Why Chan Chun Sing Says RSIS Must Help Singapore Stay One Step Ahead

At the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies’ (RSIS) 30th-anniversary lecture on 22 September 2026, Singapore’s Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing described the school’s value in practical terms: helping Singapore see change coming, understand the countries shaping its future and keep channels for candid discussion open. Singapore’s ability to remain relevant to both the US and China, he warned, is not guaranteed. 47

Understand more than what other countries can do

Chan urged RSIS to look beyond events as they unfold. Singapore needs a deeper reading of the worldviews and ambitions of the US and China, as well as its neighbours Malaysia and Indonesia. That means assessing not just countries’ capabilities, but the leaders, institutions and intentions that influence how those capabilities might be used. He called for thinking ahead and warning Singapore before developments once considered unlikely become reality. 14

That forward-looking role matters because Singapore cannot opt out of geopolitics. For a small state, understanding shifts early is part of staying connected and relevant rather than merely reacting after choices have narrowed. 15

Reinvent the work as the risks change

Chan said RSIS could not rely on doing more of the same: it had to continually reinvent itself to stay relevant and ahead of change. His point also applied to emerging technologies and security risks. Where technology crosses borders and geopolitical tensions grow, think tanks can help build common ground and shared expectations that reduce the risk of miscalculation. 37

Offer a trusted perspective, not just a meeting place

Chan tied that role to Singapore’s own interests. Asked about US–China rivalry, he said Singapore chooses according to its national interest: “We choose sides – we always choose Singapore’s side.” Maintaining trust and credibility with both powers takes continuing effort, rather than an assumption that either will always value Singapore’s role. 67

As an example of constructive engagement, Chan pointed to the RSIS Trilateral Exchange, where American and Chinese academics and Track 1.5 participants can speak candidly. Singapore’s contribution, he said, is not only to host them but to offer its perspective as a trusted third party. 7

The available material does not establish Chan’s precise remarks about the limits of Singapore’s role in the Middle East conflict. His position on that specific question should not be inferred from his comments about US–China dialogue. 7