Singapore-Malaysia Relationship

The beauty of “Dendrobium Najib Rosmah” named after Malaysian Prime Minister Najib and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah, lies in its mixed heritage. The hybrid orchid plant symbolizes the sharing of bonds of kinships and friendships between Singaporeans and Malaysians.

The relationship has not always been marked by constant bloom of flowers so beautiful in its hues and colors; it is occasionally left to wither because of difficult relationships on issues like water, bridge and rails and the Pedra Blanca.

Singapore and Malaysia with a historical link and bounded by common history will mean that for any synergy to be meaningful for both sides, we need enduring and predictable relationships between the governments. Cooperation must be based on a multi-faceted level - bilaterally, regionally and internationally.

Our bilateral trade was more than S$110 billion in 2008, accounting for over twenty percent of total trade within ASEAN and the flow of Singaporeans to Malaysia is a staggering 11 million visits last year. Both countries are globally plugged to the world with their export oriented economies vulnerable to any global uptick or downturn. We must rely on an open and stable neighborliness for us to grow in each other turfs with free flow of trades and investments.

Whether is it in Iskandar which can benefit both our countries we should have many bridges, definitely not crooked one, to spur investments across our porous borders. The point is to really create a special economic corridor with freer access of capitals and people. Magic can happen.

Pragmatism must prevail and the benefits must flow both sides. With that common understanding, synergies can be tapped and maximized for mutual benefits and growth. We must grow into each other to become larger than what we are singly to eventually merge into an integrated ASEAN framework where multilateralism will be in full play. A big dream for a small country.


Dendrobium Najib Rosmah, painstakingly made;
Tis’ an orchid of no ordinary heritage.
Like Singapore and Malaysia link by common history
Kinships and friendships with many colorful stories.
Relationships is not borne out of that flower;
Our ties are forged through trials and fire,
Difficult as it sometimes may, we’ll put our mind together
With a new Prime Minister Najib, we’re to write a new chapter
Confidence, trust and comfort
Comes from both sides in joined effort
Holding common stakes
Joined by the same fate
Let us be linked by the many bridges that be built
Our destinies by closeness of shores be sealed
Let the common strait and a common corridor
Flow with capital, people and prosperity for all.