SINGAPORE – Of late, Singapore’s Foreign Minister has been directing much of his diplomatic energies to a different audience – those at home.

While his main focus is to represent the Republic’s interests abroad, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan has also spent “hundreds of sessions” – he’s lost count – explaining Singapore’s foreign policy to Singaporeans. In the House, more MPs are rising to query his ministry’s policies, whether during the annual Budget debate or the delivery of ministerial statements.