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SINGAPORE: In a world where trust is in short supply, being trusted is one of Singapore\u2019s greatest strengths, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Sunday (Aug 23).<\/span><\/p>\n Amid growing pressures in international trade, competition among great powers and the emergence of new technologies, there is a higher risk of conflict escalation, noted Mr Wong in his National Day Rally speech.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThis is our world today \u2013 more contested, <\/span>more unstable<\/span> and more dangerous than before.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThese are not temporary disruptions. This is the new normal that Singapore will have to endure and survive for many years to come,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n Given this reality, the country cannot respond by retreating or turning inward, said Mr Wong.<\/span><\/p>\n Singapore has succeeded by connecting to and creating value for the world, and it will continue to build deeper connections, stay relevant and create more opportunities for its citizens, he said.<\/span><\/p>\n Noting that the country is a major hub for business and finance, Mr Wong said Singapore plays a vital role in global supply chains, and brings markets, capital, talent and ideas together.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAll of these strengths depend on one thing: Trust,\u201d he said. \u201cCountries trust us, businesses trust us, investors trust us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n They know Singapore is a place where the rule of law prevails, institutions are strong and contracts and commitments are honoured, said Mr Wong, who is also the finance minister.<\/span><\/p>\n “When Singapore gives our word, we keep it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cIn a world where trust is becoming harder to find, this remains one of our greatest strengths. We will build on this trust and deepen our links with the world,” he added.<\/p>\n To this end, Singapore will do everything it can to strengthen unity in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) when the country becomes the grouping\u2019s chair next year.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe will also strengthen partnerships beyond our region \u2013 bring diverse partners together, build common ground, and keep channels for dialogue and cooperation open,\u201d Mr Wong said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n However, Singapore cannot assume that others will come to our rescue when trouble arises.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe must be able to stand on our own, and take care of our own,\u201d he said, noting that Singapore moved quickly to bring its citizens home, secure essential supplies and roll out support packages for workers, households and businesses when the Middle East crisis happened.<\/span><\/p>\n