Visa-free island escapes for eligible Singapore Permanent Residents

Singapore Permanent Residents can now visit Indonesia’s Riau Islands more easily following a new visa-free entry policy introduced by Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration. Under Presidential Regulation No. 95 of 2024, eligible Singapore Permanent Residents may enter Indonesia through eight designated ports in the Riau Islands and stay for up to four days without obtaining a visa.

The visa-free policy is available to Singapore Permanent Residents who hold the blue Singapore National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) and are not citizens of countries subject to Indonesia’s calling visa requirements. The simplified entry process makes the Riau Islands an attractive destination for weekend holidays, short business trips, and family vacations from Singapore.

Just a short ferry ride away, the Riau Islands offer a wide selection of accommodation ranging from beachfront resorts to luxury private villas. Travellers arriving at Nongsa Ferry Terminal can choose Nongsa Point Marina & Resort, known for its marina, golf course, spa, and sea views, or Montigo Resorts Nongsa, which features private pool villas, family-friendly facilities, and wellness experiences.

Visitors entering through Batam Centre Ferry Terminal will find HARRIS Hotel Batam Center within walking distance, making it a convenient choice for business and leisure travellers. Those arriving via Citra Tri Tunas can enjoy the peaceful surroundings of
Wyndham Panbil Batam, while KTM Resort Batam, near Sekupang Ferry Terminal, offers Bali-inspired villas overlooking the Singapore skyline.

The visa-free Riau Islands experience also extends to Bintan and Karimun. Near Sri Bintan Pura Ferry Terminal, Banyan Tree Bintan provides award-winning luxury villas surrounded by rainforest and the South China Sea. Just minutes from Bandar Bintan Telani Ferry Terminal, The Sanchaya delivers an exclusive beachfront retreat with personalised service and fine dining. Travellers arriving at Tanjung Balai Karimun Port can stay at Aston Karimun City Hotel, a modern property ideal for both leisure and business visits.

With visa-free travel to the Riau Islands, Singapore Permanent Residents can now enjoy one of Indonesia’s closest island destinations with greater convenience than ever before. From Batam’s vibrant waterfront and Bintan’s luxury resorts to Karimun’s relaxed island atmosphere, the Riau Islands offer something for every traveller. As connectivity between Singapore and Indonesia continues to grow, this new policy is expected to strengthen tourism, encourage more cross-border travel, and make the Riau Islands an increasingly popular choice for quick tropical getaways.

Source: Indonesian Ministry of Tourism

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

The annual reception recognised the contributions of MINDEF, SAF, and Defence Technology Community personnel to Singapore’s defence and national security

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam hosted more than 450 personnel from the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), and the Defence Technology Community (DTC) at the annual MINDEF Reception in Singapore. The event recognised the dedication and contributions of defence personnel in strengthening Singapore’s security and acknowledged those involved in multinational operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and repatriation missions.

First held in 1992, the annual reception served as a platform to honour the commitment of Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen), Full-time National Servicemen, Regulars, Defence Executive Officers, SAF Volunteer Corps volunteers, and DTC personnel. The gathering also provided an opportunity for President Tharman to engage directly with service personnel and learn about their experiences in supporting Singapore’s defence.

Source: Singapore Ministry of Defence

During the reception, President Tharman interacted with attendees who shared their perspectives on National Service and the importance of maintaining a strong defence capability. Discussions covered a range of operational experiences, including participation in bilateral and multilateral military exercises, overseas deployments, and balancing National Service responsibilities with personal and professional commitments.

The reception also recognised the contributions of personnel who participated in multinational operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts, as well as repatriation operations.

Among the guests in attendance were Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing, Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Zaqy Mohamad, Minister of State for Defence Mr Desmond Choo, Permanent Secretary (Defence) Mr Joseph Leong, Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, senior MINDEF and SAF officers, members of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Defence and Foreign Affairs (GPC-DFA), the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD), and the SAF Veterans’ League.

Source: Singapore Ministry of Defence

Event brings together businesses and Johor stakeholders to explore opportunities in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone.

Singapore – The Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) co-organised the JS-SEZ Luncheon hosted by the Johor Economic, Tourism, and Cultural Office Singapore, bringing together Singapore-based companies and key stakeholders from Johor.

The event served as a platform for businesses to engage directly with government agencies, discuss operational challenges, and explore collaboration opportunities within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).

Participants had the opportunity to exchange views on cross-border business operations and identify areas for cooperation, particularly in supporting companies expanding into regional markets. The session also facilitated dialogue on improving business processes and strengthening partnerships between Singapore and Johor.

Attendees heard remarks from Mr. Melvin Tan (Acting CE, Vice President and Honourary Secretary of Singapore Manufacturing Federation) and and YB Dato’ Ir. Hasni Mohammad (Executive Chairman of JETCO). Both speakers shared perspectives on enhancing cross-border collaboration and highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts to support business growth within the JS-SEZ.

Source: SMF

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met members of the Thai community in Singapore on 7 November 2025, sharing key outcomes of his official visit and reaffirming ������’s strong partnership with Singapore

During his official visit to Singapore on Friday, 7 November 2025, His Excellency Mr Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of ������, met with members of the Thai community living and working in Singapore. The gathering, held at the Bras Basah Room of the InterContinental Singapore, was also attended by senior Thai officials, including H.E. Mr Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; H.E. Mr Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs; H.E. Mrs Suphajee Suthumpun, Minister of Commerce; and H.E. Mr Pattana Promphat, Minister of Public Health. The meeting took place in a warm and joyful atmosphere, reflecting the close bond between the Thai Government and its overseas community.

Image by Royal Thai Embassy, Singapore

In his address, Prime Minister Anutin outlined the key objectives and achievements of the official visit. He reaffirmed Singapore’s role as one of ������’s most important strategic partners, particularly in the areas of economic cooperation, trade, investment, and regional connectivity. The visit underscored both countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral relations across multiple sectors.

The Prime Minister also briefed the Thai community on the Government’s priority policies, which include driving economic growth, accelerating infrastructure development, attracting foreign investment, and advancing debt restructuring measures. These initiatives, he noted, are designed to improve national resilience and enhance opportunities for Thai citizens at home and abroad.

Additionally, Prime Minister Anutin highlighted ������’s foreign policy direction, which aims to increase the country’s competitiveness and reinforce its presence in the international arena. He emphasised that these efforts align with ������’s long-term vision of positioning itself as a dynamic, forward-looking nation engaged constructively with global partners.

The event served as an important opportunity for members of the Thai diaspora in Singapore to engage directly with national leaders, exchange views, and receive updates on ������’s development strategies. It also demonstrated the Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting Thai citizens overseas and fostering a sense of unity within the global Thai community.

Source: Royal Thai Embassy, Singapore

At the inaugural Europe Conference organised by SBF and EuroCham, Singapore highlighted the need for deeper cooperation between Europe and Southeast Asia in trade, multilateralism, and emerging green and digital economies

Singapore reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Europe during the inaugural Europe Conference, held in Singapore and jointly organised by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) and EuroCham. The conference brought together policymakers, diplomats, and business leaders to explore ways to deepen collaboration between Europe and Southeast Asia amid growing global uncertainty.

Speaking at the event, a Singapore government representative expressed appreciation to SBF and EuroCham for hosting the dialogue, noting that the relationship between Europe and Southeast Asia is grounded in centuries of historical, commercial, and cultural ties. He reflected on Europe’s long-standing influence in the region and how lessons from Europe’s journey—from post-war devastation to unity—could guide future global partnerships.

The address underscored three key areas for collaboration: trade and commerce, upholding a rules-based world order, and advancing the green and digital economies. The speaker noted that the EU is Singapore’s second-largest source of foreign direct investment, with over 14,000 European companies based in Singapore, and that the EU–Singapore Free Trade Agreement (EUSFTA) has significantly boosted bilateral trade since 2019.

On global governance, the address reaffirmed the shared commitment to multilateralism and a rules-based international order, highlighting joint efforts such as the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement) and the ASEAN–EU Ministerial Dialogue on Environment and Climate Change.

Looking ahead, the speaker cited the EU–Singapore Digital Trade Agreement as a pathfinder for digital collaboration, alongside successful examples such as Siemens’ partnership with Singapore’s Artisan Green, which combines innovation and sustainability. He urged both regions to embrace these opportunities with trust and collaboration, concluding powerfully:

“Let’s catch the winds and take advantage of all the opportunities; work together, work with governments, with business associations, and more importantly, at the people-to-people level, because without meeting face to face, shaking hands, looking into each other’s eyes, you can’t build that essential element of trust.”.

Source: MFA Singapore

The Philippines highlights its world-class destinations at Asia’s premier travel trade show, with renewed recognition as the region’s Best Dive Destination for the third consecutive year

Singapore, 15 October 2025 – The Philippines once again takes the spotlight at ITB Asia 2025, Asia’s leading travel trade show, held from 15 to 17 October 2025 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. The country’s participation underscores its ongoing efforts to strengthen its global tourism presence and invite travellers to “Discover the Philippines.”

During the event, Ambassador Macaraig formally presented the “Best Dive Destination (Asia)” plaque to Ms. Marivic M. Salvador, Head of Corporate Planning and Business Development at the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines. The prestigious recognition was conferred at the Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 on 7 October 2025 at the Paradox Singapore Merchant Court. This marks the third consecutive win for the Philippines, affirming its reputation as a premier diving paradise in Asia.

Also joining ITB Asia 2025 is the Provincial Government of Palawan, which features El Nido as one of the country’s top travel destinations. With its pristine beaches, stunning limestone cliffs, and crystal-clear waters, El Nido continues to captivate travellers seeking adventure and natural beauty.

Visitors are invited to explore the Philippine booth at ITB Asia 2025 to discover the nation’s diverse attractions – from world-renowned dive sites and idyllic islands to its rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality.

For more information, visit and follow @philippines.tpb on social media to stay updated on the Philippines’ latest tourism initiatives.

Source: Philipphine Embassy in Singapore