Strengthening Ties with Mayors of American Cities

Singapore Embassy Night Reception. L to R: USCM CEO Tom Cochran; USCM President and Mayor of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, David Holt; Singapore Minister of State for Culture Community and Youth and Transport Baey Yam Keng; Singapore Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Ministry of Home Affairs Sim Ann; Mayor of Lincoln, Nebraska and USCM Second Vice President, Leirion Gaylor Baird; Mayor of Washington D.C., Muriel Bowser; USCM Vice President and Mayor of San Diego, California, Todd Gloria; and Singapore Ambassador to the U.S. Lui Tuck Yew.

The Singapore Embassy Night Reception was organised by the Singapore Embassy in Washington D.C, together with the Washington D.C. Mayor’s Office, as part of the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) 94^th Winter Meeting.

Held from 28 to 30 January, the USMC 94^th Winter Meeting was presided by Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt and hosted by Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.

Embassy Night Reception - Strengthening Relationship with US Mayors

Minister of State Baey and CLC Executive Director Hugh Lim with (L to R) Mayor of Tampa, Florida, Jane Castor; CEO and Executive Director, National League of Cities, Clarence Anthony; Mayor of Lansing, Michigan, Andy Schor; and USCM President and Mayor of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, David Holt.

The Singapore Embassy Night Reception was attended by more than 450 guests, including mayors and city officials from across the United States, and business council leaders. Guests learned about Singapore through a specially curated exhibition that highlighted the country’s history, social policies, innovation and the ties between both countries (we should try to stop using the word “relationship” outwardly when talking about diplomatic ties). CLC’s work as a global knowledge centre was also featured.

In her speech, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Ministry of Home Affairs, Sim Ann spoke about Singapore’s multiple identities as port, island, city and state. She also spoke about how the ties between both countries have benefitted residents.

Minister of State and North East District Mayor Baey Yam Keng, shared on how much cities have in common in having to address the effects of climate change, the needs of an ageing population, and adapting to new technologies such as artificial intelligence. He emphasised the importance of knowledge sharing and global discourse at platforms such as the upcoming World Cities Summit that will convene Mayors from all over the world to address liveable and sustainable city challenges, share integrated urban solutions and forge new partnerships. The CLC delegation engaged U.S. Mayors and encouraged their attendance at the World Cities Summit.

Exploring New Areas of Collaboration

The Singapore delegation meeting with partners from (L to R) Bloomberg, National League of Cities, and the Urban Land Institute.

CLC also met up with representatives from Bloomberg CityLab and reconnected with partners from the National League of Cities and the Urban Land Institute to discuss new areas of potential collaboration in the urban dimension. We look forward to furthering deeper relations and commitment with all partners, existing and new.

Contributed by: Cheryl Lee, Assistant Director, Knowledge Platforms