Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen and Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan have agreed to deepen cooperation on artificial intelligence.
Their joint statement also covers quantum technologies and digital infrastructure. It was published on 13 October following their meeting in Singapore.
The countries plan to strengthen research partnerships and commercial cooperation. They will also work together internationally to improve AI safety.
To support this, they will promote transparency and common standards for AI. Singapore brings experience in AI governance, while Finland contributes expertise in secure digital infrastructure and advanced technology.
Building on existing agreements
The statement builds on a quantum technology memorandum of understanding from 2022. Its participants include Singapore’s National Quantum Office, Finland’s VTT Technical Research Centre, IQM and CSC IT Center for Science.
In addition, it highlights a bilateral health-sector memorandum signed in 2026. That agreement covers medical research, health technology and AI.
Both countries also support research on open AI models. They therefore plan to explore further cooperation in international forums.
However, the statement announces no new investment, specific project or implementation deadline. Instead, it sets out a political commitment to expand cooperation.
As ScandAsia reported on 9 October, AI and cybersecurity were central to Valtonen’s Singapore visit.
Sources: Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs
