Singapore Representative: Taiwan is a 'Natural Partner', Hopes to Deepen Semiconductor and Talent Cooperation
Singapore's representative to Taiwan, Foo Teow Lee, emphasized that Taiwan is a natural partner due to shared language and values. She aims to deepen collaboration in semiconductors, talent cultivation, education, and AI startups during her tenure.
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- 📰 Published: April 24, 2026 at 12:41
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Taipei, April 24 (CNA) — Singapore's representative to Taiwan, Foo Teow Lee, who has been in office for nearly 100 days, shared her goals for her mission in Taiwan during her first exclusive media interview with CNA. She stated that with shared language and perspectives, Taiwan is a natural partner, and she hopes to deepen bilateral cooperation in areas such as semiconductors, talent cultivation, education, and startups.
During the interview on April 22, Foo noted the exceptional economic performance between the two sides. Taiwan became Singapore's largest merchandise trade partner in 2025, with bilateral trade reaching SGD 170 billion (approximately TWD 4.2 trillion). Furthermore, the update to the 'Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion' in February has provided a clearer and more stable tax environment for businesses on both sides.
Regarding semiconductors, Foo observed that both Singapore and Taiwan play vital roles. While Singapore produces about 10% of the world's chips—a figure that doesn't match Taiwan's massive manufacturing capacity—major Taiwanese firms like UMC, VIS, and MediaTek have established plants in Singapore. UMC, in particular, has made Singapore its largest overseas base.
She explained that the semiconductor industry involves a long supply chain and a vast ecosystem where both sides can find their respective strengths and complement each other. Singapore has a significant advantage in packaging, allowing for joint efforts in building the chip industry.
Noting that Singapore's budget this year allocates SGD 800 million for semiconductor R&D, Foo stressed the need for corresponding talent development. She identified Taiwan as a natural partner in this regard due to linguistic and cultural similarities, making this her first priority in Taiwan. Her second priority is collaborating with the over 6,000 multinational corporations in Singapore (including 4,200 regional headquarters) to explore third-party markets like ASEAN together with Taiwanese firms, utilizing Singapore's strengths in finance and logistics.
Her third priority is educational exchange, citing the 43-year-old 'High School Student Cultural Exchange Program' as a base to expand participation to different age groups. Lastly, in AI, Singapore will establish 'Kampong AI' with government funding to nurture AI startups, and she hopes to see cooperation with Taiwan's 'AI Startup Accelerator' initiative.
As a member of the CPTPP, Singapore maintains an open and supportive stance toward any economy willing and able to meet the relevant standards, Foo explained regarding Taiwan's application. However, she noted that decisions must be made by consensus among all CPTPP members following established procedures, as Singapore consistently supports an open, rules-based trading system.
Since her arrival, Foo has visited various government departments and local counties. She emphasized the importance of cooperation at the local level, noting that both sides face similar challenges like decarbonization and new technologies. Besides Taipei, she has already visited Keelung, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, and Pingtung, with plans to visit Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Taitung. 'I feel at home here in Taiwan,' she remarked.
During the interview on April 22, Foo noted the exceptional economic performance between the two sides. Taiwan became Singapore's largest merchandise trade partner in 2025, with bilateral trade reaching SGD 170 billion (approximately TWD 4.2 trillion). Furthermore, the update to the 'Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion' in February has provided a clearer and more stable tax environment for businesses on both sides.
Regarding semiconductors, Foo observed that both Singapore and Taiwan play vital roles. While Singapore produces about 10% of the world's chips—a figure that doesn't match Taiwan's massive manufacturing capacity—major Taiwanese firms like UMC, VIS, and MediaTek have established plants in Singapore. UMC, in particular, has made Singapore its largest overseas base.
She explained that the semiconductor industry involves a long supply chain and a vast ecosystem where both sides can find their respective strengths and complement each other. Singapore has a significant advantage in packaging, allowing for joint efforts in building the chip industry.
Noting that Singapore's budget this year allocates SGD 800 million for semiconductor R&D, Foo stressed the need for corresponding talent development. She identified Taiwan as a natural partner in this regard due to linguistic and cultural similarities, making this her first priority in Taiwan. Her second priority is collaborating with the over 6,000 multinational corporations in Singapore (including 4,200 regional headquarters) to explore third-party markets like ASEAN together with Taiwanese firms, utilizing Singapore's strengths in finance and logistics.
Her third priority is educational exchange, citing the 43-year-old 'High School Student Cultural Exchange Program' as a base to expand participation to different age groups. Lastly, in AI, Singapore will establish 'Kampong AI' with government funding to nurture AI startups, and she hopes to see cooperation with Taiwan's 'AI Startup Accelerator' initiative.
As a member of the CPTPP, Singapore maintains an open and supportive stance toward any economy willing and able to meet the relevant standards, Foo explained regarding Taiwan's application. However, she noted that decisions must be made by consensus among all CPTPP members following established procedures, as Singapore consistently supports an open, rules-based trading system.
Since her arrival, Foo has visited various government departments and local counties. She emphasized the importance of cooperation at the local level, noting that both sides face similar challenges like decarbonization and new technologies. Besides Taipei, she has already visited Keelung, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, and Pingtung, with plans to visit Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Taitung. 'I feel at home here in Taiwan,' she remarked.