Independence as a small nation-state was thurst upon Singapore suddenly. The international environment was tense and unstable at this time, and many were uncertain if Singapore would survive.
What security challenges Singapore faced after it gained independence in 1965
How Singapore overcame these challenges
Konfrantasi was a policy Indonesia pursued against the formation of Federation of Malaysia. Their targets included Singapore, since it was part of Malaysia from 1963-1965. The deadliest attack was a bomb explosion at MacDonald House on 10 March 1965, which killed three people.
Independent Singapore also faced terrorist threats, both from international and local actors. Communist groups continued to carry out violent acts until the 1970s. In 1974, foreign terrorists also attacked an oil refinery before hijacking the ferry boat Laju and holding crew members hostage.
The video shows the tunnels utilised by the North Vietnamese during the Vietnam War. As Singapore was gaining its independence, the Vietnam War (1954-1975) was threatening the stability of Southeast Asia. Beginning as a civil war between the communist North and the non-communist South, it became an important stage for the global conflict between communism and democracy/capitalism. It thus attracted the involvement of other countries like the Soviet Union and America.
In 1967, the British announced that it would withdraw its forces from Singapore. This added to Singapore's defence challenges as it had relied on British military presence for its security. Singapore's own defence forces were small at the point of independence, and insufficient.
Do you think Singapore is as vulnerable today as it was back then? Why or why not? Respond on the Padlet under the appropriate shelf.
The first way Singapore approached its security challenge was through deterrence. This means the creation and maintenance of a defence force that is powerful enough to convince potential enemies not to attack, as it would either fail or be very costly.
National Service was introduced in 1967 to rapidly build up Singapore's defence force. Singaporean men are conscripted for two years, and would be liable for reservist duties after that.
In 1967, the Chartered Industries of Singapore (CIS) was established to produce ammunition and weapons for the armed forces. In 2000, CIS was acquired by ST Engineering, which continues to perform the same role. The video shown depicts the latest innovations from ST Engineering.
The second way Singapore approached its security challenge was through diplomacy. This refers to the establishment and maintenance of official government relations between countries. Countries typically set up embassies in foreign capitals, where their diplomats would represent their interests.
This video highlights the amount of respect and admiration that world leaders had for Lee Kuan Yew when he passed away. This is a testament to his efforts and building and maintaining healthy relationships between Singapore and other countries. This was crucial as Singapore needed to have good friends who would recognise its independence and have an interest in keeping it safe and secure.
It was also important for Singapore, small as it was, to join international organisations that would allow it to gain recognition and have a voice on global matters. Singapore joined the United Nations in 1965, and also became a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which continues to play an important regional role today. Watch the video to find out more about the context of its establishment, and its impact over the years.
What do you think is more important for Singapore - Deterrence, or Diplomacy? Why? Respond on the Padlet under the appropriate shelf.