Singapore and Brunei to expand cooperation beyond defence and finance

The countries are eyeing collaboration on digital economy, amongst others.

Singapore and Brunei are “firmly committed” to expanding bilateral cooperation into new areas beyond defence and finance.

During his state visit to Brunei, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the two countries are considering collaboration in carbon markets, carbon capture and storage, renewable energy, urban planning, the digital economy, food security, education, and public service capacity development.

“Such collaborations will ensure that our two countries are well-positioned for the future,” Wong said.

Meanwhile, Wong also shared that Singapore and Brunei have been investing in developing people-to-people ties between government officials and their respective citizens.

“The inaugural batch of Bruneian officials seconded to Singapore government agencies under the Brunei-Singapore Work Placement Programme has just completed their stint last month, and we are already curating the next edition,” Wong shared.

“ Such exchanges not only ensure that our officials at various levels continue to exchange best practices and experiences but also build up their personal links with each other. Beyond the government sector, I am glad we also have platforms to develop strong links, including through the Singapore-Brunei Youth Leaders Exchange Programme, as well as the Brunei-Singapore Youth Education Scholarship,” Wong added.