Strong ties, cooperation in many areas as Singapore and Malaysia mark 60 years of diplomatic links

Singapore aims to open consulates in Sabah and Sarawak to deepen economic links with East Malaysia and strengthen ties between people on both sides.

- Chin Soo Fang

Singapore and Malaysia will also start a programme for volunteers from Singapore to help teach English in some Malaysian schools. It will be known as the Malaysia-Singapore English Volunteers Programme, with a pilot expected to start later in 2025.

These and other bilateral initiatives were shared in a joint statement by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and his Malaysian counterpart, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, at the 11th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders' Retreat in Putrajaya on Jan 7.

At the retreat, both sides exchanged an agreement on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). They also pledged to work together in higher education, social welfare and urban development.

Both leaders said they aim to resolve outstanding issues through "an amicable and constructive approach". These issues include airspace, water and the delimitation of maritime boundaries.

JOHOR-SINGAPORE SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE

The JS-SEZ will enable Singapore and Malaysia to tap complementary value propositions to drive innovation, enhance productivity, compete for global investments, create jobs, and bolster economic growth, said the statement.

Both leaders welcomed the vision for the JS-SEZ to improve the cross-border flow of goods and people and strengthen the business ecosystem.

Good progress has been made on early initiatives, such as the adoption of QR code clearance at land checkpoints and a new centre to make it easier for Singapore businesses to invest there, they said.

Work is also being done on partnerships to strengthen cooperation in technical and vocational education to meet industry demands.

In addition to supporting the implementation and vision of the JS-SEZ, the Joint Ministerial Committee for Iskandar Malaysia will reinforce cooperation on other fronts, such as transport and the environment.

POLITICAL-SECURITY COOPERATION