Singaporeans' attitudes towards historic Trump-Kim meeting

A vendor counts money next to a stack of newspapers with pictures of President Donald Trump and leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore on May 10. Photo:AP

TotalPresident Donald Trump announced on May 10 that he will meet with leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore to discuss the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.

Korea TimesSingaporeans believe the June 12 meeting will bring the Southeast Asian island nation back into the international spotlight and help cement its position as a trustworthy nation.

"I am very happy because it shows that Singapore has a place in the international arena to host such an important event,"Chua Boon Ping - General Director of the media company“It’s also a good opportunity for me to tell my daughter about our history and the impact of this event,” said Singapore Media Fund chief.

Dicky Goh, a communications consultant, said that Singapore was chosen as the Trump-Kim meeting venue because of its neutrality and geographical suitability.

"If the summit results in positive outcomes, I will be very happy and maybe a little proud that our small country can play a small part in this whole process," Goh said.

Caitrin Moh, manager of the Korea Tourism Organization with offices inSingapore believes the meeting will strengthen its position as an "ideal neutral intermediary" for meetings of other leaders.

"Singapore is one of the smallest countries in the world but has achieved recognition on the international stage," she said. "Our government is neutral on all political issues. From an ordinary citizen's perspective, I think other countries are looking at us as a reliable strategic partner in any international policy. This is another summit that marks another important chapter in Singapore's history."

On top of excitement, another emotion that most Singaporeans share is pride.

"This is a historic moment to promote peace and understanding" -Adeline Teo, Asia-Pacific marketing and communications director of Vetas, the world's largest wind turbine manufacturer, said: "Singapore has always maintained peace with everyone, all our neighbours and internationally. As a Singaporean, I am proud that we have been chosen to host this meeting."

Irin Lin, a tourism expert, echoed the sentiment. "Singapore has always been a neutral country and has played a role as a bridge between countries," Lin said. "So today, being the venue for such a historic meeting means a lot to us. We would feel proud if this historic meeting achieved a positive result."

Hopeful but cautious

Regarding the outcome of the upcoming meeting, many Singaporeans expressed hope but also caution.

"I hope that the meeting will lead to actions by relevant parties to stabilize the Korean peninsula and the region. I hope cautiously," Goh said.

Cheryl Ng, director of communications at an international business school, agrees.

"This is the first time a US president has agreed to sit down with a North Korean leader. I hope the outcome of the meeting can be a positive step forward that contributes to world peace," she said. "I'm not sure if the meeting will lead to any breakthroughs, but I hope it can be the beginning of other dialogue and engagement."

Travel expert Lin said she had mixed feelings when she heard about the Trump-Kim meeting.

"Despite Singapore's pride as a neutral and safe country, the event also attractedunwanted attention from terrorists and extremists," she said.