SINGAPORE: Improving road safety, tackling issues around drug addiction and strengthening Singapore’s ties with its regional neighbours will be among Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs Sim Ann’s priorities in the coming years.

Ms Sim, who was appointed to the roles in July, also said Singaporeans need to be alert to attempts by external actors to influence them and turn differences within society into divisions.

“With geopolitical uncertainty, one of the trends that I think Singaporeans need to be very aware of is that all over the world we see external actors seeking to influence, and Singapore is not immune to that,” she told CNA.

She said the country’s multicultural and multiracial identity, as well as its religious harmony, are strengths that Singaporeans should be confident in, particularly in the face of such attempts at influence.

ROAD SAFETY, DRUG REHABILITATION AMONG HOME AFFAIRS PRIORITIES

On her home affairs portfolio, Ms Sim identified road safety as a key priority.

Parliament passed amendments to the Road Traffic Act in August, including stiffer penalties for serious road offences, lower alcohol limits for drink-driving and a new drug-driving offence.

But Ms Sim said laws and regulations would need to be accompanied by a change in attitudes.

“We intend to roll out a more intensive public education campaign that's targeted at all road users. Because having the laws and regulations is one thing, but we also need mindsets to change,” she said.

She will also focus on drug addiction, incarceration and rehabilitation, as well as the Yellow Ribbon initiative, which helps ex-offenders reintegrate into society.

Ms Sim described these areas as closely connected across the Home Team and with the work of other agencies.

On foreign affairs, Ms Sim said she would continue supporting efforts to build Singapore’s links with Northeast Asia, including China, as well as Southeast...