Singaporean ambassador to Cambodia Teo Lay Cheng has urged young Cambodians to play a decisive role in shaping the future of Singapore–Cambodia relations, saying their ideas and energy will define the partnership as both countries commemorate 60 years of diplomatic ties.
Speaking on November 12 at the Institute for International Studies and Public Policy (IISPP), as part of the ASEAN Ambassadorial Lecture Series, Teo told more than 60 students and researchers that the next chapter of bilateral cooperation will hinge on identifying “new and emerging areas of complementarity” that build on existing strengths.
“Although Singapore and Cambodia may appear different at first glance, the ambassador stressed that both nations share strategic characteristics,” explained an embassy statement.
She pointed to Singapore’s position along the Malacca Strait — one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors — and Cambodia’s role as a natural overland hub in mainland Southeast Asia.
“While six decades may be a relatively short span in the sweep of history, the friendship is firmly built on trust and a shared sense of purpose,” she said, recalling the warm personal ties between Lee Kuan Yew and the late King Norodom Sihanouk.
Teo highlighted ongoing efforts to build a greener and more interconnected region, including work on Cambodia’s export of low-carbon electricity to Singapore.
She also noted Cambodia’s position as the second-largest beneficiary of the Singapore Cooperation Programme, underscoring the two countries’ shared emphasis on human capital development.
Beyond government-led initiatives, she placed clear responsibility on the younger generation. She encouraged students to seize opportunities, contribute fresh perspectives and view themselves as stakeholders in ASEAN’s future.
“Their energy, creativity and fresh perspectives will help define the next chapter of Singapore-Cambodia relations,” she said.
IISPP director Associate Professor Dr Neak Chandarith said the lecture demonstrated how strong governance and meritocracy — key features of Singapore’s development — can inspire young Cambodians.
“Ambassador Teo’s session was a vibrant exchange of ideas, showing us that Singapore’s achievements come not from its size, but from the creativity and imagination of its people,” he said.
“Her inspiring dialogue empowered our youth to see how good governance and meritocracy can spark hope and ambition, encouraging us all to work together for a brighter ASEAN,” he added.
Students who attended the event echoed those sentiments.
Lim Muylaing described the relationship between the two countries as “close and warm”, while Samnang Pheakdaikalyan said both sides should be “forward-looking in finding new opportunities for the prosperity of both our nations”.
The lecture forms part of the Singapore embassy’s year-long outreach to commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations. It is one of several initiatives under the CSEAS Ambassadorial Lecture Series aimed at strengthening dialogue between diplomats, academics and youth on regional issues.
