Focus on Strengthening Bilateral Ties Through Digital, Green Economy, and Cybersecurity Cooperation
SINGAPORE: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim visited Singapore on January 30, marking his first official visit since taking office after the 2022 general election. The one-day trip highlighted enhanced bilateral collaboration and culminated in the signing of pivotal agreements.
Warm Welcome at Changi Airport
PM Anwar, who also serves as Malaysia’s Finance Minister, was warmly received at Changi Airport by Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and his wife, Joy Balakrishnan, who presented a bouquet to former Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. Anwar was accompanied by a high-level delegation including key ministers and state leaders from Sarawak and Johor.
Signing of Cooperation Frameworks
Anwar and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong presided over the signing of three significant agreements at the Istana. These include:
Framework of Cooperation (FoC) on the Digital Economy: Designed to promote interoperability and collaboration on digital economy initiatives, this agreement seeks to establish a blueprint for broader ASEAN engagement.
Framework of Cooperation on the Green Economy: Focused on joint decarbonisation efforts, including electric vehicle charging standards and other sustainability measures.
Memorandum of Understanding on Personal Data Protection, Cybersecurity, and Digital Economy Cooperation: Aims to bolster cross-border data protection and cybersecurity measures.
The agreements were signed by Singapore’s Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong and Malaysia’s Minister for International Trade and Industry Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.
Symbolic Moments
PM Anwar and Wan Azizah also had an orchid named in their honor, the Dendrobium Anwar Azizah, continuing a longstanding tradition for visiting dignitaries. PM Lee hosted Anwar for an official lunch, and the Malaysian leader also met with Singapore President Halimah Yacob during the visit.
Regional Engagement
Anwar’s visit follows his January trips to Indonesia and Brunei, which similarly featured agreements on digital and green economies. Traditionally, Malaysian Prime Ministers prioritize Indonesia for their first state visit, reflecting deep cultural and historical ties. Anwar is expected to conclude his tour of Malaysia’s neighbors with a visit to Thailand next month, focusing on addressing the unrest in southern Thailand.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
PM Lee emphasized the importance of these agreements in paving the way for enhanced cooperation between the two nations. The frameworks for digital and green economy align with ASEAN’s broader goals, and the bilateral focus on cybersecurity and data protection reinforces both countries’ commitment to a secure, interconnected future.
This visit reaffirms the close ties between Singapore and Malaysia and sets the stage for deeper collaboration in critical areas of mutual interest.
