By SGN | Updated 20 Nov 2024
When Ambassador Chan assumed her role as Singapore’s Ambassador to the United States in 1996, she stepped into a diplomatic landscape fraught with complexities.
As the first female ambassador from an East Asian country to the U.S., she was entrusted with the formidable task of mending strained relations and made significant contributions towards the forging of a free trade agreement between the two nations.
Today, she remains Singapore’s longest-serving ambassador to the United States, currently serving as an Ambassador-at-Large with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
From Academia to Diplomacy
“I never thought of being an ambassador,” Ambassador Chan admits candidly. Beginning her career as an academic and public intellectual, she penned articles that challenged government policies.
“I was writing stuff my government did not like and did not approve of,” she laughs. Yet, it was this very spirit of critical thinking and open discourse that led to her appointment as Singapore’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in 1989, and later as Ambassador to the United States in 1996.
Navigating Challenges on the Global Stage
When Ambassador Chan arrived in Washington, D.C., relations between Singapore and the United States were at a low point. The Michael Fay incident—a controversial case involving an American teenager sentenced to caning in Singapore—had strained ties between the two nations. “My job was to improve relations. I think that was my most challenging start,” she reflects.
Faced with skepticism and criticism from the American press, Ambassador Chan embarked on a mission to reshape Singapore’s image. She engaged with journalists, policymakers, and business leaders, emphasizing Singapore’s commitment to the rule of law, meritocracy, and multicultural harmony.
Her efforts culminated in the successful negotiation of the U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement in 2003—the first of its kind between the United States and an Asian-Pacific country.
“You’ve got to seize the moment. You’ve got to find the opportunity to pitch and just keep doing things,” she advises.
Diplomacy as Political Entrepreneurship
Ambassador Chan redefines the role of a diplomat as a “political entrepreneur”—a figure who makes things happen where they otherwise would not. She emphasizes that diplomacy involves selling policies important to one’s country, which requires excellent communication skills, a genuine liking for people, and a commitment to continuous learning.
“To be a good diplomat, if you are a good communicator, it really helps,” she notes. “We are salespeople.”
Her perspective extends beyond diplomacy. Whether you’re a founder pitching to investors, a salesperson closing deals, or an individual advocating for a cause, the ability to communicate effectively and build relationships is paramount. She stresses the importance of doing your homework, finding common interests, and contributing meaningful insights to conversations.
Integrity, Leadership, and Adaptability
Over the years, Ambassador Chan witnessed first-hand the evolving landscape of global politics and economics. She acknowledges that her views have shifted over time—from a “purist and idealistic” academic to a pragmatic diplomat who understands that “there’s no textbook which says that this is how you must run your government.”
She highlights the significance of integrity and good governance, especially for Singaporeans abroad. “It’s important for Singaporeans to maintain the values of integrity and non-corruption which are now associated with Singapore’s cultural values because once it goes the other way, it is very hard to reverse,” she cautioned.
Her adaptability is also evident in how she navigated policy differences. When faced with directives she did not personally agree with, she maintained professionalism and loyalty to her country, while also understanding when it might be necessary to step away if ethical boundaries were crossed.
A Legacy of Leadership
As an Ambassador-at-Large with Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a Professor at the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities in the Singapore University of Technology and Design, Ambassador Chan continues to influence and shape Singapore’s presence on the global stage. Her journey from a critical academic to a celebrated diplomat illustrates the profound impact one individual can make through dedication, integrity, and the courage to embrace the unknown.
In a world that is increasingly interconnected yet fraught with complexities, her lessons resonate now more than ever. They remind us that leadership is not confined to titles or positions but is reflected in our actions, our willingness to engage with others, and our commitment to making a difference.
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Meet Ambassador Chan
Ambassador Chan is the Ambassador-at-Large with Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, handling the country’s foreign relations matters, and providing consular assistance related to overseas Singaporean citizens. She is also responsible for conducting and managing diplomatic relations between Singapore and other countries and regions.
