‘Stronger Asean’ should be shared priority for Singapore and China: DPM Gan

Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong suggested that Singapore and China should prioritize strengthening the digital and green economies as a shared focus, in order to bolster development across Southeast Asia. The Singaporean leader noted that both nations have long built trust through mutually beneficial cooperation and should now harness this bond to expand capabilities in Singapore and the broader ASEAN region.

Gan emphasized the importance of connectivity and openness as growth drivers, yet cautioned that geopolitical tensions risk turning businesses and workers inward, leading to protectionism. He stressed the need to make openness work better for businesses and people, while simultaneously building resilience through local capabilities and expanding connections abroad.

Gan highlighted that bilateral agreements between Singapore and China provide businesses with greater certainty, citing a history of successful industrial and connectivity projects. He proposed combining Singapore's economic strategy and growth sources with China's innovation and industrial upgrading efforts. The Singapore-China Digital Policy Dialogue serves as a platform for sharing views on AI governance, while companies and research institutions collaborate on AI applications.

Singapore brings strengths in finance, connectivity, and project implementation, complementing China's deep technological and manufacturing capabilities. Gan urged extending the benefits of Singapore-China cooperation throughout Southeast Asia, stating that a stronger and more resilient ASEAN should be a shared priority. He emphasized that industrial upgrading should involve local enterprises and workers in capability-building, beyond trade and investment.

Gan also pointed to the Asean-China Free Trade Area's digital and green economy commitments, urging practical implementation opportunities for businesses and workers. He noted that regional integration should not aim for uniformity but rather enable businesses to build competitive niches within value chains, while providing workers with progress pathways.

Gan affirmed Singapore's commitment to deepening integration within ASEAN during its upcoming chairmanship in 2027, aiming for an open ASEAN with the capacity to shape its own future.