Singapore has been vocal about its expansion of diplomatic efforts towards the Arctic since its submission for observer status to the Arctic Council in late 2011, but does not have a formal Arctic policy. In 2012, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs appointed a special envoy for Arctic affairs, who issued a number of statements on Singapore’s interest in the region and attended regional events such as Arctic Frontiers and Arctic Circle. Currently, the Minister of State, Sam Tan, represents Singapore on Arctic affairs.
Through government statements, events, and actions Singapore has shown an interest in the relationship Arctic navigation of cargo ships will play for its port and maritime traffic. In 2013, Singapore gained observer status in the Arctic Council alongside China, Japan, South Korea, and India. Since its acceptance as an observer state, Singapore has matured into a well-respected Arctic actor, inviting Arctic Indigenous groups to the country, holding roundtable events, and playing an active role in shaping the Polar Code. Singapore is currently participating in three Arctic Council working groups: the Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF); the Protection of the Marine Environment (PAME); and the Emergency Prevention, Preparedness and Response (EPPR). Singapore contributes to the CAFF work through its Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, which provides a sanctuary to 34 species of Arctic migratory birds.
Further, Singapore has established itself as a capacity-building partner for Permanent Participants of the Arctic Council, all of which are Indigenous people’s organizations. They have been invited to Singapore for courses on climate change adaptation through the Singapore Cooperation Programme, pursued cultural exchanges to discuss sustainable development and culture preservation, and have established a postgraduate scholarship program that allows Arctic Indigenous students to study public policy, public administration, and maritime studies in Singapore.
For now, it is yet to be seen if these actions represent a long-term foreign policy commitment by Singapore to the region or if it is driven primarily by a business ambition to export maritime expertise and technology to an emerging market.