Kamala Harris Takes Off to Singapore: A Quick Trip Outside North America!
Picture this: Vice‑President Kamala Harris lands in Singapore on August 22, ruffling her usual serious hair once again as she embarks on the first overseas trip since taking office. Air Force Two rings in at 10:25 a.m., and the VP is off to school — the ultimate “leadership class” course.
Arrival & First Impressions
- Landing: The Vice‑President touch‑down at Paya Lebar Air Base, clutching her usual face mask like it’s a fashionable accessory (COVID‑19 still playing hard to get).
- Welcome: Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan is on hand, shaking hands, offering the warmest of Singaporean hospitality.
- Health Checks: Health Minister Ong Ye Kung confirms a strict pass‑code 511: regular testings and a controlled itinerary to keep the trip drama‑free.
- Flying Itinerary: Harris tanked up in Anchorage, Alaska, popped over Tokyo, then blazed straight into Singapore. No detours, just a straight‑line journey.
What’s on the Agenda?
Harris is not taking a “lazy” weekend break. The VP has a packing list long enough to rival a Singaporean buffet:
- Monday – A telephone call with President Halimah Yacob at the Istana.
- Followed by a meeting & joint press conference with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
- An Orchid ceremony – a special orchid gets named in her honor at the Istana. Yes, you’ll never forget that flower.
- A quick visit to Changi Naval Base to chat with the crew aboard the USS Tulsa, currently docking for a multinational exercise.
Tuesday: Policy Talk & Business Roundtables
On Tuesday, Harris will deliver a policy speech and sit with industry leaders in a cozy roundtable. Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong will join the discussion, perhaps sharing ladder‑drill secrets for SaaS startups.
Heading to Vietnam
After a whirlwind of speeches and oceanside chats, Harris will depart Singapore on Tuesday afternoon to continue her regional stopover in Vietnam. Total travel time? 48 hours. Total smiles? Infinity.
Why This Visit Matters
Her trip comes right after Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s recent swing to Singapore, marking it as part of a bigger US “Europe‑and‑Asia” strategy. Calls are a lot but they’re under 同 wheels.
“We’re thrilled Harris is on board for this rapid‑fire itinerary. It’s like a 5‑minute whirlwind but with a lot of substance!” – President Halimah Yacob.
And that’s the low‑down. Harris not only strengthens diplomatic ties, she also culture‑trains the local staff on the art of quick chats and tighter agendas. Stay tuned for more backstage tidbits!
