Singapore's helping hands bring humane aid, build strong friendships

Recently, the Singapore International Foundation (SIF) started its second Water for Life project in Cambodia's Kampong Speu province, winning applause from the Cambodia media. Among Cambodia's 11 million people, 4.5 million have no access to clean water. Two years ago, Singapore decided to help provide clean water in Cambodia.

The SIF provides clean drinking water to the 800 households, while each household pays a nominal fee of $2 to have a water filter installed. This improves the quality of life and prevents disease.

Yet the water project is only one of the many forms of assistance Singapore provides to foreign countries. China can draw from its experiences.

For example, during the SARS epidemic, Singapore provided Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar with technological assistance such as infrared temperature measuring devices. It also offered opportunities for officials from these countries to study in Singapore. These measures show the importance that Singapore attached to the health of citizens in other countries.

Singapore not only provides financial assistance where it is needed, but also offers "soft" assistance. In order to boost the Initiative for ASEAN Integration, the Singaporean government contributed thousands of millions of dollars to set up technical training schools in countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar to cultivate talent in various fields such as trade, export, human resources and tourism. After five years of this plan, it extended its contributions for another few years and expanded the range of training.

Singapore tries to concentrate on urgently needed aid. For example, it set up English training centers in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, the four new members of ASEAN that are experiencing transformation, as the English level of their officials badly needs improvement.

Both the government and private enterprises shoulder the responsibility of providing assistance. The government has strengthened its relationships with other countries through the work, and its enterprises have won a favorable reputation.

Judging by the response of the countries that are being assisted, Singapore is welcomed and applauded, and is winning support and respect from local people.

Shunmugam Jayakumar, former foreign minister of Singapore, said that Singapore is a friend to many countries. Singapore has reached its strategic goal, of consolidating friendships and improving its reputation, through foreign assistance.

As more and more Chinese enterprises go to foreign countries, we face many challenges. We should learn from Singapore how to ensure a win-win situation economically, promote bilateral relations and strengthen our friendship at the same time.

The author is a researcher with the Institute for Southeast Asian Studies at the Yunnan Academy of Social Sciences. [email protected]

Sourced: globaltimes