Singapore DPM Gan: Singapore, China should expand ties into AI and green economy

Singapore and China should pursue a new phase of economic cooperation centred on emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence and the green economy, moving beyond traditional flagship projects that have underpinned bilateral ties for decades, Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said.  — AFP pic

By Malay Mail

First Published: Monday, 28 Sep 2026 10:22 AM MYT

SINGAPORE, Sept 28 — Singapore and China should pursue a new phase of economic cooperation centred on emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence and the green economy, moving beyond traditional flagship projects that have underpinned bilateral ties for decades, Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said. 

According to the South China Morning Post, speaking at the FutureChina Global Forum on Friday, Gan said the economic relationship between the two countries had evolved over time in response to changing challenges and opportunities, citing landmark collaborations such as the Suzhou Industrial Park, the Tianjin Eco-city and the Chongqing Connectivity Initiative. 

While those projects remain important symbols of bilateral cooperation, Gan said both countries should now look towards new growth areas, particularly as technological innovation and sustainability become increasingly important drivers of economic development. 

According to Gan, the Singapore-China partnership has "never been static", with each generation of major projects reflecting the needs of the time. He said future cooperation could focus on sectors including AI and green technologies as both economies navigate a rapidly changing global landscape. 

The remarks come as Singapore and China mark more than three decades of collaboration through government-to-government projects, which have helped deepen trade, investment and people-to-people links between the two countries. 

Analysts say expanding cooperation into emerging industries could strengthen economic resilience and create new opportunities amid global technological competition and the transition towards lower-carbon economies. 

Singapore and China maintain close economic relations, with China remaining one of Singapore's largest trading partners and a key destination for investment and business collaboration.