Enterprise Singapore, the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), and Endeavor launched Endeavor’s first Asia-Pacific Global Hub in Singapore, alongside a new programme to help high-potential startups expand internationally.

Enterprise Singapore and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) strengthened their partnership with Endeavor through the launch of Endeavor’s Global Hub in Singapore, the organisation’s first hub in the Asia-Pacific region. Held at Jewel Changi Airport, the event brought together more than 170 founders, investors, and ecosystem partners to reinforce Singapore’s role as a global technology and innovation hub.

The launch was attended by Minister of State Alvin Tan and formed part of Singapore’s ongoing efforts to support entrepreneurship, innovation, and international business expansion. The Global Hub is designed to connect entrepreneurs from around the world with Singapore’s startup ecosystem while enabling Singapore-based founders to leverage Endeavor’s global network to access new markets and growth opportunities.

During the event, Enterprise Singapore, EDB, and Endeavor also introduced the inaugural Dare to Scale programme, an initiative supporting high-potential, early-stage startups with global expansion. The first cohort comprises eight Singapore-based companies operating in artificial intelligence, financial technology, agrifood technology, and enterprise software sectors.

The inaugural participants include AIDX, Ailytics, Bluente, FailSafe Cybersecurity, HeyMax, Level3AI, Otonomi, and ProfilePrint. The programme aims to equip these companies with access to international networks, mentorship, and strategic support to accelerate their global growth.

The launch highlighted Singapore’s continued commitment to fostering innovation and strengthening its position as a regional hub for entrepreneurship and technology. The Global Hub and the Dare to Scale programme are expected to create further opportunities for startups to collaborate, scale internationally, and contribute to Singapore’s innovation ecosystem.

Source: Enterprise Singapore

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Senior Minister K Shanmugam launched the “25 Years of Legal Reform in Singapore” book series, highlighting the evolution of Singapore’s legal framework and its role in supporting governance, social cohesion, and national development.

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam attended the launch of the “25 Years of Legal Reform in Singapore” book series on 28 July 2026. Held as part of the SGLaw200 commemorations marking the bicentennial of Singapore’s modern legal system, the event reflected on a quarter-century of legislative reforms that have shaped the country’s legal and institutional landscape.

The four-volume publication documents major legal reforms introduced between 2000 and 2025 across areas including civil, criminal, family, constitutional, and public law, as well as intellectual property, restructuring and insolvency, international dispute resolution, and emergency legislation enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The series also examines the policy considerations behind each reform and features contributions from policymakers, legal practitioners, judges, academics, and public sector officers.

In his keynote address, Senior Minister Lee said Singapore’s legal system had evolved continuously to remain relevant amid technological advances, changing social expectations, and emerging security challenges. He noted that law reform had been an ongoing process requiring each generation to review existing legislation, update outdated provisions, and introduce new laws that addressed contemporary needs while preserving the rule of law.

Senior Minister Lee highlighted several significant legal developments, including legislation safeguarding racial and religious harmony, reforms addressing online falsehoods and foreign interference, emergency laws introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and constitutional amendments responding to changing societal norms. He emphasised that effective laws must be supported by trusted institutions and shared civic values to maintain public confidence and national resilience.

Speaking at the launch, Senior Minister K Shanmugam underscored the practical role of law reform in addressing real-world challenges and improving the lives of Singaporeans. Drawing on examples such as the establishment of the Family Justice Courts, the Simplified Divorce Track, the Maintenance Enforcement Process, reforms to criminal justice, the development of Singapore as an international arbitration hub, and the legal response to COVID-19, he said legislation had enabled the Government to respond effectively to evolving social and economic needs.

Both leaders emphasised that law reform had strengthened Singapore’s governance framework while reinforcing the rule of law, institutional integrity, and public trust. They noted that the legal system must continue adapting to future challenges, including artificial intelligence, digital technologies, cybersecurity, climate change, and demographic shifts, while remaining anchored in constitutional principles and effective governance.

The launch concluded with the presentation of the four-volume series, which is expected to serve as a reference for students, legal practitioners, academics, judges, and policymakers. The publication also aims to support future discussions on Singapore’s legal development as the country continues to strengthen its legal institutions and legislative framework for the years ahead.

Source: Prime Minister’s Office Singapore

Luxembourg Deputy Prime Minister Xavier Bettel visited Singapore to reaffirm bilateral ties, discuss geopolitical developments, and inaugurate Luxembourg’s Embassy in Singapore.

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, and Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel made a Working Visit to Singapore on 25 July 2026. During the visit, he met Singapore leaders to reaffirm bilateral relations, exchange views on regional and global developments, and mark the official inauguration of Luxembourg’s Embassy in Singapore.

Source: Facebook/Vivian Balakrishnan

During his visit, DPM Bettel called on Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Both leaders reaffirmed the warm and longstanding relationship between Singapore and Luxembourg, and exchanged views on international and regional developments of mutual interest.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan also hosted DPM Bettel to dinner, where they discussed geopolitical developments and opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation. Both ministers agreed on the importance of like-minded countries continuing to work together in support of international law, multilateralism, and a rules-based global order.

Minister Balakrishnan later joined DPM Bettel for the inauguration of the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Singapore, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations and reflecting both countries’ commitment to strengthening diplomatic engagement.

Speaking at the inauguration, Minister Balakrishnan noted that Singapore and Luxembourg are “small states with global outlooks” that have consistently championed multilateralism and international cooperation. He said the opening of the embassy would provide “a new platform to deepen our cooperation and strengthen our partnership for many years to come.”

The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of Singapore and Luxembourg to further expand bilateral cooperation while continuing to work closely on regional and global issues through a rules-based international system.

Source: Singapore MFA

Singapore condemns the recent attacks on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including on energy infrastructure and commercial vessels in the Red Sea. It is imperative that navigational rights and freedoms are respected and upheld in accordance with international law as reflected in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and that the safety of seafarers and ships is ensured in accordance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). We urge all parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could further escalate tensions.

Source: MFA Singapore

Australia joins expanded Singapore tourism marketing partnership

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Indonesia’s Traveloka have renewed their strategic partnership to promote Singapore tourism across five key source markets: Indonesia, Malaysia, 黑料社, Vietnam, and Australia. The renewed collaboration aims to attract more regional visitors while strengthening Singapore’s position as a preferred travel destination.

The Memorandum of Understanding extends a partnership first established in 2019 and renewed in 2022 and 2024. For the first time, Australia has been included as a priority market. The agreement also introduces initiatives that leverage Singapore’s position as a leading regional hub for live entertainment and major events.

Under the agreement, the Singapore Tourism Board and Traveloka will collaborate in four areas: co-branded marketing campaigns on Traveloka’s platform, destination storytelling that showcases Singapore’s attractions and experiences, promotions linked to Singapore’s year-round events calendar, and the exchange of aggregated, privacy-safe travel insights to strengthen destination marketing across the five markets.

Supporting STB’s “We Don’t Wait For Fun” campaign, the partnership will focus on two priority traveller segments: young professionals in the early stages of their careers and families with children. The campaigns aim to encourage more visitors to discover Singapore’s diverse leisure, lifestyle, dining, and entertainment offerings.

Ms Melissa Ow, Chief Executive of the Singapore Tourism Board, said the renewed partnership reflects the strategic importance of Southeast Asia and Australia as tourism markets. She added that Traveloka’s regional reach and understanding of traveller behaviour will help attract high-value visitors and encourage repeat travel to Singapore.

Mr Albert Zhang, Co-founder of Traveloka, said Singapore remains one of the platform’s most popular destinations, with demand continuing to grow across its markets. He said the renewed agreement builds on more than five years of collaboration while enabling Traveloka to connect travellers with Singapore’s tourism experiences through its regional digital platform.

Looking ahead, the Singapore Tourism Board and Traveloka will introduce seasonal campaigns aligned with Singapore’s major events while exploring data-driven insights and emerging artificial intelligence technologies to enhance destination storytelling and travel discovery within agreed data governance and privacy safeguards.

As the partnership enters its next phase, both organisations aim to strengthen Singapore’s appeal through innovative marketing, data-driven collaboration, and shared regional expertise, supporting sustainable tourism growth while creating richer travel experiences for visitors across Southeast Asia and Australia.

Source: ANTARA News

The new ministry name will take effect on 1 October 2026, highlighting Singapore’s expanding focus on energy alongside trade and industry.

Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) will be renamed the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry (METI) from 1 October 2026, as the Government places greater priority on energy security and the transition to a low-carbon future.

The change comes as Singapore continues to strengthen its energy strategy through projects such as a second liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal, expanded solar deployment, partnerships to import low-carbon electricity from ASEAN countries, research into technologies including nuclear energy, and the S$800 million Decarbonisation Grand Challenge.

According to the ministry, the new name recognises the growing importance of energy to Singapore’s economic competitiveness, climate ambitions and national resilience. It also follows increasing efforts to secure stable and affordable energy supplies while supporting the country’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Source: Ministry of Trade and Industry Singapore

The new Professional Services Centre will provide businesses with coordinated access to professional expertise and regional networks.

Singapore has established the Professional Services (PS) Centre, a regional hub that aims to help businesses expand across Asia by connecting them with professional expertise, business networks and market knowledge through a single platform.

The Singapore PS Centre was officially launched by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Finance and National Development, Indranee Rajah, at ISCA House on 21 July. It serves as the anchor hub of a growing regional network linking Professional Services Centres in Shanghai, Nanjing and Ho Chi Minh City. Jakarta is expected to join the network later this year, with future centres planned in Bangkok, Johor Bahru and Shenzhen.

The centre offers expertise in legal, accounting, tax, human resources, valuation, sustainability and business consulting, enabling businesses to access coordinated support as they expand into regional markets. It also connects enterprises with local business associations, government agencies and industry partners through its regional network.

Alongside the launch, the PS Centre introduced the Business Growth Clinic, a monthly initiative where business owners can seek practical guidance from professionals on areas including overseas expansion, artificial intelligence adoption, capital raising, business restructuring and succession planning.

According to the Singapore Economic Development Board, the initiative strengthens Singapore’s position as a global business hub by extending access to trusted professional services and regional partnerships that support business growth across Asia.

Source: Singapore Economic Development Board, Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants

Singapore Foreign Minister Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan met Bangladesh Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Khalilur Rahman in Manila to reaffirm the longstanding friendship between the two countries and discuss opportunities to expand bilateral and regional cooperation. The meeting also included congratulations on Dr Rahman’s election as the 81st President of the United Nations General Assembly.

Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, met Bangladesh’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Khalilur Rahman, in Manila during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meetings, reaffirming the enduring partnership between Singapore and Bangladesh. Their discussions reflected the close and longstanding friendship shared by the two countries, built on mutual respect, common interests, and strong people-to-people ties.

The ministers explored ways to deepen bilateral cooperation across areas of shared interest while enhancing collaboration within ASEAN. They highlighted the importance of working together to unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth and economic development, not only for Bangladesh and Singapore but also across the wider Indian Ocean region.

The meeting underscored the growing significance of regional partnerships in addressing shared challenges and advancing prosperity. Both sides recognised the value of strengthening cooperation through ASEAN’s frameworks, reinforcing their commitment to regional stability, connectivity, and inclusive development.

During the meeting, Dr. Balakrishnan also congratulated Dr. Rahman on his election as the 81st President of the United Nations General Assembly. He conveyed his best wishes for Dr. Rahman’s upcoming tenure and expressed his anticipation of welcoming him to Singapore in the future, reflecting the warm and constructive relations between the two nations.

The discussions in Manila reaffirmed Singapore and Bangladesh’s shared commitment to expanding bilateral engagement while supporting multilateral cooperation. As both countries continue to work closely within regional and international platforms, the meeting highlighted their common vision for stronger partnerships that contribute to peace, development, and prosperity across Asia and beyond.

Source: Facebook (Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan)

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has announced a significant Cabinet reshuffle that strengthens Singapore’s leadership renewal while maintaining experienced stewardship. The changes include key ministerial promotions, new political appointments, and the renaming of the Ministry of Trade and Industry to reflect Singapore’s growing focus on energy security and economic resilience.

Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong has announced a comprehensive Cabinet reshuffle aimed at advancing Singapore’s leadership transition, with younger political officeholders assuming greater responsibilities alongside experienced leaders who will continue to provide strategic guidance.

The appointments, announced on 22 July 2026, will take effect from 27 July 2026 unless otherwise stated. The changes include the promotion of several political officeholders, the appointment of new ministers, and the renaming of the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) to the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry (METI) from 1 October 2026.

Speaking at a press conference, Prime Minister Wong described the reshuffle as part of Singapore’s ongoing leadership renewal strategy, balancing continuity with the development of the country’s next generation of leaders. He emphasised that experienced ministers would continue to mentor younger officeholders while the Government progressively entrusted them with greater responsibilities.

As part of the changes, Mr. K Shanmugam will be appointed Senior Minister, while retaining his portfolios as Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs. Prime Minister Wong said Mr. Shanmugam, together with Senior Minister Mr. Lee Hsien Loong, would continue providing valuable counsel and mentorship to the Cabinet.

The reshuffle sees Mr. Jeffrey Siow, Mr. David Neo, and Ms. Sim Ann elevated to more senior roles within the Government.

Mr. Jeffrey Siow will become Minister for Transport while also serving as Second Minister for Finance. Mr. David Neo will be appointed Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, alongside his role as Second Minister for Education.

Ms. Sim Ann will be promoted to Second Minister, taking on appointments as Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Second Minister for Home Affairs. Prime Minister Wong said her consistent performance and bilingual capabilities made her a valuable asset to the Government team.

Meanwhile, Ms. Jasmin Lau and Mr. Goh Pei Ming have been promoted to Senior Ministers of State.

Ms. Lau will serve as Acting Minister for Manpower while continuing as Senior Minister of State in the Ministry of Digital Development and Information. She succeeds Dr. Tan See Leng, who will relinquish the manpower portfolio.

Mr. Goh Pei Ming will assume responsibilities as Senior Minister of State in both the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Social and Family Development.

One of the most notable structural changes is the renaming of MTI to the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry (METI), effective 1 October 2026. Prime Minister Wong said the new name recognises the increasingly important role of energy in Singapore’s economic competitiveness, industrial transformation and long-term resilience.

The ministry will be jointly led by Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Gan Kim Yong, who will continue overseeing trade and Singapore’s broader economic strategy, and Dr. Tan See Leng, who will become Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry). Dr. Tan will relinquish his appointment as Minister for Manpower to focus entirely on the expanded portfolio.

Another key appointment is the return of Mr. Ng Chee Meng, Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), who will join the Cabinet as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office. Prime Minister Wong noted that following the 2025 General Election, Mr. Ng had focused on his responsibilities within NTUC and his constituency. With workforce transformation and employment becoming increasingly important national priorities, PM Wong said Mr. Ng’s experience would strengthen collaboration between the Government and NTUC in supporting workers through economic changes.

The reshuffle also includes several appointments designed to strengthen leadership across government ministries.

Mr. Zaqy Mohamad, who was earlier appointed Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, will continue serving as Senior Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence while relinquishing his role in the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment.

Mr. Alvin Tan will become Minister of State for Foreign Affairs while retaining his appointment in the Ministry of National Development. His move comes as Singapore prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship next year.

Mr. Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim will serve as Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs, while continuing his responsibilities in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Newly appointed Ministers of State Mr. Foo Cexiang and Mr. Shawn Loh, both first elected during the last General Election, will take on responsibilities in the Ministries of Manpower and Trade and Industry, and the Ministries of Education and Health respectively.

Concluding his remarks, Prime Minister Wong reaffirmed that leadership renewal remains an ongoing process, requiring both experienced leadership and opportunities for emerging political officeholders to develop. He said Singapore’s approach is to identify individuals with the ability, commitment and character to serve, provide them with opportunities to gain experience, and gradually entrust them with greater responsibilities as they demonstrate their readiness.

The latest appointments, he added, reflect the Government’s commitment to ensuring Singapore remains well-positioned to address immediate challenges while preparing a capable leadership team for the future.

Source: Prime Minister’s Office Singapore

The inaugural Singapore Manufacturing Federation Innovation Exchange introduced a new event format focused on open innovation, cross-industry collaboration, and practical solutions to real-world business challenges.

The Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) recently concluded the inaugural SMF Innovation Exchange 2026, introducing a new collaborative platform designed to foster open innovation and strengthen cross-industry partnerships. The event brought together manufacturing companies, technology providers, and industry stakeholders to exchange ideas and explore practical solutions to shared business challenges.

The inaugural edition departed from the traditional seminar format by focusing on direct engagement between organisations facing operational challenges and solution providers with relevant expertise. Through interactive discussions and networking sessions, participants explored opportunities for collaboration and innovation across the manufacturing sector.

A key feature of the event was the Reverse Pitch Sprint, where participating organisations presented real-world business and operational challenges to the audience. Speakers included representatives from Brother International Singapore, Geonamics (S) Pte Ltd, NovalTX, and OneSystems Technologies, while SMF also presented the operational and system transition challenges currently faced by New Toyo Aluminum & Paper Co. The session encouraged solution providers to respond with practical ideas and potential partnerships.

The programme also featured Partner Insights, during which representatives from Maybank, SAP, Stone Cybersecurity, and Tridorian shared technologies, industry expertise, and digital solutions relevant to the challenges presented. The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration between manufacturers and technology partners in addressing evolving industry needs.

Following the formal presentations, participants took part in a collaborative networking session, providing opportunities to engage directly with presenters, exchange perspectives, and explore future partnerships. The networking segment reinforced the event’s objective of building stronger connections across Singapore’s manufacturing ecosystem.

Looking ahead, SMF invited more organisations to participate in future editions of the Innovation Exchange by becoming federation members and contributing business problem statements for upcoming sessions. The initiative is expected to continue supporting innovation, knowledge sharing, and industry collaboration while strengthening Singapore’s manufacturing ecosystem.

Source: Singapore Manufacturing Federation