Bilahari Kausikan is one of Singapore’s most experienced diplomats and a leading voice on international affairs in Asia. Over a distinguished career in the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he held several senior appointments that placed him at the centre of the country’s foreign policy formulation and external engagement during a period of significant geopolitical change.
He served as Singapore’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, where he represented Singapore’s interests across a wide range of multilateral issues, including international security, development, and global governance. In addition, he held the position of Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, one of the most senior civil service roles in Singapore, responsible for overseeing the country’s diplomatic corps and shaping its external relations strategy.
Beyond these key appointments, he also served as Ambassador-at-Large and was the Chairman of the Middle East Institute at the National University of Singapore. In these roles, he continued to engage deeply in policy discourse, research, and public commentary on global affairs, particularly focusing on geopolitics, great power competition, and the strategic challenges facing small states.
Kausikan is widely recognised for his direct, analytical, and often unvarnished perspective on international relations. His approach is grounded in realism, shaped by decades of practical experience in diplomacy rather than abstract theory. He is particularly known for his insights into the evolving balance of power in Asia, the complexities of ASEAN integration, and the implications of US–China strategic rivalry for the region.
A frequent speaker at international forums, government conferences, and academic institutions, he is valued for his ability to distil complex geopolitical dynamics into clear, actionable insights. He challenges audiences to think critically about assumptions in global politics, often questioning conventional narratives and encouraging a more pragmatic understanding of how states actually behave in the international system.
His speaking topics typically include geopolitics and global order, ASEAN and Southeast Asian security, major power relations, diplomacy and statecraft, and the strategic positioning of small states in an era of uncertainty. He also speaks on leadership in foreign policy, drawing on his experience navigating sensitive negotiations and high-stakes international environments.
What distinguishes Kausikan as a speaker is his combination of practitioner experience and analytical clarity. He does not present theory in isolation but instead anchors his views in real-world diplomatic practice and historical context. This makes his sessions particularly relevant for senior executives, policymakers, and institutional leaders seeking to understand how geopolitical developments may impact business, trade, and regional stability.
