Singapore and Finland have agreed to enhance their cooperation to make the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies widely accessible, while promoting open, diverse, and resilient technology ecosystems. The commitment was outlined in a joint statement released on October 13 by Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs following a meeting between Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and his Finnish counterpart Elina Valtonen in Singapore.
The two countries plan to deepen collaboration in AI, quantum technologies, and digital infrastructure by leveraging their respective strengths in research, innovation, and technology. This builds upon existing partnerships, including a 2022 memorandum of understanding on quantum technology between Singapore’s National Quantum Office and Finnish entities such as VTT Technical Research Centre, IQM, and CSC – IT Center for Science. Additionally, a bilateral health-sector agreement set to run through 2026 focuses on cooperation in medical research, health technology, and AI.
Singapore and Finland also pledged to support open and innovative research ecosystems, including work on open AI models, and to explore joint opportunities in relevant international forums to promote cooperation in emerging technologies like quantum computing. The collaboration is further supported by the EU-Singapore Digital Partnership, which prioritizes responsible and human-centric AI under an established framework for digital innovation.
Both countries emphasized the importance of shaping international AI governance through evidence-based policymaking, inclusive dialogue, and adherence to a rules-based international order. Recognizing AI’s growing significance in foreign and security policy, Singapore and Finland advocate for strengthened international cooperation aimed at maximizing AI’s benefits and ensuring its responsible and secure development and use.
This partnership builds on a longstanding foundation of multilateral cooperation, including through the Group of Friends on Digital Technologies, a United Nations initiative launched in 2019 by Finland, Mexico, and Singapore. The joint statement highlights the intention to expand practical cooperation on emerging technologies through various multilateral platforms.
To advance AI safety, Singapore and Finland committed to promoting transparency, international collaboration, and unified standards, as reflected in their joint endorsement in September of "A Call for Control of Frontier AI Models." Each country brings complementary expertise, with Singapore contributing its AI governance framework and innovation ecosystem, including the Singapore Consensus on Global AI Safety Research Priorities, while Finland offers strengths in secure digital infrastructure and advanced technology industries.
The two governments aim to deepen institutional partnerships, broaden commercial ties, and support multilateral initiatives that foster trustworthy, secure, and human-centric AI technologies.