SIIA Director of Security and Global Affairs Nicholas Fang was quoted by SPH in The Straits Times and The New Paper, on whether the Trump-Kim summit was worthwhile for Singapore.
Hosting Trump-Kim summit a worthwhile venture despite concerns over outcome, say analysts and Singaporeans
Mr Nicholas Fang, Director of Security and Global Affairs at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, said the summit has boosted Singapore’s branding, which is crucial in a global competitive environment.
“There doesn’t seem to be any major failings to point to at the operational level, and Singapore’s brand has certainly been enhanced on the global stage as a safe, secure and stable city, with good ties to all partners and stakeholders in the international community.
“The fact that a small country like Singapore could be the focal point of global attention for so many days will do no harm to the Singapore brand, which will have flow-down benefits for Singapore companies and individuals on the international stage,” he added.
Still, there have been criticisms among some Singaporeans over the money spent in hosting the summit, along with the heightened security risks in doing so, given that both leaders are high-profile targets.
Mr Fang said one area where Singapore agencies could have done better was in the communication of the significance and importance of the summit, and the reasons behind the decision to host it despite the pressures on infrastructure and the costs involved.
“This could have helped to minimise the public unhappiness that emerged, and ensured that Singaporeans gain deeper insights into geopolitical events of this nature in the future,” he added.
Full Article: Hosting Trump-Kim summit a worthwhile venture despite concerns over outcome, say analysts and Singaporeans [The Straits Times, 12 Jun 2018] (Requires Login)
Full Article: S’pore gains $700 million from summit [The New Paper, 14 Jun 2018]
Photo Credit: Dan Scavino Jr., Executive Office of the President of the United States
