Amid rapid and complex changes in the regional and global landscape, Viet Nam and Singapore are determined to strengthen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, regarding cooperation in the economy, science and technology, and education and training as spearhead areas that will provide momentum and resilience for both nations on their path of future development.
Singapore has established itself as a prosperous nation with a dynamic and robust economy, serving as a model of socio-economic development efforts in Asia. In a bid to enhance national competitiveness amid growing geopolitical tensions and global economic instability, the Singaporean Government recently unveiled a new economic strategy focused on transforming the country into a hub for artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, reinforcing its role as a trusted business centre, and nurturing a vibrant enterprise ecosystem. This reflects the country’s adaptability, determination to innovate and constant drive to rise above global uncertainties.
Viet Nam and Singapore, two geographically close countries that share many cultural similarities and are both ASEAN members, officially established diplomatic relations in 1973. Over the past five decades, the two countries have continuously expanded cooperation across multiple fields, particularly in the areas of green economy, technology and innovation.
The two nations established a Strategic Partnership in 2013 and a Green Economy-Digital Economy Partnership in 2023. The year 2025 marked another significant milestone as Viet Nam and Singapore upgraded ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, opening a bright new chapter in their journey of connectivity, companionship and development.
In recent years, bilateral cooperation has grown increasingly substantive and effective across all sectors, especially in the economic sphere. The Viet Nam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIP) have been described by leaders of both countries as “lighthouses” of bilateral relations and vivid symbols of successful economic cooperation and connectivity.
Strongly supported by the governments of both nations, the VSIP model has expanded steadily and operated effectively in many localities since the first project was launched in Binh Duong Province in 1996, becoming a vivid emblem of sustainable economic cooperation between Viet Nam and Singapore.
After 30 years of development, VSIP has achieved impressive results, acting as a “magnet” that has attracted more than 1,000 investors from numerous countries and territories, including major corporations and global brands, while creating jobs for hundreds of thousands of workers.
Beyond the numbers, the effectiveness of the VSIP model is also reflected in its significant contributions to Viet Nam during its accelerated industrialisation and modernisation process through the establishment of modern, safe and environmentally friendly manufacturing clusters.
Building on the solid foundation laid over the past three decades, Viet Nam and Singapore are now aiming to develop second-generation VSIPs that combine not only industrial zones but also services, high technology and eco-urban areas. During his recent phone talks with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung proposed that Singapore expand and upgrade the network of next-generation VSIPs associated with high-tech transfer.
Expressing strong support for Prime Minister Le Minh Hung’s proposals, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said Singapore hoped to increase the total number of VSIPs to 30 by 2026, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the successful project’s presence in Viet Nam.
Cooperation in science and technology is also a key factor strengthening ties between Viet Nam and Singapore. Vietnam possesses advantages in its abundant human resources, large market and immense development potential, while Singapore excels in advanced technology, management expertise and investment capital. These strengths form a solid basis for the two countries to further deepen scientific and technological cooperation amid today’s accelerating globalisation and economic integration.
Cooperation in education and human resource training has become another bright spot in bilateral relations. The two sides have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on educational cooperation, established partnerships between training institutions, and provided one another with numerous scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
They have also organised exchanges and visits involving officials, lecturers, pupils and students from both countries. More than 21,000 Vietnamese mid- and high-level officials holding management positions have participated in training programmes under the Singapore Cooperation Programme over the past three decades.
Viet Nam’s development journey cannot be separated from the solidarity, support and close, effective cooperation of the international community, including Singapore - a regional and global bright spot in economic, scientific and technological development. The fruitful cooperation outcomes between the two countries, especially in key sectors, are regarded as “lighthouses” illuminating the path for the advancement of bilateral relations while also contributing to a brighter future for Southeast Asia and the wider Asian region.
