Source: Facebook/French Embassy in Singapore

France prepared for SIEW 2026 with institutional and industry representatives visiting Singapore

France prepared to participate in the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) 2026, with Ambassador Stephen Marchisio attending a Pre-SIEW reception organised by Singapore’s Energy Market Authority (EMA) and SMBC ahead of the annual energy event. SIEW 2026 was scheduled to take place from 26 to 30 October in Singapore, with France due to be represented by a high-level delegation of institutional and industry leaders.

The Pre-SIEW reception provided an opportunity for participants to engage ahead of the main programme and discuss developments in the energy sector. Ambassador Marchisio attended the reception as France prepared for its participation in SIEW 2026.

According to the French Embassy in Singapore, the French delegation would include representatives from institutions and industry as part of the country’s participation in the week-long programme. SIEW is an international energy event held in Singapore that provides a setting for discussions involving the energy sector and related stakeholders.

The French participation was expected to highlight expertise from the country’s energy sector while providing opportunities for exchanges with Singaporean counterparts. The delegation was also expected to explore potential areas of cooperation linked to the energy transition.

The French Embassy said SIEW 2026 would provide an opportunity for France to “showcase French expertise, deepen cooperation with Singapore, and explore new avenues for collaboration on the energy transition”.

The participation reflected the interest of French institutional and business representatives in Singapore’s energy sector and the wider regional energy landscape. France’s delegation was expected to engage with stakeholders during SIEW through meetings, discussions and other programme activities.

The Pre-SIEW reception was organised by EMA and SMBC as part of preparations leading up to the event. EMA is Singapore’s energy regulator and is involved in the development of the country’s energy market and energy policy.

SIEW 2026 was set to run from 26 to 30 October, bringing together participants involved in discussions on the future of energy in Singapore and the region. French representatives were scheduled to take part alongside other international participants during the programme.

The French Embassy in Singapore highlighted the upcoming participation as an opportunity to connect institutional and industry representatives from France with Singaporean and regional stakeholders. The delegation’s activities were expected to focus on energy transition and related areas of cooperation.

Source: Facebook/French Embassy in Singapore

The discussion covered Singapore rail cooperation and expanding transport partnerships overseas.

H.E. Stephen Marchisio, Ambassador of France to Singapore, met ComfortDelGro Chairman Mr. Mark Greaves, Group CEO Mr. Cheng Siak Kian, SBS Transit CEO Mr. Jeffrey Sim and Group Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Ms. Alancia Neo to discuss sustainable mobility, innovation and cooperation between French and Singaporean transport companies.

The meeting focused on the partnership between ComfortDelGro and France’s RATP Dev. Together with SBS Transit, a ComfortDelGro subsidiary, RATP Dev is set to operate Singapore’s future Jurong Region Line, extending cooperation between the French and Singaporean public transport sectors.

The partnership between ComfortDelGro and RATP Dev has also expanded internationally. After working together on Line 15 of the Grand Paris Express, the two companies were selected to operate and maintain the Copenhagen Metro in Denmark.

Source: French Embassy in Singapore

The reception reaffirmed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and longstanding friendship between France and Singapore.

The Embassy of France in Singapore celebrated Bastille Day in the presence of representatives from the Singapore Government, the diplomatic corps, the French community, and the Embassy’s partners. Guests included Senior Minister of State for Defence and Sustainability and the Environment, Mr Zaqy Mohamad, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Mr Christopher de Souza, Member of Parliament Ms Elysa Chen, and Chairman of the National Research Foundation Mr Heng Swee Keat.

Held under the theme “French Regions”, the reception celebrated France’s National Day while showcasing the country’s rich heritage and traditions. In his remarks, H.E. Ambassador of France to Singapore Stephen Marchisio reaffirmed the shared commitment of France and Singapore to multilateralism, international law, and the rules based international order, while highlighting the momentum in bilateral relations following the elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Mr Zaqy Mohamad also addressed the guests, reaffirming the close relationship between the two countries before both representatives raised a toast to the enduring friendship between France and Singapore.

Source: French Embassy in Singapore

The meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen scientific and research collaboration between Singapore and France.

Singapore’s Ambassador to France, H.E. Umej Bhatia, met Professor Thierry Dauxois, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), to discuss the next chapter of research cooperation between Singapore and France. Professor Dauxois assumed the role in June and now heads France’s leading public research organisation, whose work spans a wide range of scientific disciplines.

The discussions focused on expanding collaboration in research, innovation and enterprise. The Singapore Embassy in Paris also highlighted Singapore’s recently announced Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) 2030 plan, which committed S$37 billion over the next five years to strengthen the country’s scientific capabilities, drive innovation and support long term economic competitiveness and resilience.

Singapore is among CNRS’ top five international partners. The partnership includes longstanding joint laboratories IPAL, CINTRA, MajuLab and BMC², and CNRS@CREATE, which was CNRS’ first overseas subsidiary. The embassy said these institutional partnerships support the research and innovation pillar of the Singapore France Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Both parties look forward to further expanding cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and advanced materials while continuing to strengthen science and innovation ties between Singapore and France.

Source: Singapore Embassy in Paris

France and Singapore signed a technical arrangement to establish the Franco-Singaporean Vocational Campus in partnership with ITE and Schneider Electric.

France and Singapore signed a technical arrangement on 17 July 2026 in Singapore to establish the Franco-Singaporean Vocational Campus Programme. The agreement was signed by H.E. Stephen Marchisio, Ambassador of France to Singapore, and Ms Chong Yiun Lin, Deputy Secretary (Higher Education and Skills) at Singapore’s Ministry of Education.

The vocational campus, developed in partnership with the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) and Schneider Electric, will focus on Industry 4.0, automation, energy management and predictive maintenance.

Over the next three years, the programme is expected to benefit 18,000 students and trainers while supporting the professional development of more than 200 educators. A French technical expert will support the implementation of the partnership from September 2026.

Source: French Embassy in Singapore

Singapore and France launch exhibition alongside new cultural cooperation roadmap.

The Crosscurrents exhibition opened at the Asian Civilisations Museum on 18 June alongside the signing of the Singapore-France Cultural Cooperation Roadmap. The exhibition launch and roadmap signing formed part of ongoing cultural cooperation between Singapore and France.

Organised by the Asian Civilisations Museum in collaboration with the Musée du Louvre, the exhibition presents nearly 100 works from the French museum’s collection, including paintings, manuscripts, ceramics, textiles, metalwork and decorative arts from the Mughal, Safavid and Ottoman empires. According to the organisers, many of the objects are being exhibited in Southeast Asia for the first time.

The opening ceremony also included the signing of the Singapore-France Cultural Cooperation Roadmap by Singapore’s Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and France’s Ministry of Culture. The roadmap outlines cooperation in areas including museum conservation, curation, design, technology, artist residencies and exchanges involving arts education institutions.

Presented as part of the vOilah! France Singapore Festival, Crosscurrents explores artistic exchanges across the Mughal, Safavid and Ottoman empires, highlighting the movement of artistic ideas, materials and craftsmanship across Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

According to the two governments, the roadmap will guide future cultural cooperation through exchanges, partnerships and joint initiatives involving cultural agencies, museums and other institutions in Singapore and France.

Source: Ministry of Culture, Community & Youth Singapore

Singapore officials met members of the French National Assembly’s Friendship Group to review ties and exchange views on global developments.

Singapore reaffirmed its strong relationship with France during a meeting with members of the French National Assembly’s Singapore–France Friendship Group, led by President Aurélien Saintoul. The discussion took place during the Group’s visit, where both sides explored opportunities to expand cooperation across multiple sectors.

France has long been a valuable partner for Singapore in areas including trade, defence, security, education, and research and development. During the meeting, Singapore officials and French parliamentarians reviewed ongoing collaboration and identified new avenues to strengthen bilateral ties.

Both sides also exchanged perspectives on regional and global developments. The conversation underscored shared interests in maintaining stability, supporting economic resilience, and advancing cooperation in innovation, sustainability, and strategic industries.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to deepen collaboration and to further enhance the longstanding friendship between Singapore and France in the years ahead.

Source: Singapore Minister of State for Education and Manpower, Gan Siow Huang

Deputy Speaker Christopher de Souza led discussions on strengthening EU–Singapore cooperation in trade, digital policy and green transition.

A parliamentary delegation from Singapore undertook its first official visit to the European Parliament for the 14th EU–Singapore Inter-Parliamentary Meeting (IPM), held in Strasbourg, France, from 24 to 26 November 2025. The delegation was led by Deputy Speaker Christopher de Souza and included Members of Parliament Ms Tin Pei Ling and Mr Lee Hong Chuang.

During the visit, the delegation held dialogues and bilateral meetings with the Chair of the European Parliament’s delegation and Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). These exchanges focused on reviewing the progress of EU–Singapore relations and exploring opportunities to deepen collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

Image by: Parliament of Singapore

Key topics discussed included strengthening trade and investment links, enhancing digital partnerships, and advancing green and sustainability initiatives. The meetings also provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange perspectives on global economic developments, technological shifts, and regulatory cooperation.

The Singapore delegation emphasised the importance of continuing to build strong parliamentary-level ties as a foundation for broader political, economic, and people-to-people cooperation. They noted that the IPM serves as an essential platform for fostering mutual understanding and supporting the long-standing EU–Singapore partnership.

The delegation’s inaugural visit to the European Parliament for the IPM underscored Singapore’s commitment to engaging the European Union at multiple levels, and to working closely with European counterparts to further deepen cross-regional cooperation.

Source: Parliament of Singapore

Meeting reaffirmed the growing momentum of inter-parliamentary ties under the Singapore–France Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

His Excellency Stephen Marchisio, Ambassador of the French Republic to Singapore, paid an introductory call on Speaker Seah Kian Peng at Parliament House earlier today. The visit formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral and parliamentary engagement following the elevation of Singapore–France relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in May this year.

During the meeting, Speaker Seah and Ambassador Marchisio held a wide-ranging discussion covering bilateral developments and future opportunities for cooperation. Both sides took stock of existing inter-parliamentary exchanges and noted the value of continued engagement between their legislative bodies.

The meeting also recalled the successful State Visit by President Emmanuel Macron earlier in the year, which set the tone for deepened collaboration across multiple sectors and reaffirmed the close and longstanding friendship between Singapore and France.

Speaker Seah and Ambassador Marchisio expressed satisfaction at the upcoming visit of a French Parliamentary delegation to Singapore in early December. The delegation is expected to meet Singapore MPs to exchange views on areas of mutual interest and maintain the positive momentum of parliamentary ties.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to fostering continued dialogue and cooperation between Singapore and France, recognising the important role of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening bilateral relations.

Source: Parliament of Singapore

PM Lawrence Wong and President Emmanuel Macron formalise new bilateral framework with 13 key agreements.

SINGAPORE, 30 May 2025 — President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron is in Singapore for a State Visit from 29 to 30 May 2025. His official programme included a ceremonial welcome at Parliament House, this morning. He also met President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong.

During President Macron’s meeting with President Tharman, both leaders reaffirmed the strength of Singapore–France relations, marked by regular high-level exchanges, robust economic links, and wide-ranging cooperation. They also exchanged views on global challenges such as sustainable finance, the green transition, and responsible governance in artificial intelligence (AI).

In a separate meeting with Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong, the two leaders discussed ways to expand collaboration in frontier areas such as digital innovation, AI, civil nuclear energy, and the green economy. They discussed ways to increase cooperation between France and ASEAN, as well as the EU’s cooperation with ASEAN and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

A major highlight of the visit was the formal upgrade of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). This marks a significant step forward in the long-standing relationship between Singapore and France. The announcement was accompanied by the exchange of 13 agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), covering areas such as defence and security, legal cooperation, education, AI, transport, and civil nuclear energy.

To commemorate the visit, Singapore also named a new orchid hybrid Dendrobium Emmanuel et Brigitte Macron in honour of President Macron and Mrs Brigitte Macron—a symbolic gesture reserved for distinguished state visitors.

President Macron is set to deliver the keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue this evening.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs