This week, the Governor made an Official Visit to Singapore at the request of the Victorian Government. The Governor met with Her Excellency the President of Singapore as well as representatives from organisations with ties to Victoria.
The Governor made an Official Visit to Singapore, at the request of the Victorian Government.
The visit began with briefings from Holly Butler, Victorian Deputy Commissioner to Southeast Asia, and His Excellency Mr Allaster Cox, Australian High Commissioner to Singapore. Both briefings provided important insight and background to the current connections existing between Victoria and Singapore. They were also an opportunity for the Governor to learn more about the current initiatives of the Victorian Government Trade and Investment Office and Australian High Commission in Singapore.
Victoria and Singapore are linked through several sectors including renewable energy and medical research. On Thursday, the Governor visited the Singapore Smart Nation CityScape exhibition. The exhibition explores the role of digital technology in Singapore and how it supports both citizens and local businesses. Primarily, it highlights the role of technology in city planning, infrastructure, and industry. During the visit, the Governor was able to learn more about the future of technology in Singapore and the impact it will have on Victorian business partnerships. Learn more about the Singapore Smart Nation CityScape exhibition here.
On Thursday, the Governor met with the President of Singapore, Her Excellency Madam Halimah Yacob, to discuss Victoria and Singapore connections and their shared policy priorities. The Governor had previously met with Her Excellency Madam Halimah Yacob during an Official Visit to Singapore in 2019. Earlier this year, the Governor also received the welcome call of His Excellency Mr Anil Kumar Nayar, High Commissioner of Singapore, on his first official visit to Victoria. Both meetings reinforced the collaborative relationship between the State and City-state.
Victoria has 24 trade and investment offices around the world. On Thursday, the Governor also met with current and former staff at the Victorian Government Trade and Investment Office in Singapore and heard about the important role of the office in supporting Victoria’s economic growth. Victorian Government Trade and Investment offices assist in facilitating partnerships between Victorian and Singaporean businesses. Learn more about the work of each office here.
During the Official Visit, the Governor had the opportunity to visit several educational and cultural organisations. This included a meeting with Grant Ashton, founder and CEO of 67 Pall Mall, Alan Goh, CEO of Sport Singapore, and representatives of the Civil Service College Singapore and Global Sports Innovation Hub. Each of these visits generated important discussion on the collaborative opportunities provided by sport, education, and hospitality. These opportunities were front of mind during the Governor’s attendance at the Women of Impact lunch on Friday, bringing together female business leaders from different sectors to discuss their experiences in their field.
Prior to the conclusion of the Official Visit, the Governor visited the National Museum of Singapore. Established in 1849, the museum is the oldest in the country and explores Singapore’s art, culture, and history. Learn more about the museum’s exhibits and resources here.
The Governor departed Singapore to return to Victoria.