Importance of China’s Two Sessions:
China’s “Two Sessions” are significant in setting the country’s agenda and debating its direction. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong looks forward to China’s continued prosperity and mutually beneficial relations with the world.

Bilateral Relations Between China and Singapore:
Singapore and China have strong and broad relations spanning various fields, with cooperation dating back many years before diplomatic ties were established. There is mutual trust and understanding between the two countries.

Government-to-Government Projects:
Singapore and China have successful Government-to-Government (G2G) projects, including the Suzhou Industrial Park, Tianjin Eco-City, and Chongqing Connectivity Project. These projects align with the Belt and Road Initiative and contribute to connectivity and sustainability.

Private Sector Cooperation:
Singapore’s private sector has extensive cooperation with China, with specific initiatives such as the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) being revised and reviewed.

Technological Innovation:
Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research has developed a high-speed, three-dimensional profilometer capable of detecting micron-scale defects in semiconductor chips. This technology can potentially revolutionize semiconductor production by reducing inspection time from 30 hours to 30 milliseconds. China’s vast market and complete industrial chain provide opportunities for promoting such technologies.

China as a Launchpad for Singapore’s Technology:
China serves as a launchpad for Singapore’s technology to the world, given its large market and competitive environment. The G2G projects mentioned earlier play a demonstration role under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Singapore’s Support for the Belt and Road Initiative:
Singapore was the first ASEAN member to support the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), seeing it as a strategic move by China to contribute to regional development and integration. The initiative aligns with the region’s need for infrastructure and financing, which China is capable of providing. Singapore’s role in the BRI includes serving as a financial center, providing project financing, and acting as a center for arbitration, mediation, and legal expertise.

Singapore’s Contribution to the BRI:
Singapore’s strengths as a financial center and legal hub make it a valuable partner in the BRI. It serves as a place where projects can be evaluated and financed, and where legal disputes can be resolved. Additionally, Singapore offers a convenient location for companies to establish control tower functions and manage their operations throughout the region.

China’s Application to Join the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DIPA):
China’s decision to join the DIPA, proposed by Singapore, New Zealand, and Chile, is significant for both China and other countries. The digital economy is a new growth area for China, and the DIPA provides an opportunity for cooperation and collaboration in this field. The agreement aims to establish interoperable standards, facilitate cross-border data flows, and create new rules for the digital economy.

Benefits of China’s Participation in DIPA:
China’s participation in DIPA will contribute to the development of a New Age FTA, which is crucial for the digital economy. It will also provide a platform for countries to work together on digital issues, ensuring that standards and regulations are interoperable and that data flows freely across borders.

Singapore’s Role in ASEAN-China Relations:
Singapore is a modest but active member of ASEAN and aims to help the organization move forward. Singapore’s free trade agreement (FTA) with China serves as an example of what can be achieved in economic cooperation between the two parties. Good economic relations between ASEAN and China are contingent upon addressing non-economic issues, such as the Code of Conduct on the South China Sea.

Singapore’s Model of Development:
Singapore’s success is attributed to its ability to make up for its limited resources through cohesiveness, creativity, efficient governance, and value creation. Singapore’s emphasis on making friends with many countries around the world helps it secure economic benefits, expand its network, and strengthen its global position. Unity within the country and good relations with other parts of the world are crucial for Singapore’s continued success. Singapore supports and participates in the Global Development Initiative (GDI) proposed by China, which aims to address ongoing global challenges.

Singapore’s Support for the GDI:
Singapore endorses the goals of the Friends of the Global Development Initiative (GDI), aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Singapore believes in the GDI’s pragmatic, inclusive, and open approach to implementation.

Lee Kuan Yew’s Vision for Singapore-China Relations:
Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s founding Prime Minister, foresaw the benefits of China’s rise for Southeast Asia. He envisioned Singapore as a base for understanding Southeast Asia and facilitating China’s economic engagement.

Singapore’s Role in China-ASEAN Relations Today:
China is the largest trading partner for most Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore. Singapore serves as a control tower for companies to manage their presence in Southeast Asia. Singapore’s financial activities play a significant role in China-ASEAN economic relations.

Lee Hsien Loong’s Advocacy for Peace and Stability:
Lee Hsien Loong emphasizes the importance of developing the relationship with China while maintaining regional peace, stability, and prosperity. He believes that Singapore’s voice can influence countries to consider opportunities and risks and encourage cooperation.

Lee Hsien Loong’s Vision for Singapore’s Future:
Lee Hsien Loong seeks to preserve Singapore’s sense of nationhood, identity, and prosperity for future generations. He aims to maintain Singapore’s unique values, instincts, and culture while keeping pace with evolving times. He recognizes the importance of hard work, unity, and maintaining friendships.

Lee Kuan Yew’s Observation of China’s Development:
Lee Kuan Yew closely observed China’s development and recognized its potential for success early on. He foresaw China’s influence in the world and promoted Singapore’s participation in China’s reform and opening up.

Lee Hsien Loong’s Mathematical Background:
Lee Hsien Loong studied mathematics at the University of Cambridge and later pursued computer science. He enjoys solving mathematical problems and sharing his computer codes on social media. His mathematical background has influenced his approach to governance, emphasizing logic, analysis, and problem-solving.

Lee Hsien Loong’s Sense of Duty to Singapore:
Lee Hsien Loong felt a responsibility to return to Singapore and contribute to its success during its early years of independence. He believed that every individual capable of making a difference should do so.

Lee Hsien Loong’s Rewarding Experience in Government:
Lee Hsien Loong has found his career in the armed forces and government to be intellectually stimulating. He enjoys dealing with a wide range of issues, both quantitative and intangible.

Challenges in Governance:
Lee Hsien Loong emphasizes the difficulty in balancing quantitative and intangible factors in governance. He highlights the need to make numbers work while also ensuring that policies are understandable, acceptable, and beneficial to the people.

Prioritizing Needs and Balancing Trade-Offs:
Lee Hsien Loong discusses the challenge of prioritizing needs and making trade-offs in governance. He cites examples such as choosing between building more houses, reducing the social impact of migrant workers, or focusing on social welfare issues.

The Evolving Nature of Governance:
Lee Hsien Loong emphasizes that governance issues are often intangible and difficult to resolve permanently. He notes that solutions to one problem often lead to new challenges, creating a continuous cycle.

The Importance of Hope and Encouragement:
Lee Hsien Loong speaks about the significance of hope and encouragement during challenging times. He recalls quoting the song “Chun Tian Li” during the COVID-19 pandemic to remind Singaporeans of the light at the end of the tunnel.

The Post-COVID World and the Need for Continuous Work:
Lee Hsien Loong acknowledges the new issues that have emerged in the post-COVID world. He emphasizes the need for countries to keep up with changes and continue working without taking a vacation.

Lee Hsien Loong’s Appreciation for the Interview:
Lee Hsien Loong expresses his enjoyment of the interview and his gratitude for the opportunity to share his experiences and insights.

Conclusion:
The interview with Lee Hsien Loong covers a wide range of topics, including bilateral relations, regional cooperation, and global governance. The discussion highlights Lee Hsien Loong’s perspectives on leadership, governance, and the importance of hope and encouragement during challenging times.