NUS welcomed a visiting Staff Delegation from the U.S. House of Representatives on the afternoon of February 25. The delegation included Paul Anstine, Chief of Staff to Representative Candice Miller (R-MI); Damon Nelson, Legislative Director to Representative Devin Nunes (R-CA); Zach Pfister, Legislative Director to Representative Larry Kissell (D-NC); Joe Sheehy, Legislative Director to Representative Grace F. Neapolitano (D-CA); and, Aaron Schmidt, Director of Legislative Outreach to House Minority Leader, Representative Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Representative Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).[1]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The visitors were in Singapore for a week-long working visit hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Their trip included meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Yeo, and the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Bilahari Kausikan. During their week in Singapore, the delegation also held discussions with representatives from other government ministries, Housing Development Board, Singapore Press Holdings, and other amongst other institutions. The event with NUS students was their last stop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Held in the FASS Faculty Lounge, the meeting with Staff Delegation centred on a lively discussion with students from different faculties and department across the university. The conversation covered a broad range of topics. These ranged from differences in the American and Singapore political and social systems to approaches toward public housing and business regulation. Students also shared with visitors their perspectives on issues relating to social stability and economic development in Singapore.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Students who attended the event enjoyed the opportunity to interact with the Staff Delegation. Students were able to learn more about the workings of the U.S. government, especially the relationships between the legislative and executive branches as well as the ties between U.S. states and the Federal Government. A number also liked the frank exchange on U.S. policy across a broad spectrum of issues and how these compared to Singapore’s experience on related matters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[1] D – Democrat; R – Republican; CA – California; MI – Michigan; MD – Maryland; NC – North Carolina.