San Francisco, April 3, 2015 — On April 2nd, The Asia Foundation President and World Affairs Council Trustee David D. Arnold moderated a timely and thought-provoking discussion with Singapore’s Ambassador to the United States Ashok Kumar Mirpuri on political and economic developments in the Asia-Pacific, and Singapore’s relationship with the United States. Ambassador Mirpuri was visiting the Bay Area as part of a State Department delegation for world ambassadors to meet with American businesses, community leaders, and local entrepreneurs.
Ambassador Mirpuri addressed the audience, speaking on the recent passing of Singapore’s former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and his strategic vision for Singapore’s role in the world, the importance of free trade, and U.S.-Singapore bilateral ties. Mr. Arnold then moderated a lively question-and-answer portion on a variety of topics including the rise of China, Silicon Valley innovation, and the Asia-Pacific region’s complicated geopolitical landscape.
“Singapore’s survival is very much dependent on regional and global geopolitical issues. We’ve survived the past 50 years with having good leadership, but good leadership in a global and regional environment that was positive to us.” said Ambassador Mirpuri.
“Singapore clearly stands out as a model of economic prosperity, good governance, effective state institutions, and functioning legal systems,” said Mr. Arnold. “We, at The Asia Foundation, see Singapore having a crucial role to play in addressing many of the region’s security, economic, and development challenges.”
Ashok Kumar Mirpuri has been Singapore’s Ambassador to the United States since July of 2012. A career diplomat, Ambassador Mirpuri has worked extensively on Southeast Asia and Asia-Pacific regional matters, and has served as Singapore’s Ambassador to Indonesia, High Commissioner to Malaysia and High Commissioner to Australia.
Read more about the Foundation and its work in Singapore and Regional Cooperation.
