From classrooms to communities: Young Singaporeans build ties in Uzbekistan

“By deepening ties with Uzbekistan and Central Asia through trade, education exchanges, and technical cooperation in water management and digitalisation, we build new markets, strengthen regional stability, and create opportunities for our people.”

Mr Lee said stronger links could also open up opportunities for Singapore businesses and young people, as Uzbekistan strengthens its engagement with the global economy and Southeast Asia. 

“Our future depends on connections, not closures,” he said. 

“Through trade missions, student exchanges, and targeted capacity building in governance and fintech, we can help build a resilient, rules based region and at the same time secure new avenues of growth for Singaporeans.”

Such exchanges are already taking place on a smaller, more personal scale through Singaporeans such as Mr Ng and Mr Li.

For Mr Ng and his family, those links are being forged in classrooms, communities and everyday interactions. He believes both sides stand to gain. 

“With Singaporeans coming here and interacting with (the locals), that exchange of ideas, learning from one another, would indeed create a very thriving environment, not just for Uzbekistan, but for Singapore as well,” he said.