Singapore and Sweden have agreed to deepen collaboration in sustainable energy and emerging technologies, with a focus on quantum technologies, next-generation positioning systems, and advanced communication networks such as 6G. The commitment was formalized in a joint declaration signed on October 19 at Ericsson’s headquarters in Stockholm during Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s five-day state visit to Sweden.
The declaration, endorsed by Singapore’s Permanent Secretary for National Research and Development Ng Chad-Son and Sweden’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs director-general Mikael Lindvall, outlines cooperation across multiple technology sectors. These include semiconductors, Internet of Things (IoT) applications, artificial intelligence (AI) models, quantum computing, and the next iterations of mobile networks like 5G and 6G. Both governments also emphasized enhancing cybersecurity and resilience within the information and communications technology (ICT) domain, with attention to post-quantum cryptography as a safeguard against future cyber threats posed by quantum computers.
In addition to government initiatives, Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has partnered with Sweden’s Royal Institute of Technology and Ericsson to develop advanced positioning technologies. These systems aim to provide accurate location tracking for autonomous platforms such as drones and robots in complex environments where traditional Global Positioning System (GPS) signals may be blocked or unreliable.
Sustainable energy collaboration featured prominently in discussions, with Singapore’s Energy Market Authority and Sweden’s Ministry of Climate and Enterprise exploring joint efforts in low-carbon power generation. Among the ventures under consideration is the direct combustion of ammonia, which, if feasible, would be a pioneering approach to clean energy production.
President Tharman highlighted the shared attributes between Singapore and Sweden as small nations reliant on innovation and global connectivity. He underscored their common commitment to investing in human capital, building robust institutions, and maintaining a rules-based international order. “Like-minded countries must join our capabilities to address shared challenges and grow opportunities together,” he said during a press briefing at Stockholm’s Royal Palace, where he was welcomed alongside Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf.
During the visit, the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy signed agreements to expand academic partnerships with Sweden’s Royal Institute of Technology and the Stockholm School of Economics, further enabling research exchanges.
The bilateral relationship between the two nations also encompasses commercial and defense cooperation. President Tharman pointed to ComfortDelGro’s joint venture with Sweden’s GoAhead Group operating Stockholm’s metro system since November 2025 as an example of Singaporean business presence in Sweden. Conversely, Swedish companies like AstraZeneca maintain a strong footprint in Singapore; the pharmaceutical firm recently commenced construction of a US$1.5 billion facility for advanced cancer drug manufacturing.
Defense ties have been robust for over 40 years, with Swedish technology contributing to the development of Singapore’s naval and air capabilities. A 2024 agreement further expanded cooperation in defense technology.
King Carl XVI Gustaf, reflecting on the 60 years of diplomatic relations, expressed optimism about the partnership’s future. He noted areas such as AI, resilient infrastructure, sustainable urban development, and innovative transport solutions as key opportunities. The monarch also praised Singapore’s experience in combining growth with environmental stewardship and highlighted shared ambitions for a sustainable economy supported by smart, efficient mobility systems.
President Tharman welcomed Sweden’s recent accession to the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation and affirmed Singapore’s role in facilitating stronger Sweden–Southeast Asia relations ahead of its ASEAN chairmanship in 2027. Both sides expressed intent to leverage their collaboration to foster innovation, sustainability, and security in an increasingly interconnected and complex global landscape.