SIF Connects! Washington DC

Co-chairman of the Congressional Caucus on ASEAN, Congressman Joaquin Castro addressed the audience at the start of the dialogue on Strengthening meaningful connections between the US and ASEAN. Congressman Castro spoke about the bright future for US and ASEAN cooperation and collaboration. He commended Singapore for drawing the US’ attention to ASEAN and for facilitating dialogue between the US and ASEAN.

Dialogue panellists posing for a picture with Congressman Joaquin Castro (fifth from left) and ambassadors from ASEAN countries including Singapore ambassador to US Ashok Mirpuri (third from left) and Brunei ambassador to US Dato Paduka Serbini Ali (third from right).

Congressman Hank Johnson stopped by enroute to Congressional voting on recognising the work of ASEAN, and extended a warm welcome to SIF and friends from Singapore to Washington DC.

The dialogue attracted over 140 Friends of Singapore who were keen to exchange thoughts on how the US and ASEAN could collaborate for positive change and deepen people-to-people ties.

Congressional Singapore Caucus Co-chairman, Congressman Denny Heck said that personal relationships remained sturdy and enduring in our changing world, and encouraged all not to neglect the people aspect of the US-ASEAN engagement.

The dialogue prompted robust discussion, fuelled by questions and thoughts to the panel in real time via Singaporean digital platform Pigeonhole Live. Questions included - How should ASEAN’s strategy evolve to build capacity at the people-to-people level? What kind of initiatives can deepen integration and cultivate shared values among US and ASEAN communities?

Audience members were equally enthusiastic in sampling the uniquely Singapore dishes at the reception.