Remarks by President Tony Tan at the Dinner Reception for Overseas Singaporeans in Brunei

Fellow Singaporeans

Good evening

        My wife, Mary and I are delighted to be here with you in Brunei. It is always a highlight for us when we travel to have the privilege of meeting fellow Singaporeans. We enjoy hearing your stories and learning about your experiences, and are always happy when we see how well you are doing in your host country. Thank you for taking the time to meet us this evening.  

        Seeing so many Singaporeans in Brunei is particularly special given the unique relationship that Singapore has always had with Brunei. This special relationship dates from the time of Mr Lee Kuan Yew and the late Seri Begawan. It was evident from my meetings with the Sultan, the royal family, and other Bruneian leaders that our relations remain strong and excellent. Some of this is a function of institutional links and bilateral cooperation.  But an even more important factor is personal relations. Here, all of you have helped so much to strengthen our ties. 

        The Singaporean community here is rich in its diversity. Among you are doctors, lawyers, engineers, managers, students, and spouses. You may have different occupations and roles, but all of you play a crucial part in ensuring that these strong personal linkages continue. You do this everyday as you live here, interact with the community, and promote mutual understanding and friendship. 

        Brunei and Singapore have built an enduring partnership and remain committed to strengthening our ties. Allow me to mention just one of our longstanding bilateral arrangements - the Currency Interchangeability Agreement (CIA). I mention it not only because the CIA has facilitated trade and investments, but because it has also made it more convenient for you to live and work here. Without it, you would have to make constant trips to the money changer!   

        As overseas Singaporeans, all of you are our Ambassadors in Brunei. I was delighted to learn that the Singapore Community has been active in organising community outreach initiatives. This includes building and repairing bridges in the jungles of Rampayoh in Labi, as well as donating refurbished computers to social welfare organisations such as Pusat Ehsan, SMARTER Brunei and the National Association of the Deaf. I commend you for these efforts. You have done us all proud.

        Today’s technology makes keeping in contact so much easier. For example, I am told that the photos taken this evening will be posted on the High Commission’s Facebook this very evening. So please smile when you see the cameraman and share these photos with your friends who are unable to come here tonight. More importantly, I encourage you to keep abreast of developments at home. Although you live and work overseas, each and every one of you remain an integral part of Singapore. 

        Thank you once again for joining us this evening. Mary and I look forward to meeting and interacting with you during the reception.

        Thank you.