Remarks by President Tony Tan at Dinner Reception with Singapore Community in Manila

Mr V P Hirubalan
Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines
And Mrs Mano Hirubalan

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

        Good evening. My wife Mary and I are delighted to have this opportunity to meet with you, our fellow Singaporeans, here in Manila. We look forward to interacting with you and hearing about your experiences over the course of this evening.

        Globalisation, expanded air links and technological advancements have made our world a smaller place. Singaporeans, too, have ventured beyond our shores – to study, live, and seize opportunities where your skills are in demand. The Philippines is Singapore’s close friend, and an important founding member of ASEAN. I am happy to see so many of you venturing here to experience a different culture and contribute to the success of the Philippines. 

        A small country like Singapore counts on its citizens to further its relations with foreign friends. Ambassador Hirubalan told me that there are 300 Singaporeans in the Philippines. This number is steadily growing as more Singapore professionals and entrepreneurs establish themselves in the Philippines in search of economic opportunities and to tap on the country’s growth potential. The Singapore community here plays a crucial role in strengthening ties between Singapore and the Philippines through the work that you do, the friends that you make, and the links that you establish. I am heartened to learn of the contributions you have made to your host country through the activities and charity work of the Singapore-Philippines Association. These are invaluable in forging closer bonds between the peoples from Singapore and the Philippines, and form the foundation of the strong kinship that we share. We are proud of you for flying the Singapore flag high, and bringing the Singapore spirit of Gotong-Royong to complement the Bayanihan spirit in the Philippines. 

        Our people-to-people linkages are also anchored by strong partnerships between our educational institutions. This evening, we are joined by members of the “extended Singapore family” from various Philippine state universities and colleges, who took part in an engineering education workshop run by Singapore Polytechnic. This two-year project, funded by Temasek Foundation, is but one of many ongoing vocational training collaborations between Singapore and the Philippines. We also have with us the Philippine alumni chapter members of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.  Ambassador Hirubalan told me that you hold many fond memories of Singapore. I hope you will continue to keep your alumni network active and remain connected to the friends you made in Singapore. When the opportunity arises, we will be delighted to welcome you back.     

        To my fellow Singaporeans, home is where the heart is. Notwithstanding the delectable cuisine in the Philippines, I am sure there are moments when you crave a plate of char kuay teow or a cup of teh-C at a kopitiam. Fortunately, Singapore is but an easy 3-hour flight away, with 157 weekly flights making the commute a breeze. Those who are unable to return home frequently need not despair either. I was told that there are now numerous options for Singapore food as more home-grown brands set up shop in the Philippines. The chicken rice and Singapore cuisine that you will be enjoying this evening, for example, is catered from Wee Nam Kee, which is franchised by two young and bright Filipino entrepreneurs. But while you are away from home, I encourage you to remain connected to Singapore, and keep abreast of news and developments. You are and will always remain an integral part of the Singapore family.  

        Mary and I wish you all good health and success in your endeavours in the Philippines. 

        Thank you.