Singapore was already adopting multipolar/independent alignments. These statements are not from the perspective of a colony disappointed in unrequited sycophantic love. But simply that US does not make a "competitive" ally for Asian countries much closer to ascending economies and self aware geopolitical alliance offers.

US hasn't really changed, but public admonishment of its evil will impact public perceptions of US which have historically been whitewashed into love, democracy, freedom PR. It's no longer possible for world to be both completely sycophantic and self respecting/dignified.