Remarks by President Halimah Yacob at the Reception for Overseas Singaporeans in the State of Qatar 2023

Dr Mohamed Maliki Osman, Minister in the Prime Minister’s

Office and Second Minister for Education and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs,

Ms Low Yen Ling, Minister of State for Trade & Industry and Minister of State for Culture, Community, and Youth,

Ambassador Jai S Sohan

Members of Parliament

Fellow Singaporeans

Good evening. I am happy to see so many of you here even though it is a Tuesday evening. In the wake of the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic had posed to social gatherings and our interactions with friends and family, it is heart-warming to be able to gather today as fellow citizens to celebrate what makes us Singaporean. Of course, this includes the delicious spread of some local favourites which you can enjoy this evening.

I am delighted to make my State Visit to Qatar at the invitation of His Highness Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani. His Highness was in fact the first Head of State whom I hosted in Singapore after assuming office in 2017, and I recall he spoke very warmly of Singapore and his admiration for our leaders including Mr Lee Kuan Yew. I look forward to my discussions with His Highness tomorrow on ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Since our last meeting in 2017, Qatar has undergone significant transformation. Qatar hosted the first ever FIFA World Cup in the Middle East last year which I’m sure many of you had enjoyed. The success of Qatar’s World Cup demonstrated that a small country is capable of putting  up a spectacular show and shine on the world stage. Earlier today, I had the chance to visit the stunning Lusail Stadium, which the exciting finals between Argentina and France was played. I look forward to witnessing more of the dynamism and opportunities that Qatar and Qataris have to offer.

If we were to look at Singapore and Qatar on a map, the similarities would be obvious. We are small states surrounded by neighbours much larger than us, in both land area and population. It is therefore of no surprise that our two countries share a natural affinity for one another and hold a similar strategic outlook. We seek to make ourselves relevant despite our size, and to be active, responsible, and constructive members of the international community. Singapore and Qatar continue to be strong advocates for free trade and an inclusive, rules-based multilateral trading system.

Singapore’s relations with Qatar are excellent. We have frequent high-level exchanges. Our economic relations have grown steadily over the years. Qatar is our third largest trading partner in the Middle East, with bilateral trade last year amounting to S$8.2 billion. Singapore companies such as Rotary Engineering, Certis Cisco, CBM, Keppel, TabiBoba, and SECC have done well here. The Qatar Investment Authority established a representative office in Singapore in 2021 to serve as its regional hub for investments in Asia. Tomorrow, His Highness and I will witness the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding on energy, food security, cyber security, research and development, and technical cooperation.

As important as political and economic relations are, how Qatar and Singapore see each other is also shaped by our peoples’ interactions with one another. I was told by Ambassador Jai earlier today that Doha hosts a diverse community of around 300 Singaporeans, many of whom are flying the Singapore flag high here in their respective fields. We have amongst us enterprising women and men, who have dared to venture into a region unfamiliar to many Singaporeans and made their mark. Many are involved in the work of the Singapore Business Council in Qatar, which facilitates economic linkages between Singapore and Qatar. We also have pilots and specialists in the aviation field, engineers, bankers, IT experts, healthcare, and hospitality professionals. The list does not end here of course. But perhaps the most important of all – supportive spouses and children! I would like to thank all of you for being our ambassadors and advocates.

I was also touched by the stories of resilience I had read, about how Singaporeans in Doha who had lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic had pivoted to new industries and even started their own companies. These shining examples truly embody the “never say die” attitude that Singaporeans have. I understand that the ‘RedDotters’ community in Doha is close-knit, and I am sure that the presence of fellow Singaporeans was of comfort during those difficult times. I hope that this “kampung spirit” continues to stay strong, and that you continue to support each other in good times and bad.

Before I end, I would like to urge everyone here to remain connected with Singapore and your loved ones back home,  even as you pursue your own dreams overseas and to participate in the ongoing discussions on Singapore’s future, as we renew and refresh our social compact in an increasingly challenging geopolitical environment. One such platform is the Forward Singapore initiative launched by Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong last year. Though you are physically away, your unique perspectives of the world and Singapore’s place in it can serve as invaluable input for the Singapore leadership as we chart the way ahead for our nation. Let us all strive to make our beautiful country a more inclusive and endearing home for all.

I look forward to chatting with all of you and hearing about your experiences in Qatar.

Thank you.