Vietnam-Singapore ties spotlighted by Asian media

Party General Secretary To Lam (second, left) meets with Singaporean Prime Minister and Secretary-General of the People's Action Party (PAP) Lawrence Wong (second, right). (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam's official visit to Singapore from March 11-13 has been hailed by Asian media as a pivotal step in strengthening the bilateral relations.

An article on the website of Singapore’s ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute (iseas.edu.sg) quoted Professor Vu Minh Khuong from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, who expressed optimism that the visit marked a new era for the Vietnam-Singapore ties.

Professor Khuong highlighted Vietnam’s new phase of development under the leadership of General Secretary To Lam, noting the country’s potential for an economic breakthrough driven by industrial upgrading, AI-powered digital transformation, green growth, and global integration. He emphasised the importance of institutional reform, innovation, and swift decision-making in the period of rapid advancement.

Singapore stands as a trusted partner in Vietnam’s goal to become a high-income economy by 2045, with both nations sharing strengths in economic collaboration, technology exchange, and sustainable development.

Professor Khuong suggested that AI could play a transformative role in government administration, shifting from traditional management to tech-driven, efficient solutions. Strengthened cooperation between Vietnam and Singapore in AI applications could enhance governance and public service delivery, creating synergies that drive both countries’ growth and foster long-term prosperity.

Singaporean Ambassador to Vietnam Jaya Ratnam reflected on the evolution of the partnership over the past decade. He noted that while the 2013 Strategic Partnership was formed in a stable global environment conducive to growth, today’s volatile world presents challenges to the rules-based multilateral system both nations rely on. In this context, he argued, stronger bilateral ties and greater ASEAN coordination are essential for maintaining regional stability.

Ratnam highlighted shared priorities in renewable energy, sustainability, infrastructure, the digital economy, innovation, and connectivity.

At a joint press conference with Party General Secretary To Lam, Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong affirmed that the bilateral relations have entered a “new era” with the signing of a comprehensive agreement that deepens cooperation in security, defence, and emerging sectors such as renewable energy and the digital economy.

Channel News Asia and The Straits Times quoted PM Wong as saying that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is particularly significant for Singapore, as it is the first such agreement Singapore has signed with an ASEAN member state.

Both countries also pledged to enhance collaboration in international and regional forums, supporting each other on issues of mutual interest and concern, particularly in advancing the ASEAN community building process.

The Straits Times cited PM Wong as emphasising that Vietnam’s focus on sustainable development, green growth, and digital transformation aligns closely with Singapore’s strategic priorities./.