Talk on Economic Diplomacy with Singapore's Ambassador to Vietnam Rajpal Singh

On the morning of May 13, 2026, the Faculty of International Economics – Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam hosted the talk "Singapore's Economic Diplomacy in an Age of Geoeconomic Uncertainties", featuring His Excellency Rajpal Singh, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Singapore to Vietnam. The event offered students a rare opportunity to engage directly with a seasoned diplomat on one of the region's most successful models of economic diplomacy.

The Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam was represented by Dr. Nguyen Thi Thin, Vice President of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam; Ambassador Tao Thi Thanh Huong, former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Vietnam to Singapore and lecturer at the Faculty of International Economics; Dr. Nguyen Thi Minh Phuong, Dean of the Faculty of International Economics; along with faculty members and a large number of DAV students.

Opening the talk, Dr. Nguyen Thi Thin extended a warm welcome to His Excellency the Ambassador and underscored the importance of equipping the younger generation with practical knowledge of diplomacy amid the profound shifts reshaping today's global geopolitical landscape.

In his main presentation, Ambassador Rajpal Singh examined how Singapore has built and sustained its economic diplomacy in the face of significant geopolitical and economic turbulence. He noted that Singapore's constraints, including limited land area, scarce natural resources, and a small population, have in fact driven the country to develop a strategy centered on global connectivity and a highly skilled workforce. He further highlighted the role of Free Trade Agreements and regional integration through ASEAN, and, in light of growing protectionist trends, emphasized the importance of deepening regional cooperation, upholding a rules-based order, and strengthening bilateral ties between Singapore and Vietnam.

Following the presentation, students engaged actively in discussion, raising questions on bilateral economic diplomacy, ASEAN's role in the current global context, and Ambassador Singh's advice for young people looking to contribute to the Vietnam–Singapore relationship.

On behalf of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, Dr. Nguyen Thi Thin expressed sincere gratitude to Ambassador Rajpal Singh and conveyed hope for further meaningful cooperation and engagement activities for students in the future.

The talk concluded with fresh perspectives on Singapore's economic diplomacy model and practical insights of relevance to Vietnam's ongoing integration into the international community./.

Faculty of International Economics