Finnish officials call for deeper security cooperation with Singapore
Finland should deepen cooperation with Singapore on maritime technology, artificial intelligence, green shipping and supply chains.
That is the view of Jari Vilén, Finland’s Ambassador for the Indo-Pacific, and Ari Heikkinen, Senior Adviser at Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
They presented their arguments in a commentary published by Singapore’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies on 6 August.
Singapore connects Europe with Asia
Thousands of vessels pass through the Straits of Malacca and Singapore every day. They carry energy, industrial parts and other goods between Asia and Europe.
Vilén and Heikkinen argue that any major disruption could affect factories and consumers across Europe. Finland relies heavily on stable shipping routes for its exports, energy supplies and industrial production.
The authors point to unrest in the Red Sea and tensions in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. Cyberattacks against ports and digital systems also pose a growing risk.
Opportunities for cooperation
Finland has experience in cybersecurity, digital government and advanced communications. Singapore is a leader in logistics, smart ports and maritime technology.
The authors believe these strengths could support closer cooperation on AI-based logistics, green shipping and stronger supply chains.
Their recommendations reflect Finland’s first Indo-Pacific Policy Guidelines, adopted in spring 2026. The policy makes secure shipping routes, economic security and trusted technology partnerships key priorities.
Vilén led the preparation of the guidelines. Heikkinen served as Finland’s ambassador to Singapore from 2011 to 2015.
The commentary represents the authors’ views and not necessarily the official position of Finland’s government.
