Q What are foreign entities?

A Companies that are not incorporated or registered in Singapore, and which are not controlled by a majority of Singapore citizens.

For a company to be considered Singaporean, it must be incorporated under the Companies Act here, the majority of its directors must be Singaporean, and majority ownership must be held by Singaporeans or one or more Singapore entities.

Q What constitutes interference?

A According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), this refers to sponsoring, publicly promoting the Speakers' Corner event or organising its members or employees to participate in the event.

Q Which are the issues that this restriction applies to?

A The MHA said foreign entities should not interfere in domestic issues, especially when they are political or controversial. Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam said it will apply to topics that can "rile up opinion".

Q Does the rule apply to other events outside the Speakers' Corner?

A The Straits Times understands that it applies to events such as conferences and talks.

Q What are the penalties if a foreign entity contravenes this rule?

A Under the Public Order (Unrestricted Area) Order 2016, participants face a fine not exceeding $3,000 for a first-time offender, and up to $5,000 for a repeat offender. Penalties for organisers go up to $10,000 and/or six months' jail.