Speech by Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow at the 31st ASEAN Transport Ministers’ Meeting

Your Excellencies,

ASEAN Secretary General,

1.     I thank Myanmar for hosting the 31st ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting. It is my first time attending as Singapore’s Minister for Transport, and I look forward to working with all of you.  

2.     I also congratulate Timor-Leste on becoming the 11th member of ASEAN. Singapore is committed to supporting Timor-Leste’s integration into the ASEAN transport framework. 

3.     Singapore welcomes the adoption of the End-Term Review of the Kuala Lumpur Transport Strategic Plan. This plan reflects the commitment and dedication of our officials and the ASEAN Secretariat over the past decade. 

4.     In aviation, Singapore is encouraged by the progress on air traffic management initiatives under the 3rd ASEAN Air Navigation Service (ANS) Master Plan. This will move us nearer the vision of a Seamless ASEAN Sky. Efficient air traffic flows are vital to growing airspace capacity as regional air traffic grows. 

5.     This year, ASEAN also took an important step toward a Single Aviation Market. ASEAN signed Protocol 5 of the Multilateral Agreement on the Full Liberalisation of Passenger Air Services, which grants Own Stopover Rights in other Member States.

6.     ASEAN has also expanded connectivity with our Dialogue Partners. The ASEAN-New Zealand Air Services Agreement was signed recently, as we continue to work on concluding similar Agreements with the Republic of Korea, Japan and the United Kingdom. Singapore also looks forward to the expeditious ratification of the ASEAN-EU Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement. 

7.     On sustainable transport, Singapore supports the adoption of the ASEAN Regional Strategy on Sustainable Ship Waste Management, and the ASEAN Electric Vehicles Implementation Roadmap.

8.      Singapore also supports the adoption of the Recommendations on the Implementation of Digitalisation of Public Transport and Last-Mile Delivery Services in ASEAN Member States. This will contribute to more digitally advanced and resilient transport networks in ASEAN. 

9.     Looking ahead, the ASEAN Transport Sectoral Plan 2026-2030 provides an important roadmap for the next phase of our cooperation. Singapore is committed to working with ASEAN Member States to advance our shared interests across transport.

10.    Thank you, Your Excellencies.