Page 56 - NYAA Annual Report 2024

STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS

Engagements with Diplomatic Missions
In 2024, NYAA deepened relationships with the embassies of China, India, Switzerland, Finland, Canada,
Israel, and the European Union. The NYAA participated in high-level receptions, cultural events, and strategic
dialogues to build networks and bridges at various levels, from government to the people.

India’s Republic Day Celebration
International relations hold great significance for a small city-state like Singapore. The NYAA Executive
Director and Deputy Executive Director were honoured to be invited by His Excellency Shipak Ambule, High
Commissioner of India, to attend the India Republic Day celebration. The event, held at the Island Ballroom of
Shangri-La Hotel, was graced by over 500 guests, including Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister for Communications
and Information and Minister-in-charge of the Cyber Security Agency and Smart Nation initiative. The
celebration provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties and reinforce the importance of
international partnerships.

People’s Republic of China Lunar New Year Reception
The NYAA Executive Director (ED) and Deputy Executive Director (Deputy ED) were honoured to attend the
Lunar New Year dinner hosted by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China at the Island Ballroom,
Shangri-La Hotel.

During the event, the ED reconnected with an old friend, Mr Seng Han Thong, a former Member of Parliament
for Yio Chu Kang ward in Ang Mo Kio GRC, who served from 1997 to 2011. Despite facing significant challenges,
including an attack in 2009 and other incidents, Mr Seng is remembered for his dedication and service to his
constituents. The ED was pleased to see him in good health and took the opportunity to introduce him to
H.E. Iwona Piorko, Ambassador of the European Union, and H.E. Jonathan Kaplan, Ambassador of the United
States of America. The event was also an excellent opportunity to engage with numerous ambassadors who
strongly support the NYAA.

Singapore-Israel 55th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations
As Singapore and Israel mark the 55th Anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2024, the NYAA ED and Deputy
ED met with H.E. Eli Vered Hazan, Ambassador of Israel to Singapore, at the Embassy of Israel.

Given the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, they agreed to commemorate rather than celebrate
this milestone, with the event planned to take place after the cessation of hostilities. The discussions were
fruitful and reaffirmed the strong ties between the two nations.

Canada Day 2024
The ED and Deputy ED represented NYAA at the Canada Day dinner reception on 18 June 2024, held
at the Grand Ballroom of Paradox Singapore Merchant Court, Clarke Quay. The event was hosted by H.E.
Jean-Dominique Ieraci, High Commissioner of Canada to Singapore, and attended by distinguished guests,
including Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Finance and
National Development, and Members of Parliament Foo Mee Har (West Coast GRC) and Yeo Wan Ling (Pasir
Ris-Punggol GRC).
The reception brought together foreign ambassadors, industry leaders, and government representatives.
The ED was especially pleased to welcome H.E. Francisco Tenya Hasegawa, the new Ambassador of Peru to
Singapore, and reconnect with Sam Tan, former Minister of State and current Singapore High Commissioner to
Canada. The event fostered strong ties between Canada and Singapore, reflecting shared values and mutual
respect.

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