Opening Remarks by Minister Josephine Teo at the 49th Singapore Lecture

Your Excellency Friedrich Merz, Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany,

Excellencies,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

1. It is my great honour to welcome Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz to Singapore, and to the 49th Singapore Lecture.

2. Since its inception in 1980, the Singapore Lecture has provided a platform for distinguished leaders and thinkers to share their perspectives on key international and regional developments.

3. We are especially honoured to have Chancellor Merz deliver today’s lecture. The last Singapore Lecture by a German leader took place 15 years ago.

4. The topic of today’s Lecture – “Germany and the Indo-Pacific: Partnership, Competitiveness, and Resilience in a Changing World” – is very salient. Geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and rapid technological developments are reshaping the international environment.

5. For decades, countries have benefited from relative peace and stability under the post Cold-War order. Globalisation had led to open markets, growing international trade, and technological progress. Singapore and Germany were among the countries that benefited from this.

6. However, there has been a fundamental shift.

   1. Conflicts have spread. Trade barriers have gone up. Trust between nations has weakened.

   2. Cooperation that once seemed routine can no longer be taken for granted, and rapid technological advances are transforming industries and economies.

7. These developments affect countries large and small. They also raise important questions about how countries can safeguard their interests while remaining open to cooperation with others.

8. Germany has longstanding and deep interests in our region and the wider Indo-Pacific. It has an important role to play in our region.

9. First, within the European Union, Germany is one of the most important trading partners with ASEAN, and the largest exporter of goods to the region.

10. Second, rapid technological advances, including artificial intelligence, shifting trade patterns and growing international competition are transforming the global economy. Countries will have to find ways to navigate this.

    1. Amidst all these developments, Germany continues to be known for its strengths in precision engineering, advanced manufacturing, and research and innovation. Countries will be keen to partner Germany in emerging areas like deep-tech, physical AI and industrial AI.

11. Third, the international rules-based order and globalisation is coming under greater strain. Recent global disruptions, from conflicts to trade barriers, have underscored the importance of greater international cooperation to support international law, free trade and economic resilience. Germany is a trusted and reliable partner for our region in this regard. 

12. Chancellor Merz is well placed to speak about these issues.

13. He brings with him deep experience not just in politics, but also law and business. This breadth of experience has given Chancellor Merz valuable insights into the intersection of politics, business and international relations, and the opportunities and challenges facing Germany and Europe.

14. Since assuming office in May 2025, Chancellor Merz has emphasised the importance of revitalising Germany's economy, strengthening Europe's economic and security capabilities, and expanding trade and cooperation with international partners.

15. Today’s Lecture is therefore a valuable opportunity for us to hear directly from Chancellor Merz on how Germany can strengthen partnerships, sustain competitiveness and build resilience in a changing world.

16. Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, it is now my pleasure to invite His Excellency Friedrich Merz, Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, to deliver the 49th Singapore Lecture.

17. Chancellor Merz, please.