Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held the Singapore-New Zealand Leadership Forum on May 4, marking a key point in Luxon’s three-day official visit to Singapore [1].
During the forum, Wong said both countries could collaborate more on deploying artificial intelligence and become leaders in practical AI applications. He noted, "We are unlikely as two small, open economies to be able to build the largest foundation models, but we can be leaders in AI deployment, in use cases" [1]. Singapore recently established a National AI Council to promote AI use in sectors like advanced manufacturing, finance, healthcare, and logistics [1].
Wong also highlighted opportunities for cooperation in the green economy and enhancing supply chain resilience. He stressed the need to "diversify, de-risk and build resilience into our systems" [1]. The two leaders witnessed the signing of a trade pact focusing on essential supplies, strengthening their bilateral trade ties [1].
The meeting builds on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership inked by Singapore and New Zealand in October 2025, which aims to deepen ties across multiple sectors [1]. Wong emphasized the commitment, saying, "Singapore and New Zealand must work closely together – and we will" [1].
Luxon's visit brings momentum to expanding cooperation between the two countries, continuing through the remaining days of his three-day stay in Singapore [1].
