She assumes the role of top diplomat between the Philippines and Singapore at an important juncture, as the two countries mark 55 years of diplomatic ties. The strong relationship between the two nations is anchored on mutual trust, shared values and the longstanding ties between its citizens.
By JOYCE REYES-AGUILA
Constance See knew early on what she wanted out of life. Like many accomplished individuals with a clear vision of their career path, she developed an interest in international relations and current affairs when she was in primary school. Her father was part of the Singapore Police Force and was sometimes called upon to respond to signifcant developments in the region.
“Seeing how these events had ripple effects beyond borders sparked my curiosity about how countries interact and how global events shape our lives,” she says. “I realized that while Singapore may be small geographically, we can exercise agency and play an important role on the world stage through strategic partnerships and active engagement.”
Ambassador See pursued her calling, becoming a diplomat for her country in the fields of trade and foreign relations, to name a few. Last year, she was designated to be Singapore’s top envoy to the Philippines, revealing to PeopleAsia that it was an assignment she really wanted. “Philippines is an important neighbor, close friend and natural partner for Singapore — not just in terms of economics but also geopolitically,” she declares. Aside from “deepening the bilateral relationship, particularly in new and emerging areas like sustainability and digitalization,” the ambassador’s mission includes “strengthening the robust people-to-people ties that already exist between our two countries.”
Milestone year
The relations between the two Southeast Asian countries reached a significant milestone this year, marking 55 years of diplomatic ties. According to the ambassador, the strong relationship is pillared on mutual trust, shared values and the longstanding ties between its citizens. The timing has made the ambassador’s “first year in the country “highly substantive” with “high-level visits and significant milestones” to further deepen the bilateral ties.
The developments included President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. traveling to Singapore to deliver the keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue. Ambassador See describes Marcos’ message in May 2024 as “a landmark foreign policy speech” that is “very resolute and determined.” A few months after in August, a state visit by Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam to the Philippines reaffirmed and further strengthened relations between the neighboring nations. “The visit saw the signing of key agreements that will open new areas of cooperation, such as in healthcare and sustainability, in addition to ongoing collaborations in trade, investment and innovation,” she explains.
“We have also enhanced our defense and security cooperation in the past year. Singapore is committed to strengthening our collaboration with the Philippines, and fostering a partnership that is resilient, forward-looking, innovative and adaptable as we support each other in the ever-changing global landscape.”
The diplomat describes the economic aspect of the bilateral relationship as robust and expanding in new sectors, including carbon credits and green technology. See believes the Philippines has “significant potential” to contribute to global biodiversity and sustainability and generate carbon credits through the restoration and preservation of wetlands and forests, as well as the transition to clean and renewable energy.
Singapore is also looking to establish a bilateral framework with the Philippines for the generation and exchange of carbon credits, aligned with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement (on climate change). “This collaboration will advance both our countries’ climate ambition and channel “nancing towards mitigation efforts,” she adds. “The carbon credit projects implemented under the agreement will aim to promote sustainable development and generate benefits for local communities.”
Global envoy
The holistic view Ambassador See offers is a product of various roles she has assumed to represent her country. After graduating from the National University of Singapore with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Sciences and University of London’s King’s College with a master’s degree in Strategy and War Studies, she joined Singapore’s Foreign Service in 2001. Her next assignment was with the Singapore Embassy in Washington DC, followed by a posting at the Singapore Trade Office in Taipei. She held other appointments in between in international organizations and covering mainly Southeast Asia.
See became deputy trade representative and minister-counselor in the Singapore Trade Office in Taipei from February 2014 to January 2017, before becoming the director-general of the Southeast Asia II Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from March 2017 to March 2023. In this role, she was designated to oversee her country’s bilateral relations with six Southeast Asian countries (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam).
“It was both a challenging and enriching experience,” she says of her role as director-general. “I learned the importance of active and constant engagement even with our closest partners, so that we build confidence and trust to achieve long-term collaboration. I also gained a deeper appreciation for the strength of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) as platform for dialogue and cooperation, and collective action on issues like security, trade and sustainability, which no single national can address alone.”
Among her achievements, she is proudest of her contribution to deepening political engagement and economic and trade relations, advancing sustainability and strengthening ties through culture and education. These have “reinforced Singapore’s value as a proactive, reliable partner,” according to the ambassador.
See’s regional role provided her with an appreciation for the “diversity and dynamism of the Philippines,” she says. Talent and tourism are areas that reflect these clearly. The ambassador believes that the Philippines’ young and dynamic workforce, coupled with its growing middle class, presents opportunities for Singaporean companies to continue to invest in the country.
She also confirms the “growing interest” in investments in sectors such as fintech, e-commerce, renewable energy and smart, sustainable urban solutions and infrastructure. “Companies are paying attention to the Philippine government’s business-friendly policies and efforts to improve the ease of doing business,” she asserts. “Our existing investments extend beyond Metro Manila, and span a range of sectors, including real estate, hospitality and telecommunication, renewable energy, logistics and consumer goods.”
According to Ambassador See, over 250,000 Filipinos call Singapore home, working in various sectors, such as health care, PMET (professional, managerial, executive and technical), domestic work and more. “Singapore offers something for everyone, whether you are visiting as a tourist, student or seeking employment,” she shares. “(Its) appeal lies in our reputation for e$ciency, rule of law, safety and opportunity. We offer a competitive job market, supported by a robust labor management framework that ensures fair treatment and opportunities for career growth.”
In terms of tourism, the envoy believes that her country’s “unique blend of modernity and tradition” continue to be inviting for visitors, including Filipinos. She enumerates world-class shopping destinations and concerts, innovative cuisine, culture and connectivity as features travelers look for.
“Our hawker food, however, is the real winner!” she exclaims. “Singapore hawker culture has been recognized as a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scienti”c and Cultural Organization) Intangible Cultural Heritage. If you do visit Singapore, try some of our local favorites like nasi lemak (fragrant rice cooked in pandan leaves and coconut milk and served with a side of eggs, anchovy and sambal [spicy paste]), chicken rice or laksa (spicy coconut noodle soup)! My favorite is char kway teow (stir-fried rice noodle). I also love our traditional kopi-o-song (black coffee with no sugar),” she shares.
“(My) all-time favorite project is the 2018 to 2019 refurbishment and repair of the Alka! Bridge at Roberston Quay in Singapore,” she adds. “The great Filipina artist Pacita Abad painted the bridge with her signature bold multicolored circles in 2004, her final major work before she passed away. #e bridge is a beloved landmark in Singapore and a vibrant symbol of our friendship.”
And what does she love about the Philippines? “I love that the Christmas season starts in September!” she says. “It’s my favorite season of the year, and I get to celebrate it for months here! On a serious note, what has truly stood out for me is the incredible warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people I have met. There is a genuine sense of kindness and sharing here that makes living in the Philippines a special experience. My family and I are touched by the care, love and friendship that have been extended to us.”
A highlight of the first year of Philippine posting is the Chances of Contact art exhibition organized by the Singapore Embassy in Manila with Singapore’s STPI Gallery (formerly known as Singapore Tyler Print Institute, and now called STPI – Creative Workshop & Gallery), and #e M (Metropolitan Museum of Manila), and co-presented with Singtel/Globe. “It is a fantastic show bringing together the works of the 16 renowned artists — eight Filipinos and eight Singaporeans,” she narrates. “People should go and see it.”
All works were done during the artists’ residencies in Singapore. The show runs until Oct. 26.
55 years and counting
As a leader, Ambassador See is a believer in building strong teams, listening to different perspectives and encouraging innovation. “I am not afraid to present myself authentically,” she reveals. “I don’t pretend to have all the answers. It is important that everyone understands the mission and shares the same agenda. Talking openly and intentionally is important.”
She encourages future diplomats to stay adaptable and to continue learning. “Embrace AI (artificial intelligence) tools; do not be afraid,” she imparts. “While technology will play a significant role in diplomacy, human intuition and emotional intelligence will remain essential. Be prepared to navigate complex global challenges and always focus on finding common ground, even in conflict situations. Diplomacy ultimately builds bridges, not walls.
“Diplomacy is about building trust — it’s a long-term endeavor that requires consistency and commitment. (It’s) also about managing relationships, not just solving problems. I think diplomacy also requires adaptability — adjusting to new realities without losing sight of core values, principles and interests.”
During her time at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs until 2023, circumstances such as the trade war between the United States and China, increased focus on sustainability, and the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted Southeast Asia.
For the next 55 years of Singapore-Philippines bilateral nations, Ambassador See says that these relations “will be shaped by how we adapt to global challenges like climate change, digital transformation and geopolitical shifts.” She adds, “We see geopolitical tensions, major power rivalry, protectionism that undermines the multilateral trading system and universal challenges like global warming and climate change will require a concerted global response.”
According to her, the commitment of both countries to ASEAN will be key to ensuring stability and prosperity in the region. “It will become even more vital to meet these challenges in the years ahead,” she says in closing. “the mutual trust, shared values and longstanding ties between our peoples will continue to underpin our robust bilateral relationship and put us in good stead to meet the challenges in the next 55 years.”
Photography by DIX PEREZ
Art direction by DEXTER FRANCIS DE VERA
Styling by MIKE DE GUZMAN and GEO PALMIANO (MGP)
Hair and makeup by EDDIE MAR CABILTES
