On November 22, 2023, Singapore’s Parliament approved constitutional amendments permitting the president to accept appointments at international organizations in a “private capacity.” This change allows President Tharman Shanmugaratnam to act and express views independently while fulfilling his presidential responsibilities, a move that aims to enhance Singapore’s diplomatic influence globally.

The government backdated these amendments to September 14, the date when President Tharman was sworn into office, to ensure compliance with legal frameworks. Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasized that these private engagements are integral to the president’s role in international diplomacy and do not detract from his domestic duties.

Prior to this amendment, presidents could only accept such appointments in an official capacity, which limited their ability to express independent views. Wong noted that this new flexibility allows Singapore to participate more dynamically in international discussions and initiatives.

While eight MPs opposed the bill, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the impact on the president’s domestic responsibilities, Wong reassured that the Cabinet would evaluate invitations to ensure they align with national interests and do not interfere with official duties.

Additionally, any remuneration from these international roles must be declined or donated to charity, ensuring that public resources are not misused. The framework stipulates that appointments must be justified in terms of national interest and must be made public for transparency.

Under the new law, the president retains the discretion to accept or decline international appointments, which must be in line with the constitutional mandate and assessed by the Cabinet for compatibility with national interests. Any acceptance or relinquishment of such roles will be published in the Government Gazette.

Currently, President Tharman holds various roles, including chancellor of the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University, and positions on international boards, such as the Group of Thirty and the World Economic Forum, all supported by the Cabinet.