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  Diplomatic Relations ofSingaporeSocial Studies Online Assignment-Diplomacy Done by: Elaine Mong(4), Jolyn Hoe(7), Merlyn Koh(13) , Tan Yan Qing(22) Class 304
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  Choice of DiplomaticRelation: REGIONAL
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  What are RegionalRelations?The forming of associations with countries within a specific regionInvolves the combination of strengths of member countries, to allow association to become strongerExamples: European Union (EU) South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
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  Singapore’s ParticipationExample 1:Singapore Cooperation ProgrammeSingapore offers scholarships to ASEAN students under (SCP)
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  Allow students fromany other ASEAN countries to study courses offered in local universities
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  Foreign students returnback to their country to contribute to its development after completing their studiesSingapore’s ParticipationExample 2: ASEAN Committee on WomenFifth ASEAN Committee on Women (ACW) Meeting hosted at Orchard Hotel, Singapore.
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  Singapore Minister ofState for Community Development emphasised that all women should have access to resources and opportunities so that they could participate in and benefit from the country’s development.
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  Prioritised advancement ofwomen in respective countries and discussed ways to strengthen regional cooperation.Singapore’s ParticipationExample 3: Singapore-ASEAN Youth FundSGD$5 million fund contributed to funding joint youth activities in the ASEAN region over a five-year period till 2011.
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  Initiated by Singapore'sMinistry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports.
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  Created to promoteASEAN youth interaction and develop ASEAN youths through participation in ASEAN youth projects.
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  Aims to fosterASEAN unity in ASEAN youths and promote greater awareness of ASEAN internationally.
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  Contributes to greaterunderstanding and closer ties within the ASEAN community.Benefits of Regional RelationsPoliticalCombines strength to put member countries in better positions when dealing with other countries or associations
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  Association provides avenuefor countries to resolve conflicts and disputes peacefully
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  Fosters strong tiesbetween member countriesBenefits of Regional Relations Social Establishing of a “Global City for Arts”
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  Development of artspolicies and cultural industries made possible in Singapore under cultural hegemony between ASEAN countries
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  Singapore plays therole of the cultural hub among the ASEAN countries
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  Maintains warm andfriendly relations with member countries
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  Member countries canprovide support in times of needBenefits of Regional RelationsEconomicalGives Singapore a role to play in maintaining regional peace and promoting economic development
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  AFTA allows ourcountry to remain economically vibrant even when facing inte intense competition from economic powers
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  Import taxes amongSoutheast Asian countries are removedNational InterestsSecurity Terrorism is a threat to Singapore as it is to all civilised countries. The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction is a particular threat to a small country like Singapore where a single chemical or biological attack will have a catastrophic effect on the entire nation, as well as our neighbouring countries. Henceforth, we need to work closely in collaboration with countries around and surrounding us to prevent against the occurrence of external threats
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  ResourcesAs a nationwith limited land area and resources, there is a need to import resources from surrounding countries for a continuous supply. Eg. Singapore has since signed four agreements with Malaysia to regulate water supply. Forging close relations with these countires can aid in trade and negotiation in attaining the resources we requireNational Interests
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  Great powers Singapore has for many years emphasised the importance of the US in providing the stability that is the irreplaceable foundation of Asia-Pacific growth since the end of the Second World War. A small country like Singapore can survive and prosper only when there is a stable balance of power. And the US is an irreplaceable part of any regional or international balance. However, self-reliance must also be ensured to escape possible domination or manipulation from these great powers. Thus, regional relations plays an important part in combining strengths to combat forced policies or decisions.National Interests
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  Why is itmore beneficial than other forms of relations?Bilateral RelationsAlthough bilateral relations can further promote political, economic and cultural ties with neighbouring countries, it remains as a relation only between two countries.
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  It cannot providestrong support in terms of economical and military aid in times of crisis
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  Appears as lessbeneficial as compared to the many gains a country can attain in receiving help from member countries in regional relations
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  Does not helpto maintain or improve terms with other countriesInternational RelationsThough as a member of UN, Singapore does not appear to have benefited much from it. The membership only allowed Singapore to gain recognition as a sovereign state, but did not help in fostering relationships with other countries
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  Economic experts initiallysent to Singapore by UN only assisted in its development till late 1970s. Singapore was left to fend for its own economy after that.
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  Regional relations wouldnaturally react quicker to a country’s needs in times of crisis, as less members would indicate a faster response to agreements. Furthermore, international relations such as UN has too many members, thus it may easily neglect one member’s need and cannot efficiently help to solve its problem.Why is it more beneficial than other forms of relations?
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  Bibliography http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1475-6781.2004.00051.x/abstracthttp://www.aseanyouth.org/mainpage.php?pgid=4
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  The Endfor yourkind attention!