Sharing by Ambassador Ong Keng Yong

In an increasingly globalised and interdependent world, “hard power” alone is inadequate to develop strong ties between states. The role of “soft power” in the form of cultural diplomacy becomes significant, fostering peace and stability around the world. With the proliferation of mass communication technology, cultural diplomacy has enhanced relations amongst states as everyone has greater access to each other. This has helped to influence “global public opinion” and the ideologies of individuals, communities, cultures and nations. Exchanging culture through cultural diplomacy should not be seen as secondary to political or economic diplomacy but rather as a central and essential component of it. Currently, Singapore holds good cultural ties with many countries and also bilateral and multilateral agreements to facilitate cultural exchanges. Such agreements will broaden Singapore’s relations with states around the world, and position Singapore as a vibrant cultural capital within the region. Singapore should also leverage on its role as a regional centre for business, finance and transportation to raise awareness of the various cultural heritage and traditions in Southeast Asia. This will contribute to enhancing Singapore’s role as a regional hub for multilateral exchanges as well as a global city where multiple talents flourish. Ultimately this will strengthen Singapore’s economic status. Promoting culture will also inspire our citizens and foster nation-building as it will make Singaporeans feel proud about Singapore – a dynamic node in the global economy.

Sharing by Dr Farish A. Noor

I would like to propose another way of thinking and doing ‘cultural diplomacy’ in this talk. Our conventional understanding of cultural diplomacy has been based on the ‘show and tell’ model, where a country proudly proclaims its cultural identity by showcasing its own culture abroad. This is indeed an effective means of engaging in diplomacy, but it also has some limitations. Among the limitations of such an approach is the tendency for countries to over-state the importance of their own culture and to over-particularise their culture to the point where it seems exclusive, unique and even superior. This can in fact have the negative effect of turning off potential admirers and friends, and may come across as being excessively nationalist.

Instead I propose that we complement our use of cultural diplomacy by also showcasing the culture of others, and by doing so demonstrate that we admire, appreciate and value the culture of other countries too. This is another way of bridge-building that fosters common fellow-feeling, avoids the trap of an ‘us and them’ dichotomy, and also demonstrates empathy and genuine admiration for other cultures and societies as well.