Singapore High Commission in Wellington

Critical underwater infrastructure, such as digital cables and energy pipelines, have become essential to connectivity and economic growth. More than 95 per cent of all internet and data traffic for instance are carried by subsea telecommunications cables under the ocean.
NZ and SG are now founding partners of the Guiding Principles for Underwater Infrastructure Defence Exchanges (GUIDE) together with other countries. This new framework aims to deal with undersea security challenges across our regions. The cooperation between our two countries continues to deepen and broaden into new areas.

17 nations launch effort to protect subsea infrastructure Seventeen countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia, are collaborating to safeguard vital underwater infrastructure like telecommunication and energy cables. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Attended the ASEAN-NZ Dialogue in Christchurch last week. NZ is the second oldest Dialogue Partner of ASEAN, and there remains much potential in the relationship. At the dialogue, both sides discussed new and existing areas of cooperation such as the green economy, connectivity and supply chain resilience. We also reaffirmed our strong support for freedom of navigation and right of transit passage enshrined in UNCLOS. These principles have become even more important as we navigate a more volatile and fragmented global landscape. Plus it’s not all work as the delegation members had a feel of Maori culture, and also how cold it can get in the South Pole at the Antarctic Centre! - HC William Tan

HC William Tan and DHC Darryl Lau had the privilege to meet Prime Minister Chris Luxon who will make an official visit to Singapore next week. His visit takes place at an important juncture in the face of the current global environment. HC conveyed the warm wishes from PM Wong who is looking forward to hosting the PM and Mrs Luxon in SG. We discussed the objectives for this visit including fuel and food security, as well as the launch of the new SG-NZ Leadership Forum and signing of the Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies. In a more turbulent and uncertain world, we are doubling down on stronger cooperation with close and like-minded partners. Looking forward to welcome PM Luxon in SG next week!

On ANZAC Day (25 April), we remember and honour those who served their nations in the two World Wars. Over Europe, the Pacific, East Asia, the Malayan Peninsula, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. HC William Tan joined fellow Ambassadors to present the wreaths at the Pukeahu National War Memorial in remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives. In today’s global context, the lessons learned from those past wars have become more relevant now as they were eighty years ago. They serve as a stark reminder of the price to preserve peace and stability. Lest we forget.

HC William Tan was delighted to attend two anniversary events in Auckland last week – Singapore Airlines’ 50th Anniversary of flying to NZ, and SG Business Association in NZ’s (SBANZ) 2nd anniversary.

SIA may well be the first Asian airline to fly to NZ fifty years ago. Direct air links make it easier for ideas to flow, for innovation to spread, and for friendships to form. In many ways, the flights between Singapore and New Zealand are more than routes on a map — they are bridges between our communities.

It’s encouraging to see the growth of SBANZ as the association continues to expand its network, build linkages with SG business entrepreneurs, and explore collaboration with other business associations. And especially heartening to see the younger members making the effort to connect with other young professionals and grow the youth chapter of SBANZ.
Again, congratulations to SIA and SBANZ on their milestone anniversaries!!