Welcome Remarks by President Halimah Yacob at the Reception for Overseas Singaporeans in Tokyo

Ambassador Lui Tuck Yew

Fellow Singaporeans,

A very good evening to you. I am delighted to see so many Singaporeans gathered here this evening, especially it being a Monday evening. I could feel the warmth from our fellow citizens as I came into the room just now, all the more with the familiar melody of the song “Home”. I have just arrived in Tokyo, and am honoured to attend the Enthronement Ceremony of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito and related events over the next few days.

Japan is an important partner for Singapore. More than five decades ago, Japan was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Singapore. During those early years, Japan contributed significantly to our nation building through trade, investments, employment and technology. Today, Japan is Singapore’s 8^th largest trading partner and 3^rd largest foreign investor. You will find many examples of Singapore-Japan cooperation in both countries. For instance, Changi Airports International, in collaboration with a consortium of Japanese companies, has started operations of Fukuoka International Airport since this April. In Singapore, Japanese construction company Obayashi Corporation was the main contractor of the new Jewel Changi Airport. In fact, one of Jewel’s main highlights – the Shiseido Forest Valley, is a collaboration between Japan’s Shiseido and teamLab. I encourage all of you to visit the Jewel the next time you are back in Singapore. Apart from strong economic links, Singapore and Japan also cooperate in wide-ranging areas, from education and healthcare to digital economy and cybersecurity. This year in particular, PM and several Cabinet members visited Japan for various G20 meetings.

An important pillar of Singapore-Japan relations is the close people-to-people linkages between the two countries. In 2018, more than 430,000 Singaporeans – or one in nine Singaporeans – visited Japan, while Singapore received close to 830,000 Japanese visitors. Air connectivity between Singapore and Japan has correspondingly increased. In total, the SIA group is operating 114 weekly flights between Singapore and Japan, a testament to the importance and attractiveness of Japan as a business, investment and tourism destination. Japan will host the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games next year, and I am happy that just last week, we had the second Singaporean qualify for the Tokyo Olympics. I look forward to more good news from our Team Singapore athletes.

This year has been a significant year for Singapore as we commemorate our Bicentennial. The year-long series of activities has allowed Singaporeans to reflect on and appreciate the broader context which shaped today’s Singapore. Even though you are far away from home, I hope that you had the chance to participate in some of these commemorative events. The Istana also commemorated our 150^th anniversary this year. For the first time, the Istana was opened to the public at night. Many had an enjoyable experience taking in the night view of the Istana.

I am happy to see all of you here, especially those of you who have travelled long distances to attend this reception. You have all done well in flying the Singapore flag high.  I look forward to hearing about your experiences in Japan, and wish you good health and continued success.

Thank you.