Singapore will improve ties with neighbours

Significance

As its period as ASEAN chair nears its end, Singapore is continuing to promote regional economic integration and trade liberalisation. The country’s leadership is also seeking improved bilateral ties with regional neighbours and China.

Impacts

• The front runners to succeed Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in 2021 will be elected to the ruling party’s executive committee in December.
• Parliament will likely introduce an anti-fake news law to regulate social media communication, prompting fears over free speech.
• Bank reporting in Singapore could reveal the extent of profit shifting into the country from across the region.