November 20, 2024
SEOUL – Singapore and South Korea reaffirmed their “robust and longstanding partnership” during Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat’s working visit to the country.
Mr Heng was hosted to lunch by his South Korean counterpart, Dr Lee Ju-ho, in Seoul on Nov 19, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.
“They had a fruitful discussion on expanding collaboration on science and research between our universities and research institutes, as well as to translate these into innovation and enterprise outcomes to drive future economic growth,” it added.
In addition, Mr Heng and Dr Lee spoke about collaborations on artificial intelligence and other educational technologies to better support students and teachers, as well as to improve learning outcomes.
Both men also expressed commitment to working towards upgrading bilateral relations to a strategic partnership in 2025, in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and South Korea.
Mr Heng, who is also chairman of the National Research Foundation, is in South Korea from Nov 17 until Nov 21.
Aside from Seoul, he also travelled to Gyeonggi province, where he was hosted to dinner by Governor Kim Dong-yeon.
In Gyeonggi, Mr Heng visited Pangyo Technovalley, Gwanggyo Bio Hub and Suwon Hwaseong Fortress.
In a Facebook post, he highlighted Gyeonggi’s position as an economic and innovation hub, saying that there are “many collaboration opportunities between our companies in Singapore and Gyeonggi to harness science, technology, and innovation to create new opportunities and jobs for our people”.