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

Hydrogen investment accelerates Indonesia’s clean energy transition and transport ambitions

Indonesia is accelerating the development of a green hydrogen ecosystem to strengthen energy security, reduce carbon emissions, and position the country as a future hydrogen hub in Asia. The initiative forms part of the Indonesian government’s broader clean energy transition strategy and long-term goal of achieving energy self-sufficiency.

Speaking at the Global Hydrogen Ecosystem Summit & Exhibition (GHES) 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, said hydrogen-powered vehicles could compete with battery electric vehicles (EVs) within the next five to 10 years as production costs decline and hydrogen technology matures.

A key pillar of the strategy is producing green hydrogen using renewable electricity from Indonesia’s planned 100-gigawatt (GW) solar power expansion. Excess electricity generated during periods of low grid demand can be converted into hydrogen, improving renewable energy utilization while reducing reliance on battery storage.

Minister Bahlil said geopolitical uncertainty, tighter global oil supplies, and rising energy demand could make hydrogen increasingly cost-competitive with conventional fuels while reducing Indonesia’s dependence on imported fossil energy.

To support commercial deployment, Indonesia’s state-owned electricity company PT PLN (Persero) and Indonesia’s state-owned energy company PT Pertamina (Persero) have established hydrogen refueling stations and are preparing hydrogen-powered public transport. President Director of PT PLN (Persero), Darmawan Prasodjo, said the company produces around 200 tons of hydrogen annually, of which only 75 tons are used internally, leaving significant surplus capacity for transportation and industrial applications.

Meanwhile, Director General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation at Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Eniya Listiani Dewi, said the ministry is overseeing 93 hydrogen ecosystem projects worth Rp32 trillion (approximately US$2.05 billion), covering hydrogen production, storage, refueling infrastructure, and pilot transportation projects. The government has also launched Indonesia’s first Hydrogen Diesel Dual Fuel (H2 DDF) bus demonstration with state-owned operator Perum DAMRI.

Indonesia is also developing a 194-kilometer Green Hydrogen Corridor connecting Jakarta, Karawang, and Patimban to integrate hydrogen production, logistics, refueling stations, ports, and industrial estates into a unified low-carbon supply chain.

Beyond green hydrogen, the government is exploring naturally occurring white hydrogen, with Central Sulawesi identified as a priority exploration area. Supported by expanding infrastructure, national policy, and growing regional demand, Indonesia aims to become a leading producer, trading hub, and innovation center for hydrogen in Asia while advancing its 2060 net-zero emissions target.

Source: ANTARA News

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

ASEAN Foreign Ministers convened in Manila to discuss regional integration, emerging challenges, international law, and cooperation with dialogue partners during the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings.

Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, participated in the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings, held in Manila, the Philippines, from 20 to 24 July 2026. Together with his ASEAN counterparts, the ministers discussed regional priorities, including economic integration, emerging technologies, geopolitical developments, and ASEAN’s continued commitment to regional peace and stability.

The annual meeting brought together ASEAN Foreign Ministers to review regional developments, strengthen cooperation among member states, and engage on shared challenges affecting Southeast Asia. Discussions also formed part of ASEAN’s ongoing efforts to reinforce its centrality and deepen collaboration with external partners amid an evolving global landscape.

The ministers held extensive discussions on advancing regional integration while enhancing ASEAN’s capacity to respond to emerging issues, including artificial intelligence, supply chain resilience, and opportunities arising from the digital and green economies. The meeting underscored the importance of strengthening regional cooperation to support sustainable economic growth and long-term resilience.

The ministers also exchanged views on the evolving situation in the Middle East and reaffirmed the importance of upholding international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They reiterated the need to safeguard freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as ensure the safe, unimpeded, and continuous transit passage of vessels through international waterways, including the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.

On Myanmar, the ministers reaffirmed ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus and called for concrete and measurable progress towards its implementation. They emphasised the need for a permanent cessation of violence, the release of all political prisoners, and the safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance throughout Myanmar. The ministers also stressed the importance of inclusive and constructive dialogue among all key stakeholders to achieve a peaceful and lasting resolution to the crisis.

In addition, the ministers welcomed the Philippines’ plans to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia on 24 July 2026. The milestone is expected to reaffirm ASEAN’s commitment to maintaining an open, inclusive, and rules-based regional architecture while strengthening cooperation with its dialogue partners.

Source: MFA Singapore

Colombian artist Martha Helena Arango showcased her photo embroidery artwork during the Embassy of Colombia’s National Day Reception in Singapore, highlighting Colombian creativity, traditional craftsmanship, and contemporary artistic expression.

In an interview with IN Diplomacy Editor-in-Chief Ms Nomita Dhar, Colombian artist Martha Helena Arango shared her experience of exhibiting her photo embroidery works during the Embassy of Colombia’s National Day Reception in Singapore. Her participation formed part of the Embassy’s initiative to showcase Colombian entrepreneurs and artists while promoting Colombian culture and creativity through the official national celebration.

The exhibition took place alongside Colombia’s National Day Reception, where the Embassy of Colombia invited Colombian entrepreneurs and creatives residing in Singapore to present their work to members of the diplomatic community, business representatives, and invited guests. Among the participating exhibitors was Martha, who is originally from Bogotá and relocated to Singapore two years ago following her husband’s work assignment, after previously living in Mexico City for six years.

Photo Credit: Martha Helena Arango

Martha presented a collection of embroidered photographs, an artistic practice she developed during the COVID-19 pandemic while living in Mexico. Combining her longstanding interest in photography with hand embroidery, her work explored the relationship between visual memories and traditional textile techniques. Although embroidery had long been part of her family’s heritage, she began practising the craft through specialised workshops before developing her own artistic approach.

Photo Credit: Martha Helena Arango

According to Martha, photo embroidery combines two complementary disciplines by transforming photographs through hand-stitched details that add texture, colour, and depth. She noted that while photography captures a single moment, embroidery introduces a deliberate and time-intensive creative process, resulting in individually crafted pieces.

As part of the National Day programme, Martha said she welcomed the opportunity to introduce her work to a wider audience and to demonstrate how a traditional craft could be interpreted through contemporary artistic expression. During the reception, she engaged with visitors by explaining her creative process and the stories behind selected works, while highlighting the craftsmanship involved in producing each embroidered photograph.

The exhibition also reflected the Embassy’s efforts to promote Colombian culture, creativity, and entrepreneurship within Singapore’s multicultural environment. By incorporating works from Colombian artists and entrepreneurs into the official National Day programme, the event provided an additional platform for cultural exchange and public engagement alongside the diplomatic celebration.

Source: IN Diplomacy Reporter

The new High Commissioner of Malaysia and Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates formally presented their credentials to President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, marking the commencement of their diplomatic appointments in Singapore.

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam received the credentials of the newly appointed High Commissioner of Malaysia, Her Excellency Datin Paduka Anizan Siti Hajjar binti Adnin, and the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), His Excellency Dr Abdulnasser Jamal Hussain Mohammed Al Shaali, during separate credential presentation ceremonies held at the Istana on 21 July 2026. The ceremonies formally marked the commencement of their diplomatic missions in Singapore.

The Presentation of Credentials Ceremony is an official diplomatic protocol through which newly appointed Heads of Mission are formally accredited by the President of Singapore before assuming their responsibilities. Held at the Istana, the ceremony reflected Singapore’s continued commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic relations with partner countries.

The High Commissioner of Malaysia
Her Excellency Datin Paduka Anizan Siti Hajjar binti Adnin

Source: High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore

High Commissioner Anizan Siti Hajjar Adnin brought more than three decades of diplomatic experience to her new appointment in Singapore. Prior to her posting, she served as Deputy Secretary General of Management Services at Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Throughout her diplomatic career, she held appointments as Malaysia’s High Commissioner to Canada and Ambassador to Ireland, in addition to serving at Malaysia’s Permanent Missions to the United Nations in New York and Geneva.

She also led several key divisions within Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including the Southeast Asia Division, the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations, and the Human Rights and Humanities Division. High Commissioner Anizan holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations from Schiller International University in Paris and a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations from California State University. She was conferred the Darjah Kebesaran Dato’ Paduka Mahkota Selangor Yang Amat Mulia (D.P.M.S.) in 2021, carrying the title Datin Paduka.

The Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates
His Excellency Dr Abdulnasser Jamal Hussain Mohammed Al Shaali

Ambassador Dr Abdulnasser Jamal Hussain Mohammed Al Shaali was appointed Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Singapore under Federal Decree No. 42 of 2026. Before assuming his current role, he served as the UAE’s Ambassador to India and non-resident Ambassador to Bhutan. Since joining the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2013, he has held several senior leadership positions, including Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs, Director of the Economic and Trade Affairs Department, and Director of the Policy Planning Department.

Source: Instagram/

Ambassador Dr Al Shaali holds a PhD in Economics from the Australian National University, a Master’s in Business Management from Paris Sorbonne University, a Master of Business Administration from Murdoch University, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the American University of Sharjah. In 2025, he was awarded the President’s First Class Order of Zayed II in recognition of his service.

The accreditation of the two Heads of Mission underscored Singapore’s longstanding diplomatic relations with both Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates. Their appointments are expected to further strengthen cooperation across areas of mutual interest, including political engagement, economic collaboration, regional cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.

As the new Heads of Mission begin their diplomatic assignments in Singapore, both countries are expected to continue working closely with Singapore to deepen bilateral partnerships and advance shared priorities through regular diplomatic engagement.

Source: MFA Singapore