{
  "id": 2785398,
  "title": "NDR 2026: S’pore to strengthen S-E Asian unity as ASEAN chair in 2027, build resilience to face crisis",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/ndr-2026-spore-to-strengthen-s-e-asian-unity-as-asean-chair-in-2027",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-23T12:15:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Straits Times",
    "slug": "straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/ndr-2026-spore-to-strengthen-s-e-asian-unity-as-asean-chair-in-2027-build-resilience-to-face-crisis"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Singapore aims to bolster South-East Asia's unity and centrality as it assumes the ASEAN chairmanship in 2027, according to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who delivered his National Day Rally speech on Aug 23. As the world becomes increasingly unstable and contested, Wong emphasized the importance of deepening regional integration and strengthening partnerships beyond the region to make ASEAN a more effective single market. Singapore will chair the ASEAN in 2027, succeeding the Philippines, and will serve until Dec 31, having previously held the position in 2018.\n\nWong stressed that in a fractured and more dangerous world, Singapore must focus on building common ground and maintaining open channels for dialogue and cooperation. The Republic's response to such challenges cannot be to retreat and turn inward, but rather to connect with the world, create value for it, and trust is crucial for deepening global connections. Singapore's reputation as a place where the rule of law prevails, institutions are strong, and contracts and commitments are honored, is a significant asset, particularly in times of geopolitical tensions.\n\nIn addition to enhancing regional unity, Singapore must also focus on strengthening its own resilience to face potential crises, Wong said. The government has demonstrated this by responding swiftly to the Middle East conflict and the energy crisis resulting from the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. For example, 618 Singaporeans were evacuated on four repatriation flights within two weeks of the conflict's start, and the government secured essential supplies and rolled out support packages totaling $2 billion for workers, households, and businesses.\n\nGoing forward, Singapore will continue to build for the long term, ensuring that citizens remain supported and prepared for the deeper changes brought about by geopolitical tensions and technological advancements. The nation will stay open and connected while maintaining societal cohesion and unity, as these objectives are all part of a single mission to keep Singapore trusted, relevant, and resilient in the face of whatever lies ahead.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Singapore plans to enhance South-East Asia unity as ASEAN chair in 2027",
    "Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stresses regional integration and global partnerships",
    "Singapore focuses on building resilience for potential crises"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}