Singapore (Commonwealth Union)_ Singapore Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong has been awarded Australia’s highest civilian honor, the Honorary Companion of the Order of Australia, for his long-standing efforts in deepening the relationship between Singapore and Australia. Accordingly, Australia’s Governor-General, Sam Mostyn, awarded the medal during a formal ceremony on August 5 at the Australian High Commission in Singapore. This distinction represents a landmark milestone in the diplomatic relationship between the two nations, honoring SM Lee’s four decades of public service and his involvement in creating one of Singapore’s most important foreign alliances. Governor-General Mostyn presented the award and praised SM Lee for his efforts in strengthening Singapore-Australia economic, defense, and strategic ties.
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The citation stated that Mr. Lee, who served as prime minister of Singapore from 2004 to 2024, was crucial in boosting partnership between the two countries, notably via economic and defense efforts. His key achievements included six updates to the Singapore-Australia Free Commerce Agreement (SAFTA) to address current issues such as digital commerce and supply chain disruptions. He also led the launch of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which elevated bilateral ties, and helped forge new pacts in areas like digital and green economies. “Throughout his 40-year political career, Mr. Lee has been a driving force behind stronger Australia-Singapore relations,” the citation from Australia’s Prime Minister’s Office read. “His vision and commitment have consistently advanced initiatives that brought real, long-term benefits to both our countries.”
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During the event, SM Lee stated that he was deeply humbled by the award, which he accepted on behalf of the numerous Singaporeans and Australians who worked together over the last 60 years. He reminisced on the two nations’ long-standing alliance, recalling that Australia was among the first to acknowledge Singapore’s independence in 1965 and establish diplomatic connections shortly thereafter. “Despite our differences in size, geography, and culture, we have always shared a pragmatic outlook and strong support for multilateralism,” said Mr Lee. “This bond has helped us work together closely across many areas, from trade and security to education and climate change.”
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The ceremony was attended by Mrs. Ho Ching, along with several senior officials from both countries, including Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Indranee Rajah, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sim Ann, and Northwest District Mayor Alex Yam, who also chairs the Singapore-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group. Australian officials at the event said SM Lee’s leadership helped position Australia as a natural and trusted partner for Singapore in the region. They also noted that economic ties between the two nations had flourished under his leadership, with Singapore now Australia’s largest trading partner and investor in Southeast Asia.
Looking ahead, SM Lee expressed confidence in the future of the relationship. He noted that Prime Minister Lawrence Wong would visit Australia later this year for the 10th annual Singapore-Australia Leaders’ Meeting, which will coincide with the 10th anniversary of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He said the trip would be an opportunity to “take our cooperation to the next level.” Quoting former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who once described Australia and Singapore as “a wide brown land and a little red dot,” SM Lee said the strength of the bilateral relationship has never depended on size or proximity. Instead, it is based on similar ideals, mutual trust, and years of experience working through problems together.
With this honor, SM Lee joins a small group of foreign leaders acknowledged for their contributions to Australia’s international ties, including previous Singaporean presidents Goh Chok Tong and George Yeo. “These close and far-reaching ties didn’t happen by chance,” Lee said. “They are the result of years of effort, strong political will, and shared purpose. I’ve had the privilege of contributing in a small way to this journey. And I’m confident our friendship will only grow stronger in the years ahead.”
