Government quality, capability set successful nations apart in a contested world: Chan Chun Sing
Singapore's Coordinating Minister for Public Services Chan Chun Sing said that strong institutions help countries anticipate change and adapt when external shocks occur. He added that policy consistency, regulatory effectiveness, and the quality of the public service matt…
Intelligence analysis by Llama
Speaking at the inaugural Singapore-Vietnam Strategic Dialogue, Mr Chan said that the quality and capability of government will increasingly distinguish successful nations from the rest amid a weakening rules-based international order and rising geopolitical competition.
Imagine you're on a boat in a stormy sea. The boat's captain needs to make good decisions to keep everyone safe. A good captain has a clear plan, knows how to fix problems, and has a team that trusts them. This is like a country's government. A good government helps the country stay safe and strong in a world with many challenges.
Analysis
Singapore-Vietnam Strategic Dialogue
The inaugural Singapore-Vietnam Strategic Dialogue was held at Conrad Singapore Marina Bay on Tuesday (Aug 25). The dialogue was co-chaired by Singapore's Coordinating Minister for Public Services Chan Chun Sing and Permanent Member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Secretariat Tran Cam Tu.
Government Quality and Capability
Speaking at the dialogue, Mr Chan said that the quality and capability of government will increasingly distinguish successful nations from the rest amid a weakening rules-based international order and rising geopolitical competition. He added that strong institutions help countries anticipate change and adapt when external shocks occur.
Policy Consistency and Regulatory Effectiveness
Mr Chan emphasized that policy consistency, regulatory effectiveness, and the quality of the public service matter for economic competitiveness. Businesses consider these factors when deciding where to invest and where to build for the long term.
Public Trust
Governments also need the confidence and trust of their people. Public trust enables governments to build consensus, mobilise society, and undertake difficult reforms in which benefits may only be apparent many years later.
Vietnam-Singapore Technology Connectivity Strategy
Both countries also issued a joint statement on the Vietnam-Singapore technology connectivity strategy. The Singapore-Vietnam Strategic Dialogue was formed under the ambit of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between both countries, which was established last year.
Forward-Looking Platform
Mr Chan said in his opening speech that the dialogue is a forward-looking platform where both countries can exchange perspectives candidly on emerging challenges, and identify areas where they can work together bilaterally and regionally.
Key points
- The quality and capability of government will increasingly distinguish successful nations from the rest amid a weakening rules-based international order and rising geopolitical competition.
- Strong institutions help countries anticipate change and adapt when external shocks occur.
- Policy consistency, regulatory effectiveness, and the quality of the public service matter for economic competitiveness.
- Governments need the confidence and trust of their people to build consensus, mobilise society, and undertake difficult reforms.
If both countries work together effectively, they can build a strong and prosperous relationship that benefits both nations. This can lead to increased trade, investment, and cooperation in areas like technology and innovation.
However, the weakening rules-based international order and rising geopolitical competition pose significant challenges to both countries. If they fail to adapt and respond effectively, they may struggle to maintain their economic competitiveness and global influence.
