Singapore must deepen understanding of major powers: Chan

Singapore's ability to stay ahead in a volatile international landscape depends on developing deeper insights into the strategic calculations and long-term objectives of major powers, particularly the United States and China, Minister Chan Chun Sing said.

Chan highlighted the importance of institutions like the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) in supporting Singapore's strategic positioning. According to Chan, such think tanks play a crucial role in helping policymakers and the broader public understand the complex dynamics shaping regional and global affairs.

The minister's remarks underscore Singapore's continued focus on maintaining strategic autonomy and relevance amid great power competition. As a small, open economy dependent on regional stability and international trade, Singapore has long emphasized the need for sophisticated understanding of the motivations and capabilities of major powers.

Chan's comments suggest that Singapore's approach to navigating an uncertain future hinges not merely on reactive policy adjustments, but on proactive intellectual work to anticipate shifts in the international order. The emphasis on understanding major powers' worldviews reflects Singapore's recognition that regional developments are increasingly shaped by broader strategic competition among larger nations.