‘Everyone is shell shocked’: Singaporeans on Trump’s win

Singaporeans were left pondering the future of their country’s longstanding partnership with the United States as the anti-globalisation Republican candidate Donald Trump – who days ago accused the trade-reliant city state of stealing American jobs – staged a stunning victory to clinch the White House.

Despite its tiny size – Singapore is smaller than New York City – the Southeast Asian city state is one of Washington’s most important economic and strategic partners in Asia.

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The US is one of Singapore’s biggest trade partners, and the island nation hosts a key US military logistics base and allows the rotational deployment of US littoral combat ships out of its naval bases.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was among the first world leaders to congratulate Trump, 70.

“Congratulations to President-elect Donald Trump! His candidacy took many by surprise,” Lee wrote in a Facebook post.

“At each stage he defied expectations, and his journey has ultimately taken him to the White House,” Lee said in the message which was posted while the Republican nominee was delivering his victory speech in New York.

Lee added: “US voters have elected a president whom they feel best represents them. Singapore fully respects their decision. We will continue to work together with the United States to cultivate our strong ties”.