{
  "id": 9297787,
  "title": "S'pore cannot wish away its geography nor opt out of geopolitics: Chan Chun Sing at RSIS 30th Anniversary Distinguished Lecture",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/spore-cannot-wish-away-its-geography-nor-opt-out-of-geopolitics-chan",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-22T19:49:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Mothership",
    "slug": "mothership",
    "url": "https://mothership.sg/2026/09/chan-chun-sing-rsis-30-anniversary/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Singapore cannot avoid its geography or escape the complexities of geopolitics. On September 22, Chan Chun Sing delivered a speech marking the 30th anniversary of the Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), emphasizing the need to adapt to the ever-changing geopolitical landscape. He reminded the audience of the school's mission to delve deeper into the understanding of the world, in order to remain relevant and connected. Chan recounted the story of SR Nathan, who, as Defence Minister, tasked the future president with establishing RSIS's predecessor, the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (IDSS). Nathan possessed \"extraordinary instinct,\" recognizing the importance of having \"our own eyes, our own analysis, and, most importantly, our own voice.\" The 30 years since RSIS's founding have seen significant shifts in global power dynamics, including the decline of U.S. primacy and the emergence of great power competition. Singapore's relationships with its neighboring countries, Malaysia and Indonesia, are also evolving due to internal societal changes. RSIS's role is not merely to maintain the status quo but to reinvent itself and stay ahead in a rapidly changing world. The school must understand the personalities, institutions, and forces shaping the global and regional order, as well as the specific leaders and worldviews that drive decisions. Chan highlighted the importance of comprehending China's national rejuvenation and its impact on regional power dynamics. Additionally, RSIS must delve into the intricacies of Singapore's relationships with Malaysia and Indonesia, going beyond surface-level interactions. Technology is also reshaping the security landscape, with advancements in AI, autonomous systems, and drones enabling non-state actors to pose significant threats. This blurs the lines between peace and war, creating a constant state of conflict requiring vigilance and strategic preparation. Ultimately, RSIS's mission remains as crucial as ever, requiring a delicate balance of understanding capabilities and intentions, while exercising strategic patience and sound judgment.",
  "summary": "“Our task is to see it clearly, understand it deeply, and help Singapore navigate it wisely, ahead of time.”",
  "key_points": [],
  "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."
}