Singapore Representative: Taiwan is a Natural Partner; Hopes to Deepen Cooperation in Semiconductors and Talent

(Central News Agency reporter Yang Yao-ju, Taipei, 24th) Singapore's Representative to Taiwan, Foo Teow Lee, approaching 100 days in office, gave her first media interview, sharing her goals for working in Taiwan with the Central News Agency. She stated that Singapore and Taiwan share common languages and concepts, making Taiwan a natural partner, and she hopes to deepen bilateral cooperation in areas such as semiconductors, talent cultivation, education, and startups.

Foo Teow Lee stated in an exclusive interview with the Central News Agency on the 22nd that within her first 100 days, she witnessed outstanding performance in bilateral economic cooperation. Not only did Taiwan become Singapore's largest trading partner for goods in 2025, with bilateral trade reaching SGD 170 billion (about NTD 4.1997 trillion), but the two sides also updated the "Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income" in February this year, providing a clearer and more stable tax environment for enterprises on both sides.

Speaking on the areas of cooperation between Taiwan and Singapore, Foo believes both play important roles in semiconductors. Singapore produces about 10% of the world's chips, which certainly doesn't compare to Taiwan's manufacturing capacity, but major Taiwanese companies like UMC, Vanguard International Semiconductor, and MediaTek have set up factories in Singapore, with UMC even making Singapore its largest overseas base.

She further explained that semiconductors involve a very long supply chain and a massive ecosystem. The two sides can find their respective advantages and complement each other; Singapore has considerable strengths in packaging, allowing them to jointly build the chip industry.

Regarding Singapore's budget this year, which will invest SGD 800 million in semiconductor research and development, Foo pointed out that this naturally requires follow-up in cultivating talent. Taiwan is a very natural partner for Singapore in this regard, with shared language and culture; this is the first priority of her work in Taiwan. Second, there are over 6,000 multinational companies with locations in Singapore, about 4,200 of which have established regional headquarters. Coupled with Singapore's advantages in finance and logistics, she hopes to explore third-party markets together with Taiwanese enterprises, such as finding business opportunities in the ASEAN market.

Foo's third priority is educational exchange between Singapore and Taiwan. She cited the 43-year-long "High School Student Cultural Exchange Program" as an example, hoping to expand it to allow students of different age groups to participate and deepen bilateral friendship. Lastly is Artificial Intelligence (AI). Singapore will establish "Kampong AI," with the government investing funds to cultivate AI startups, hoping to cooperate with Taiwan's "AI Startup Accelerator" programs.

Singapore is a member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong spoke at the Boao Forum last month about welcoming China's willingness to join the CPTPP. Regarding Taiwan's membership application, Foo explained that Singapore has always maintained a welcoming and supportive attitude toward any economy that has the willingness and ability to meet the relevant standards. However, this must be decided by all CPTPP members according to established procedures and by consensus. Singapore has always supported an open, rules-based trading system.

Since arriving, Foo has not only visited government ministries but also traveled to various counties and cities. She mentioned that exchanges and cooperation between Singapore and Taiwan's municipalities are very important, as they face similar challenges such as carbon reduction and new technologies. Besides Taipei, where her office is located, she has visited Keelung, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, and Pingtung, and will next go to Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Taitung. "I feel a sense of home away from home since coming to Taiwan." (Editor: Lin Ke-lun, Chang Jo-yao) 1150424

Stand with the facts; every sponsorship from you is the power to protect freedom of the press.

Download the Central News Agency "First-hand News" APP to grasp the latest news instantly.

The text, images, and audio/video of this website shall not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and utilized without authorization.