SINGAPORE: All eyes are on Singapore hosting Tuesday鈥檚 historic summit between North Korean leader Kim Jung Un and US President Donald Trump.
They will discuss a range of global issues, including impending talks on the denuclearization of North Korea.
鈥淪ingapore is well prepared because it has plenty of experience in holding summits,鈥� said Dr. Oh Ei Sun, a senior adviser at the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute.
The summit, which is costing Singapore $15 million to host, could solidify its reputation as the Switzerland of Asia, said Oh, adding: 鈥淭his would be a feather in its cap.鈥�
Singapore is renowned as a venue for international dialogue, including the historic 2015 meeting between the leaders of China and Taiwan. A safe and secure country, Singapore has diplomatic ties to both North Korea and the US.
鈥淵ou鈥檒l see very strict security measures and infrastructure. The meeting facilities are some of the most superb in the region,鈥� said Oh.
In recent days, a man was turned away at immigration for searching the words 鈥渟uicide bombing鈥� on his phone, and two South Korean journalists were kicked out of the country for not having a media pass.
Roads have been barricaded and cleared to make way for the US and North Korean entourages to converge at the Capella Hotel on Sentosa Island, a luxury enclave off the mainland. Singapore鈥檚 International Media Center is hosting more than 3,000 journalists from all over the world.
鈥淭ourism will also prosper,鈥� said Oh, adding that the summit will 鈥渞eally introduce Singapore to the rest of the world.鈥�