S'pore & Japan developed mutually beneficial partnership over 60 years, much more to do together: PM Wong

Over the past six decades, Singapore and Japan's relationship has evolved significantly into a multifaceted and mutually beneficial partnership, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

He made these comments in an Mar. 17 op-ed for Nikkei, ahead of his first official visit to Japan as prime minister from Mar. 17 to 19.

His visit will commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, and usher in the next chapter.

How the relationship has evolved

In the op-ed, PM Wong outlined the journey of the relationship, beginning with major Japanese companies such as Toshiba, Sumitomo, and Mitsui setting up operations and creating jobs in Singapore during the 1970s.

Japanese investments into Singapore continued to grow in the 1980s.

Singapore also benefited from Japanese expertise and technology, which contributed greatly to its transition from labor-intensive production to capital-intensive industrialisation.

By the 1990s, the two countries had grown comfortable working with each other, PM Wong said.

In 1994, they collaborated to launch Japan's first initiative to provide technical assistance to third countries.

This programme still continues today as the Japan-Singapore Partnership for the 21st Century.

Much more to do together

Into the 21st century, the two countries' economic cooperation developed further to include the region and beyond.

On the current stage of relations, PM Wong said they are jointly taking the lead to address critical issues, including the digitalisation of trade.

He added that in the face of global uncertainty and fragmentation today, Singapore and Japan's six decades of partnership provide firm foundations for navigating this changed world.

"As like-minded countries with a shared commitment to free trade and rules-based multilateralism, there is much more that we can do together," he said.

The next chapter

He suggested five aspects where they could pursue more collaborative efforts.

The first is to strengthen the already robust economic ties.

Noting that the two countries participate in many of the same regional, plurilateral, and international initiatives, PM Wong proposed they build on these foundations to ensure economic resilience and shared prosperity.

In the digital economy, they can work together to shape international standards, and promote trusted cross-border data flows essential for digital trade, he said.

Other areas of possible collaboration include artificial intelligence, quantum, and space, by combining their complementary strengths in technology and research.

PM Wong also suggested deepening cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), and across the wider region.

For example, they could build on Japan's existing initiatives in security-related efforts such as counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Singapore has a unique role as the country coordinator for Asean-Japan relations, and will assume the chair of Asean in 2027.

"Singapore has long taken the view that Japan can play a larger role in promoting peace and stability in the region," PM Wong said.

"At the same time, we recognise that historical experiences continue to shape perspectives in some countries.

We hope Japan will continue its efforts to build trust and confidence, so that together we can maintain a safe and stable regional environment."

He concluded by looking forward to Singapore and Japan co-imagining, co-creating, and co-evolving an exciting new chapter of their relationship.

PM Wong's upcoming trip to Japan comes after a visit to South Korea in October 2025, and will be followed by attending the Boao Forum in Hainan, China in late March 2026.

These visits serve to strengthen Singapore's partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region, amidst an increasingly turbulent global environment.

Top images from Canva and Lawrence Wong's Facebook