Letter to Voice of America dated 04MAR24

Singapore Ambassador to the United States, Mr Lui Tuck Yew, wrote to Voice of America in response to their article “Critics: 'Singapore Washing' of Chinese Companies Piles Dirty Laundry in City-state” (23 February 2024).

The full text of Ambassador Lui’s letter is below.

4 March 2024

Voice of America

To the Editor:

I refer to your article “Critics: 'Singapore Washing' of Chinese Companies Piles Dirty Laundry in City-state” on 23 Feb 2024.

Singapore is an attractive place for business because we are a trusted, well-governed and interconnected hub with strong rule of law. Leading companies from all over the world, including US, Japan, China, India and Europe, invest and operate in Singapore.

Singapore is ranked third in the Global Financial Centres Index 2023, after New York and London. We have a robust system to deter and tackle money laundering and other illicit financial flows, which is consistent with international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

We welcome legitimate investors and businessmen, but we have zero tolerance for criminals who abuse our system, wherever they may come from. We act firmly and decisively against those who break our laws, to preserve Singapore’s integrity and our reputation as a trusted financial and business hub.

Yours sincerely,

Lui Tuck Yew

Singapore Ambassador to the United States