'Singapore's perpetual karma is to be relevant': Tommy Koh looks back on 55 years in global diplomacy

Singapore gained independence in 1965, but it wasn't until 1972 that it established a formal foreign service. Founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew initially doubted the availability of people willing to join the service. It took former diplomat Tommy Koh a year to persuade Mr. Lee of the need for a professional foreign service. Koh served as Singapore's permanent representative to the United Nations from 1968 to 1971, during which time the country still lacked a foreign service.

In an interview with CNA, Koh reflected on ASEAN's rise and Singapore's foreign policy over his 55-year career. He recounted the initial skepticism from Lee Kuan Yew about the viability of a small foreign service and how Lee eventually convinced him of its importance. Koh emphasized that small countries have an inherent relevance to the world, which is a guiding principle of Singapore's foreign policy.

Koh mentioned that he has worked with every foreign minister in Singapore's history, with the first, S Rajaratnam, leaving the deepest impact on him. He also highlighted that Singapore was never fully prepared for independence and its first generation of ambassadors were thrown into challenging situations. Despite this, Koh and his colleagues collectively contributed to the founding principles of Singapore's foreign policy.

Throughout his career, Koh encountered the challenge of reconciling theoretical knowledge with practical diplomacy. He recounted his experience as a special envoy to Russia and the Baltic states in 1993, an assignment that pushed him beyond his comfort zone in unfamiliar territories. Additionally, Koh chaired two World Trade Organization dispute panels, showcasing Singapore's ability to contribute back to the international system despite its small size.

Looking ahead, Koh expressed pride in Singapore's economic progress and its role within ASEAN. As the country prepares to take over the ASEAN chairmanship in 2023, Koh noted the remarkable economic growth of the bloc and its position as the world's fifth-largest economy. He remained optimistic about Singapore's continued relevance and impact on the international stage, driven by its commitment to protecting its sovereignty, expanding its economic and political space, and fostering meaningful relationships with both allies and adversaries.