SINGAPORE \u2013 Singapore and Germany will deepen cooperation<\/span><\/a> in the digital realm, particularly in the development and deployment of artificial intelligence for the industrial sector.<\/p>\n This comes as both countries announced a refreshed road map to further bilateral ties and collaboration on Oct 27, after a meeting between Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.<\/p>\n At a joint press conference at Parliament House, PM Wong said both leaders had a fruitful discussion and agreed there was much more to be accomplished together under the strategic partnership between Singapore and Germany.<\/p>\n The updated joint work plan covers collaboration in areas such as AI, digital economy, research and innovation, and ASEAN, among others, and builds on an earlier road map from 2024.<\/p>\n \u201cSingapore and Germany may be geographically far apart, but we share many common interests and convictions, and this was very clear from our discussions this morning,\u201d said PM Wong.<\/p>\n \u201cThese shared convictions have underpinned our friendship over the past six decades. And in a world that is becoming more uncertain and fragmented, our ties will be even more important in bringing our two countries and our two regions closer together.\u201d<\/p>\n The German leader agreed, adding that Singapore and Germany are \u201cfirmly convinced to further develop our strategic partnership, and we are in for the long haul\u201d.<\/p>\n Both leaders announced the joint work plan and a renewed joint declaration on the strategic partnership, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said will serve as a forward-looking and ambitious guide for bilateral relations.\u00a0<\/p>\n On AI, PM Wong said both leaders recognise the enormous potential of the technology to transform their countries\u2019 economies and create new opportunities for businesses and workers. That is why both sides want to move beyond digital technologies to work together on industrial AI, he said.<\/p>\n Industrial AI involves the application of the technology in physical operations, robotics and machinery, such as in manufacturing systems and logistics systems.<\/p>\n PM Wong said Singapore and Germany bring complementary strengths to the table to this end. \u201cAt the same time, we recognise that AI brings new risks and challenges,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd so, even as we cooperate on AI deployment, we will ensure that this is done in a way that remains safe, trusted and human-centred.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n In response to a question from the media on whether middle powers can work together on AI to overtake bigger powers like the US and China, PM Wong noted that a lot of the frontier developments are taking place in America and, to some extent, China.<\/p>\n Singapore is focused on the application of AI where it has some advantages to offer, he said.<\/p>\n As a small, compact, and highly connected society where there is rule of law and clear protections for intellectual property, Singapore can push the frontiers of actual AI deployment in healthcare, logistics, finance and advanced manufacturing.<\/p>\n Germany, meanwhile, is renowned for its engineering excellence and industrial craftsmanship, PM Wong said later during his toast speech at dinner.<\/p>\n \u201cThe phrase \u2018Made in Germany\u2019 is recognised around the world as a mark of quality and reliability, and these strengths remain relevant and vital in the digital age,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n Chancellor Merz said at the press conference that both countries will also work together on AI security, through their newly set up AI safety and security institutions.<\/p>\n Singapore and Germany will also further cooperation in research and innovation, said PM Wong.<\/p>\n In conjunction with the Singapore-Germany Year of Innovation, both countries intend to pursue more joint research and innovation projects in emerging technologies, covering areas such as AI, advanced manufacturing, green technologies, semiconductors, quantum, and space technologies, he added.<\/p>\n Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz (left), accompanied by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, during a ceremonial welcome at the Parliament House on Oct 27.<\/p>\n ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n He noted that the strong German academic and research presence here \u2013 the Technical University of Munich campus opened in Singapore in 2002, and the Max-Planck Centres for Data Driven Chemistry and Biocultural Worlding in April \u2013 has created valuable opportunities for collaboration over the years.<\/p>\n Amid a more fragmented world, both sides will also work to strengthen cooperation between ASEAN and the European Union, which mark 50 years of relations in 2026.<\/p>\n \u201cThe zeitgeist is turning against openness and trade, our response is not to turn inwards. Instead, it is to work with like-minded partners to build new connections,\u201d said PM Wong.<\/p>\n He said that as ASEAN chair in 2027, Singapore will work with Germany to deepen the 11-member grouping\u2019s partnership with the EU, including by making progress towards an ASEAN-EU free trade agreement.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Asked about concrete steps towards this pact, PM Wong said it will be \u201cchallenging\u201d and \u201ccomplex\u201d, but there is reason for some optimism.<\/p>\n The EU has started to establish bilateral trade pacts with individual ASEAN countries such as Singapore and Vietnam, and is negotiating more such pacts with Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.<\/p>\n \u201cThat gives us more confidence that ASEAN as a bloc can also make progress in our trade discussions for a free trade agreement with the EU,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/picture><\/div>