South Korea and Singapore to Boost AI Joint Research and Business Exchange

President Lee Jae-myung held a summit with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the Presidential Office in Yongsan on November 2, 2025, and agreed to conduct joint research in advanced technology fields, including artificial intelligence (AI), and to promote exchange between companies of both countries. Following the summit, the two leaders made a joint press announcement, officially announcing these details and promising to further solidify the cooperative relationship between South Korea and Singapore.

In his opening remarks at the summit, President Lee Jae-myung emphasized that "South Korea and Singapore are leading countries in advanced industries and innovation," highlighting the strategic importance of cooperation between the two nations. He specifically expressed high expectations for joint research and development to secure future growth engines in areas such as AI, bio, and advanced materials.

President Lee also pledged full government support to encourage Singaporean companies to increase their investment in South Korea. He added, "We will spare no effort in providing all necessary support to enable Singaporean companies to significantly enhance their competitiveness in the global market by actively utilizing South Korea's world-class workforce and well-established infrastructure."

In response, Prime Minister Wong stated, "If South Korea's outstanding technological capabilities and Singapore's advanced financial competitiveness are effectively combined, we can create a powerful synergy effect that leads the global market beyond Asia." Prime Minister Wong stated that he would actively encourage and support active joint ventures and in-depth technology exchange between companies in both countries to achieve practical results.

In addition to strengthening cooperation in advanced technology fields, the summit also involved in-depth discussions on practical cooperation measures in various areas, including joint responses to climate change, accelerating digital transformation, and strengthening health security. Both countries agreed to actively contribute to solving global challenges through joint efforts.

At the meeting, President Lee Jae-myung emphasized, "Climate change is a global challenge that can no longer be postponed, and South Korea and Singapore must work closely together to transition to a carbon-neutral society." He proposed that both countries jointly invest in increasing energy efficiency, developing renewable energy technologies, and building sustainable infrastructure.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stressed the importance of digital transformation, saying, "Digital technology is a powerful tool for economic growth and social development, and South Korea and Singapore must cooperate to lead the digital economy." He proposed that the two countries cooperate in building digital infrastructure, training digital talent, and strengthening cybersecurity.

Furthermore, the two leaders shared the need to strengthen health security in preparation for future pandemics and agreed to cooperate in vaccine development, therapeutic research, and the establishment of infectious disease prevention systems. They also pledged to strengthen joint response systems to global health crises and work to promote international health cooperation.

There was no official confirmation regarding the exchange of gifts between the leaders during this South Korea-Singapore summit.

This summit between President Lee Jae-myung and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is considered an important turning point in further developing economic cooperation between the two countries and securing future growth engines.

In particular, joint research and development in advanced technology fields and the promotion of exchange between companies are expected to greatly contribute to accelerating innovation in both economies and strengthening competitiveness in the global market.