Singapore Ambassador Encourages Youth to Shape Bilateral Future
On 12 November 2025, Ambassador Teo Lay Cheng delivered a talk at the Institute for International Studies and Public Policy (IISPP) Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS) under its ASEAN Ambassadorial Lecture Series. Hosted by IISPP Director Associate Professor Dr Neak Chandarith, the session attracted more than 60 students and researchers.
Ambassador Teo said that while Singapore and Cambodia appear very different at first glance, both share similarities. For example, Singapore sits at the crossroads of the Malacca Strait, one of the world’s busiest maritime routes, while Cambodia occupies a strategic location in mainland Southeast Asia, serving as a natural hub for overland connectivity. Both countries also prioritize human capital development as a key driver of growth.
The Ambassador said that this year marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Cambodia. Recalling how the warm personal ties between Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and His Majesty King Norodom Sihanouk have set the tone for bilateral ties, she said: “While six decades may be a relatively short span in the sweep of history, the friendship is firmly built on trust and a shared sense of purpose”.
Photo credit: Center for Southeast Asian Studies
Ambassador Teo said that Cambodia is also the second-largest beneficiary of the Singapore Cooperation Programme, a platform for training, capacity-building and technical assistance. The two countries are currently working to build a greener and more interconnected ASEAN through Cambodia’s export of low-carbon electricity to Singapore.
Addressing the need for countries to work even more closely to meet evolving regional and global challenges, Ambassador Teo emphasized the importance of identifying new and emerging areas of complementarity between Singapore and Cambodia. She highlighted the value propositions of the two countries, pointing to Cambodia’s youthful demography and rich natural resources. The Ambassador also encouraged young people to play an active role in shaping the future of bilateral ties, underscoring that their energy, creativity, and fresh perspectives will help define the next chapter of Singapore-Cambodia relations.
Photo credit: Center for Southeast Asian Studies
Building on these reflections, Associate Professor Dr Neak said: “Ambassador Teo’s session was a vibrant exchange of ideas, showing us that Singapore’s achievements come not from its size, but from the creativity and imagination of its people. Her inspiring dialogue empowered our youth to see how good governance and meritocracy can spark hope and ambition, encouraging us all to work together for a brighter ASEAN.”
The session also sparked thoughtful responses from the students. Lim Muylaing described the Cambodia-Singapore friendship as “close and warm”. Samnang Pheakdaikalyan expressed his hope that both countries will further strengthen their ties, noting their shared characteristics. He added: “We must be forward-looking in finding new opportunities for the prosperity of both our nations. This will be a crucial step forward.”
The CSEAS Ambassadorial Lecture Series seeks to foster dialogue between diplomats, academics, and students on issues of bilateral and regional importance. Ambassador Teo’s lecture is part of the Embassy’s year-long outreach to mark six decades of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Cambodia.
