Ian Mak arrived in Israel as Singapore's first-ever resident ambassador to the Jewish state in November 2023, as the nation was still grappling with the fresh trauma of Oct. 7. On Wednesday he delivered a farewell address at Tel Aviv Port's Trask venue, hosting the Singapore Embassy reception for the last time, reflecting that upon his arrival he had "the privilege to experience very quickly for myself what makes Am Israel so special."
Among the guests, one was even spotted wearing a colorful shirt inspired by Joseph's coat, embroidered with symbols associated with Israel, including a menorah, a pomegranate, and a Star of David.
The event brought a taste of the Southeast Asian nation to Israel through colorful floral decorations and traditional attire worn by members of the staff.
Video: Ambassador Ian Mak during his speech at the Singapore reception on Oct 21 2026 / Credit: Erez Linn
Living under constant threat transformed the ambassador and his family, forging a bond that transcended geopolitical strategy. He reflected that his family will carry home "not just memories of the roller coaster of emotions through the wars or our many days and nights spent in the mamad [reinforced security room]," but rather "a deep admiration and respect for the spirit of the people here and a crucial lesson from all of you on how to fully treasure life and relationships."
Witnessing Israel in its most vulnerable and determined hour left a permanent mark. He pointed directly to three Israeli traits that defined his tenure, starting with the nation's "determination and resilience." He praised "the extraordinary ability to persist, rebuild, and to care for one another through relentless uncertainty," comparing it to "how you pushed incessantly and never gave up until all the hostages were finally brought home."
Mak identified a second vital quality in local ingenuity, which he described as "born from your instinct and belief that no obstacle can stand in your way and that there is always a better solution to be found." Finally, he highlighted what he considered the most defining trait of all: "a love of life" characterized by "the determination to celebrate, to laugh, to cry, to shout, to dance, to argue, and ultimately cherish family and friends even when life is difficult or painful."
The cultural exchange, Mak shared, was highly contagious. "And this land has changed something in me and my family too," he joked, explaining that whenever they return home, "we are told that we are now more loud and direct. We won't take no for an answer, and we always insist that our ideas are the best."
The 1965 secret
To understand the emotional weight behind Mak's words, one must look back to a profound, historically secretive bond. When Singapore was thrust into sudden independence in August 1965, the tiny island city-state was surrounded by hostile neighbors and left essentially defenseless. When Singapore's leadership desperately sought international help to build an army, major powers balked. Israel – itself a small nation intimately familiar with existential threats – answered the call. Under a cloak of absolute secrecy, a delegation of IDF officers arrived to build the Singapore Armed Forces from the ground up, instituting the model of conscription and reserves that secures Singapore to this day.
Mak brought this vital history directly to the forefront of his farewell, explaining that the two nations have "built up a deep reservoir of trust starting from the days of Singapore's sudden independence in 1965 when we faced an uncertain future as a small and vulnerable state." While most countries "offered us kind words wishing us all the best," he noted that "it was Israel that was there for us not just in words but in deeds, and Israel took concrete action to help us build our military and defense and strengthen our resilience, and Singapore will never forget this."
This shared history of survival forged an alliance that operates heavily below the radar. Mak described it as "a unique and special relationship that has been carefully nurtured over the decades," one that "seeks neither the limelight nor performative gestures and one in which both sides know that even in the toughest of times when we have our backs against the wall, we can depend on each other."
True friendship
Today, that covert military foundation has evolved into a formidable trade and innovation partnership. Mak emphasized that "this relationship is not merely sentimental or about nostalgia," but rather "is based on a clear-eyed calculation of our convergent long-term strategic interests." That is why, he explained, bilateral ties "continue to expand well beyond defense into business, research, innovation, AI, cyber, and quantum."
True friendship, however, allows for honest friction. Addressing the international diplomatic fallout of the current war, Mak did not shy away from complex realities, acknowledging that "there are issues which we do not fully agree on," including Singapore's "position on the negotiated two-state solution, as well as concerns over the challenging humanitarian situation for the civilians in Gaza and developments in the West Bank that could significantly undermine the prospects for peace in the long term." Nevertheless, he promised that his country would "approach our differences respectfully to try and understand and get a fuller perspective before reacting and to speak frankly and constructively as a close friend."
Mak declared his confidence that the relationship between Israel and Singapore "will continue to thrive because we share the common DNA of small states that are realistic that we should take the world as it is and not what we wish it to be."
Leaving a legacy
As Mak prepares to return to Singapore in December to continue his diplomatic career, he emphasized that his connection to Israel is far from over. "I returned to Singapore in December for new responsibilities in MFA headquarters," he reflected, "but I have a feeling I might still be connected to our work over here because Israel somehow has a way of drawing you in as part of the family and never letting you go."
Passing the baton to his successor, Samuel Tang, who arrives in January, Mak summed up his mission with a timeless quote from Jewish sages: "It is not upon you to finish the work, but neither are you free to desist from it."
Mak concluded with a sweeping historical perspective. "Three years here is just a blink of an eye compared to more than 3,000 years of history," he acknowledged. "But I hope these three years will still be remembered as a time when we kept our commitments, preserved the trust, and created space for a stronger future."
