16-11-2023 (SAN FRANCISCO) Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s visit to Silicon Valley was met with enthusiasm by Singaporeans residing in the area. During his hour-long interaction with a crowd of 500, PM Lee acknowledged the complexities of the world and emphasized the importance of friendship and cooperation between Singapore and the United States.
PM Lee highlighted the deep ties between the two nations, emphasizing the extensive business and trade relationships, as well as the exchange of students and professionals. Despite the differences between Singapore and the US, PM Lee expressed the willingness to collaborate and benefit from each other’s strengths.
Acknowledging the unique position of Singapore as a small country in a complex region and the US as a global power, PM Lee emphasized that these differences do not hinder their ability to work together and forge strong relationships. He attributed the success of their partnership to the people-to-people connections that have been fostered over the years.
Addressing the Singaporean community gathered at The Westin San Francisco Airport, PM Lee expressed his gratitude for their presence, highlighting the significance of the occasion. The event marked one of the largest gatherings of overseas Singaporeans since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with some attendees making the journey from as far as Los Angeles.
The evening was filled with an intimate atmosphere as PM Lee engaged with the audience, sharing his thoughts and demonstrating genuine care for the overseas community. Jasmin Young, the emcee of the event and CEO of Netreo, described the experience as a family gathering where PM Lee made everyone feel seen, heard, and remembered.
PM Lee’s words resonated with Emily Lim, a 32-year-old chef who faced challenges during the pandemic. After being retrenched from her job, she founded Dabao Singapore, a food delivery service offering authentic Singaporean cuisine like laksa and chicken rice. PM Lee’s call to showcase what Singaporeans can do struck a chord with Lim, who felt a sense of pride when he praised her chicken rice.
The visit was also a memorable occasion for Sean Tan, a 23-year-old intern from the National University of Singapore. Having only seen PM Lee on television, Tan eagerly awaited his chance for a selfie, recognizing the significance of the opportunity. He expressed how being in San Francisco broadened his perspective on the size of the US and the world, while also reaffirming the global impact of Singapore despite its small size.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s visit to Silicon Valley not only strengthened the bonds between Singapore and the United States but also inspired and encouraged the Singaporean community living abroad to continue making their mark in various fields.
