;
● risks arising out of applying bribery, corruption legal frameworks
● potential risks of breaches of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, of which Singapore is a signatory; and
● breaches of international humanitarian law.
The legal memo was published today by ACIJ and Justice For Myanmar, and has been sent to Singapore Exchange Limited, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Emerging Towns and Cities Singapore Limited and ETC’s sponsor, RHT Capital Pte. Ltd..."
Source/publisher:
Justice For Myanmar
Date of publication:
2021-10-20
Date of entry/update:
2021-10-20
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275.56 KB
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"The Singapore Government will contribute 200 10-litre oxygen concentrators to support the people of Myanmar in this COVID-19 pandemic. The oxygen concentrators will be channelled through the Singapore Red Cross (SRC), which has launched a public appeal to deliver humanitarian assistance for communities in Southeast Asia and South Asia through the “COVID-19 International Response Fund”. The SRC will work with the Myanmar Red Cross Society to distribute the oxygen concentrators to affected communities in Myanmar. This will supplement the Singapore Government’s earlier contributions of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machines, diagnostic tests, surgical masks, hand sanitisers, and other medical supplies to support Myanmar’s efforts to combat COVID-19.
Singapore stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar in their fight against COVID-19. These contributions, as well as donations organised by private entities and the Myanmar community in Singapore, attest to the strong mutual support between the peoples of Singapore and Myanmar in overcoming the shared challenges of COVID-19..."
Source/publisher:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore
Date of publication:
2021-07-28
Date of entry/update:
2021-07-28
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"The first batch of Myanmar citizens from Singapore arrived at Yangon International airport via a MNA relief flight on May 7. A total of 144 were on board.
Those coming back were monks, pregnant women, patients undergoing treatment in Singapore but faced lockdown, students via a scholarship programme by the government, work permit holders and prisoners freed from prison according to Myanmar Embassy in Singapore.
Under the guidance of the Myanmar Government, Myanmar embassy in Singapore has arranged relief flights to rescue those trapped in lockdown.
“We left Changi airport from Singapore at 1:45 pm and arrived at Yangon at 3:15 pm. Some went quarantine at some hotels and some at Mya Shwe Kyin monastery in Pale Myothit,” said a Myanmar citizen who doesn’t want to be identified.
Because of COVID-19, some countries set lockdown and flights have been cancelled. On April 30, 96 Myanmar came back from South Korea, on May 2, 195 from Japan, on May 6, 38 from Bangladesh, on May 7, 144 from Singapore came to Myanmar with relief flights totaling 618..."
Source/publisher:
"Eleven Media Group" (Myanmar)
Date of publication:
2020-05-08
Date of entry/update:
2020-05-08
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Singapore-Burma relations
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"From a boat on the Salween River in southeastern Myanmar, Than Zaw Oo pointed to a brown stretch of water he said was once full of lush paddy fields. “This used to be my land,” said the 51-year-old farmer, frowning at the murky waves.
All but six of the 24 acres where he used to grow rice and vegetables have slipped into the water in recent years, he said. Another farmer, Than Tun, said he had lost 15 acres of his land to erosion. While official records were not available, other villagers backed their accounts.
Farmers and politicians in Chaungzon township, just outside the southern town of Moulmein, worry that erosion in the area is being exacerbated by the ships that dredge its bed for sand each night. The sand is mainly bound for Singapore, the world’s biggest importer, for use in reclamation and construction projects. Both the Myanmar government and the company whose ships do the dredging in Chaungzon deny the dredging is causing the erosion. But the dispute highlights the fractious issue of sand-mining in Southeast Asia as Singapore is forced to look farther afield to slake its thirst for the mineral following bans on the trade in countries like Malaysia and Indonesia over environmental concerns..."
Source/publisher:
"Reuters" (UK)
Date of publication:
2020-03-04
Date of entry/update:
2020-03-04
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Agriculture in Burma/Myanmar: general and research, Environmentalists of Burma/Myanmar, Climate Change - Burma/Myanmar: general, Singapore-Burma relations
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"Singapore has sent medical supplies to Myanmar that will allow doctors to detect and contain the coronavirus outbreak.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said on Wednesday (March 4) that the Government has contributed 3,000 diagnostic tests and two polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machines to test for Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
MFA said the contribution was in response to a request from the Myanmar Ministry of Health and Sports. The supplies were handed over from the Singapore's Ambassador to Myanmar, Ms Vanessa Chan, to Myanmar National Health Laboratory deputy director-general Htay Htay Tin at Yangon International Airport.
Singapore had previously sent medical supplies to China on Feb 19 and Feb 8.
For the Feb 19 dispatch, Singapore's Ambassador to China, Mr Lui Tuck Yew, handed over the country's humanitarian assistance to People's Liberation Army General Hospital Medical Service Department deputy head Zhang Fu in Beijing.
The assistance was to help communities severely affected by the coronavirus outbreak in China and aid efforts to contain the virus, MFA said on Feb 20..."
Source/publisher:
"The Straits Times" (Singapore)
Date of publication:
2020-03-04
Date of entry/update:
2020-03-04
Grouping:
Individual Documents
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Sub-title:
Over the years, the Myanmar government has stepped up its efforts to bring in foreign direct investment (FDI) to the country. Being more pro-business and open to FDI, potential opportunities for foreign companies willing to invest in Myanmar are vast, particularly in the construction industry as one of the main pillars of the economy.
Description:
"YCP Solidiance, an Asia-focused strategic advisory firm, recently hosted a week-long Overseas Market Workshop (OMW) visit for the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), with the aim of helping Singaporean companies in Yangon explore investments in Myanmar’s construction sector.
The workshop also coincided with the visit of Singapore’s Minister of Trade & Industry Chan Chun Sing in Yangon, highlighting the importance of greater collaboration between the two countries following the recent signing of the Singapore-Myanmar Bilateral Investment Treaty .
This treaty aims to promote greater investment flows between the two countries in many sectors, including construction, by protecting the interests of investors and providing greater certainty and confidence.
Singapore is Myanmar’s largest foreign investor with a cumulative investment of US$22.1 billion recorded as of August 2019. Bilateral trade in goods between the two countries has increased by 10 percent and reached US$4 billion in 2018.
The workshop indicated new opportunities for investment in the construction sector, following the growth rates of around 11pc in recent years. Transport infrastructure opportunities include trunk road network modernisation, expansion of interconnectivity through roadways and elevated highways, improving access to tier two and three cities via bridges and commuter rails, and alternative transport options such as water-taxi or structured bus system..."
Source/publisher:
"Myanmar Times" (Myanmar)
Date of publication:
2020-01-16
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-17
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma's economic relations with Singapore, Political, social and economic dimensions of investment in Burma, Singapore-Burma relations
Language:
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Description:
"Myanmar and Singapore have signed an agreement on promotion and protection of investment between the two countries, according to the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations Wednesday.
The agreement was endorsed at the 7th ministerial meeting of the Joint Committee of Myanmar and Singapore held in Yangon on Tuesday.
The agreement is said to create a more favorable, friendly and predictable investment enabling environment for investors from both countries and further enhance the two countries' bilateral trade and investment relationship.
Prior to the signing, Myanmar's Minister of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations U Thaung Tun and Singapore's Minister of Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing had discussions on a wide range of topics covering bilateral cooperation in investment area, development of small and medium-sized enterprises, aviation, agriculture, food, finance and legal services..."
Source/publisher:
"Xinhua" (China)
Date of publication:
2019-09-25
Date of entry/update:
2019-09-30
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Singaporean investment, Burma's economic relations with Singapore, Singapore-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"A new treaty was signed in Yangon on Tuesday (Sept 24) allowing Singapore companies in Myanmar to turn to international arbitration for disputes over investment.
Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing and Union Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations U Thaung Tun signed it on the sidelines of the 7th Singapore-Myanmar Joint Ministerial Working Committee Meeting.
The legally-binding treaty sets rules on how Myanmar and Singapore should treat investments and investors of the two countries, said the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI).
It also ensures the freedom to transfer capital and returns, compensation rights and non-discriminatory treatment for investors in most sectors, among other things.
The Bilateral Investment Treaty on the Promotion and Protection of Investments between Singapore and Myanmar aims to promote greater investment flows between the two countries by giving investors greater certainty and confidence.
Mr Chan, in a Facebook post, said its signing marked another milestone in economic ties between the two countries and he expressed hopes it would encourage more Singapore companies to invest in Myanmar.
MTI said in its statement that the treaty’s protections are especially significant as Singapore is Myanmar’s largest foreign investor, with a cumulative investment of US$22.1 billion (about S$30.5 billion) as of last month .
Bilateral trade reached US$3.838 billion in the fiscal year 2017/18, figures from Myanmar’s Ministry of Commerce showed..."
Source/publisher:
"The Straits Times" (Singapore)
Date of publication:
2019-09-24
Date of entry/update:
2019-09-25
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
more
Description:
"Singapore Inc is in hot pursuit of business opportunities in Myanmar, where a recent reform drive aims to lure more foreign direct investment. A long time ally to Myanmar?s former military regime, Singapore is well placed to reap first-mover advantages vis-a-vis Western countries that maintain but are slowly lifting economic sanctions against the country.
Last month, a delegation representing 74 Singapore-based companies traveled to Myanmar for networking and business matching with Myanmar counterparts in construction, education, finance, infrastructure and logistics.
Organized by the trade promotion groups Singapore Business Federation (SBF) and International Enterprise (IE) Singapore, the trip featured site visits, the signing of a memorandum of understanding to promote economic relations and trade ties, and courtesy calls on reformist President Thein Sein and many of his ministers..."
Megawati Wijaya
Source/publisher:
Asia Times Online
Date of publication:
2012-03-20
Date of entry/update:
2012-05-06
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Political, social and economic dimensions of investment in Burma, Singapore-Burma relations
Language:
English
more
Description:
Summary: "ASEAN should not have admitted Burma,
Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam into the organization in the
1990?s, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew told visiting EAP DAS
Christensen and the Ambassador October 16. Expressing his
scorn for Burma?s leaders, MM Lee called them "dense" and
"stupid." After discussing China?s influence over Burma, he
suggested that Indonesian President Yudhoyono, as a former
general, could potentially be an interlocutor with the
regime..."
Source/publisher:
US Embassy, Singapore, via Wikileaks
Date of publication:
2007-10-19
Date of entry/update:
2010-12-24
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Singapore-Burma relations
Language:
English
more
Description:
SINGAPORE leader Lee Hsien Loong met Myanmar?s top ruling generals on Wednesday, March 30, as pressure grows on the junta to hasten democratic reforms or miss its turn next year as head of Southeast Asia?s club of nations.
Aung Hla Tun
Source/publisher:
Singapore Window
Date of publication:
2005-03-30
Date of entry/update:
2010-09-30
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Singapore-Burma relations
Language:
English
more
Description:
Singapore?s economic linkage with Burma is one of the most vital factors for the survival of Burma?s military regime," says Professor Mya Maung, a Burmese economist based in Boston. This link, he continues, is also central to "the expansion of the heroin trade.") Singapore has achieved the distinction of being the Burmese junta?s number one business partner -both largest trading partner and largest foreign investor. More than half these investments, totaling upwards of $1.3 billion, are in partnership with Burma?s infamous heroin kingpin Lo Hsing Han, who now controls a substantial portion of the world?s opium trade. The close political, economic, and military relationship between the two countries facilitates the weaving of millions of narco-dollars into the legitimate world economy
Singapore has also become a major player in Asian commerce. According to Steven Green, llS Ambassador to Singapore, that city-states free market policies have "allowed this small country to develop one of the world?s most successful trading and investment economies." Singapore also has a strong role in the powerful 132-member country World Trade Organization. Indeed, the tiny China Sea island of three and a half million people is known far and wide as the blue chip of the region-a financial trading base and a route for the vast sums of money that flow in and out of Asia.
Leslie Kean, Dennis Bernstein
Source/publisher:
Third World Traveler
Date of publication:
1998-00-00
Date of entry/update:
2010-09-28
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Singapore-Burma relations, Burma: opium and heroin
Language:
English
more
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Singapore-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"...Singapore�s economic relationship with Burma went through a honeymoon period that lasted through the mid-1990s, and ended about the time Burma joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in July 1997�roughly coinciding with the start of a financial crisis that afflicted most of the region.
Since then, Singapore�s enthusiasm for one of the region�s last investment frontiers has cooled dramatically. And to date, there has been little to indicate that Singaporean corporations are preparing for an equally dramatic reentry into Burma�s troubled economy..."
Neil Lawrence
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" Vol 10. No. 6, July-August 2002
Date of publication:
2002-08-00
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Singaporean investment, Singapore-Burma relations
Language:
English
more