Title: "Singapore's diplomatic role in Asia" US Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick recently commented that whenever he comes to Singapore, he spends much of his time asking questions about the region to senior government officials, valuing their perspectives on what is happening. Singapore's diplomatic touch has often been praised (whether within the U.N. or during the WTO negotiations). Given the current environment, can the country play a bigger role on the Asian diplomatic stage? Should it assert a greater influence within ASEAN and can it help with ASEAN's Myanmar situation? Why is it driving Asia's dialogue with the Middle East? Foreign Minister George Yeo has kindly agreed to address the FCA on the topic of 'Singapore's diplomatic role in Asia." His speech will be followed by an on-the-record Q&A session. A former graduate from Cambridge University and Harvard Business School, Mr. Yeo first joined the military, before entering politics in 1988 as an MP. Throughout his long political career, he has held numerous senior postings, including Minister for Information and the Arts, Minister for Health, and Minister for Trade and Industry. He was also the Chairman of the Young PAP from 1991 to 2000. I hope many of you can join us for what promises to be a very interesting session with a senior Cabinet minister,who took up his appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs in August last year. This event is generously supported by MasterCard.