Speech at Launch of Gardens by the Bahay Kubo: A Fiesta of Orchids
Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower, Gardens by the Bay
Your Excellency Hans Leo Cacdac, Secretary of Migrant Workers of the Republic of the Philippines
Your Excellency Medardo Antonio Gonzales Macaraig, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Singapore
Mr Felix Loh, CEO, Gardens by the Bay
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
1. Magandan Hapon to my Filipino friends and good afternoon to all. It is my pleasure to join you at the launch of the “Gardens by the Bahay Kubo: A Fiesta of Orchids” display right here in Cloud Forest, Gardens by the Bay.
Commemorating 55th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations
2. A big thank you to the Philippines Embassy and Gardens by the Bay for working together to bringing us this wonderfully vibrant aspect of Filipino culture and its rich orchid biodiversity to Singapore.
3. Incidentally, orchids are a metaphor for Singapore’s multicultural heritage and character. The gift of an orchid has been a longstanding tradition in Singapore’s diplomacy.
4. The Dendrobium Ferdinand Louise Marcos, a unique orchid hybrid, was specially cultivated and presented to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, to celebrate their State Visit to Singapore in September 2022.
5. This collaboration between Gardens by the Bay and the Philippine Embassy reflects the close and enduring friendship between Singapore and the Philippines, as both countries commemorate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
6. We have fostered strong ties over the years, anchored by regular exchange of high-level visits.
7. President Marcos Jr. visited Singapore in May this year to deliver the keynote address at the Shangri La Dialogue. Just last month, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam made a State Visit to the Philippines.
8. Both our countries and peoples have benefitted from the vibrant economic and people-to-people links. We have collaborations in trade, investments, labour and many other areas.
Strong economic cooperation, with further potential collaborations
9. Singapore and the Philippines share strong trade and investment ties. In 2023, bilateral trade between Singapore and the Philippines reached S$20 billion, making the Philippines our 5th largest trading partner in ASEAN.
10. On the investment front, Singapore’s stock investment in the Philippines amounted to S$12 billion as of 2022. This is an increase of almost 40% since 2017, making the Philippines one of the top 5 investment destination in ASEAN for Singapore investments.
11. We look forward to further potential collaborations with the Philippines in other areas, including on renewable energy. We should work together to accelerate the development of an interconnected ASEAN Power Grid.
Strengthen people-to-people links
12. Singapore and the Philippines also have strong bonds at the people-to-people level. Many Filipinos live and work in Singapore, and we deeply appreciate their contributions.
13. Because of the close interactions, Singaporeans have a strong sense of mutual respect and trust with our Filipino friends who have contributed to our economy and cultural diversity.
14. We feel the beautiful spirit of “bayanihan”, or community, of the Filipino people. This is aptly represented by the Bahay Kubo.
15. Many of you have made Singapore your home away from home, and I want to assure you that the Singapore Government will look after your well-being during your time here.
Conclusion
16. I hope that the orchid display we are launching today will bring our people even closer together. For our Filippino friends living in Singapore, it will be a small reminder of home. For my fellow Singaporeans, it will spark a deeper appreciation of the colour and vivacity of the Filipino culture.
17. Once again, thank you to the Philippines Embassy, Gardens by the Bay, and everyone who have worked hard over many months to ensure the success of this launch.
18. My warmest congratulations to everyone who brought this incredible “Gardens by the Bahay Kubo: A Fiesta of Orchids” to life.
19. Thank you, and I wish you a beautiful day ahead! Magandang Araw Sayo! Mabuhay!