Published 16 July 2024
Singapore and New Zealand share a long history of close bilateral cooperation. Both countries have much in common, yet have developed in different ways. In a new book, former German ambassador to New Zealand Anne-Marie Schleich tapped on 27 prominent experts to trace each country’s approach on foreign policy, defense, trade cooperation, economic challenges, climate change, the arts, and ageing societies.
Singapore and New Zealand have much in common. They are small countries with populations of just over five million. Both countries are former British colonies and young nations. New Zealand gained full independence in 1947, and Singapore became independent in 1965. New Zealand was one of the first countries to officially recognize Singapore when it became independent. They share a long history of close cooperation in politics, defence, trade, and business.
Both countries are strong supporters of multilateral frameworks and the rule of law. Both face similar global challenges arising from overlapping international crises and from climate change. Singapore and New Zealand are both navigating an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific region while maintaining good relations with the two major powers, the United States and China. As small and open economies, they rely heavily on trade and share similar views on trade issues.
However, the two nations have developed at different speeds and in different ways. New Zealand has a resource- and agriculture-based economy. It faces the challenge of geographical remoteness from major Asian markets. Singapore, on the other hand, is a prosperous city-state situated along one of the world’s busiest shipping and trading routes. It has become a major financial hub with a focus on advanced technology and high-end science research. In 2022, Singapore’s gross domestic product per capita was approximately US$82,800 compared to New Zealand’s US$48,400, according to the World Bank. Both countries have implemented tax and other incentives to attract foreign direct investment from around the world.
Having worked in both countries as a diplomat, I met many of the authors of this volume. Singapore’s Ambassador-at-Large Tommy Koh and Ambassador Ong Keng Yong, Executive Deputy Chairman of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Singapore, encouraged me to start this project.
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As a result, I compiled and edited Perspectives of Two Island Nations: Singapore and New Zealand as an attempt to trace each country’s approach to important questions of our time. I selected the topics and the contributors to the book. The result is a compilation of 25 essays from 27 prominent experts across Singapore and New Zealand covering a wide range of topics in each country.
The book is divided into eight sections: history and outlook; foreign policy in a changing environment; bilateral defense and strategic relations; trade cooperation; economic challenges and business cooperation; climate change, environment and sustainable policies as well as the creative sectors and ageing societies.
Some essays focus on how two small states manage the challenges and opportunities of globalization. Others highlight similarities and differences between the two countries, and on their cooperation in defense, trade, and business. The book also shows ways in which the two countries can learn from one another.
The book has outstanding contributors:
I am grateful to both Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong who supplied a Message to the book and to former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Helen Clark, wrote a Foreword.
Eminent Singapore historian Tan Tai Yong gives a concise overview of Singapore’s history, “From Colony to Global City-State”. Peter Carter, a specialist in New Zealand’s political and military history, presents a historical overview of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Singapore from the 1950s to 1970, in the context of the emergence of both countries as independent states. Christopher Finlayson, former New Zealand Attorney-General and Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, analyzes the New Zealand government's attempts over the last 50 years to address longstanding grievances between Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, and the state.
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In the section on Foreign Policy, Singapore’s Ambassador-at-Large Tommy Koh outlines the many foreign policy challenges Singapore is facing at the moment. Nicholas Khoo, a New Zealand foreign policy expert, analyzes the challenges faced by New Zealand's foreign policy between 2017 and 2023 and discusses the country's response to issues including nuclear weapons, the environment, and relations with China. Ambassador Lawrence Anderson highlights Singapore’s role within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and Ambassador Mary Seet-Cheng outlines Singapore’s strong connections with Pacific Island countries.
David Capie, director of the Wellington-based Centre for Strategic Studies, explores the longstanding and close defense and security cooperation between New Zealand and Singapore.
In the section on Economic Challenges and Business Cooperation, two renowned economists, Brian Easton of New Zealand and Manu Bhaskaran of Singapore, discuss the economic challenges their respective countries are facing. Siah Hwee Ang, a New Zealand-based expert in international business strategy with a specialization in Asian business affairs, focuses on bilateral business cooperation, such as in agritech, logistics, green technology, and fintech-related services. New Zealander Ken Hickson, an author and consultant who has lived in Singapore for many decades, offers glimpses of his insider observations of Singapore-Kiwi business partnerships.
Former Trade Minister George Yeo and his then-New Zealand counterpart Tim Groser were at the heart of negotiations on the fledgling Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement. The idea was mooted by Singapore and New Zealand. Both George and Tim share their insights in the beginnings of the massive trade deal, of which little has been known until now.
In the section on Climate Change, Environment and Sustainable Policies, Dave Lowe, one of the lead authors of a 2007 United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report and co-winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, relates how he began atmospheric carbon dioxide measurements in New Zealand over 50 years ago. His essay brings us to the very heart of climate science and discussed New Zealand’s climate change policies. New Zealander Benjamin Horton is the Director of the Earth Observatory of Singapore. He and his team of 11 co-authors showcase the outstanding work of the institute on environmental and climate change topics. Greg Severinsen and Raewyn Peart of the Environmental Defence Society explore New Zealand’s recent turbulent experience of environmental law reform.
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Sir Richard Taylor, one of New Zealand's most prominent creators and innovators and winner of an Oscar and British Academy Film and Television Arts award, shares insights into the making of the country's successful film industry. He provides intriguing glimpses into the founding of Wellington-based Wētā Workshop, his partnership with iconic film director Peter Jackson, and his passion for creating films. Kennie Ting, the former Director of Singapore’s Asian Civilisations Museum, projects the amazing vision and journey for the museum while Singapore academic Hoe Su Fern analyzes the vibrant arts scene in Singapore.
New Zealand’s Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson analyzes retirement policies in New Zealand, with a focus on older women who are disadvantaged by the existing system. Kanwaljit Soin, author and former president of Singapore’s Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE), offers a great insight into aging, one of the major topics of modern society. Her essay “Ageing successfully in Singapore” is a must-read.
Gabrielle Rush and William Tan, the High Commissioners of New Zealand and Singapore respectively, pen a joint article on the broad range of bilateral relations. Next year, Singapore and New Zealand will celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations, marking a significant milestone in relations between the two countries.
I wish the readers an enjoyable journey through these many perspectives of Singapore and New Zealand.
© The Hinrich Foundation. See our website Terms and conditions for our copyright and reprint policy. All statements of fact and the views, conclusions and recommendations expressed in this publication are the sole responsibility of the author(s).
Author
Anne-Marie Schleich
Anne-Marie Schleich is an Adjunct Senior Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. She has written numerous articles on geopolitical developments in the Asia-Pacific region as well as on Climate Security which were published in Australia, Germany, Singapore, and Switzerland.
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