MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the Philippines and Singapore have strengthened bilateral relations and expanded cooperation in trade, investment, artificial intelligence (AI), digital technology, healthcare, and education following his two-day working visit to Singapore from July 14 to 16.

In a post-visit statement issued Thursday, Marcos said his meetings with Singapore Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong, business executives, investors, and regional business leaders underscored the resilience of Philippines-Singapore ties despite global challenges.

“During my courtesy call on Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, we affirmed the strength of our bilateral relations amidst global shocks and conflicts,” the President said.

Marcos said he and Wong discussed ways to deepen cooperation in trade and investment, AI, education, healthcare, environmental initiatives, and people-to-people exchanges. They also reaffirmed their commitment to a stronger and more unified Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as the Philippines and Singapore assume successive ASEAN chairmanships.

During separate meetings with Singaporean companies and investors, the President highlighted the Philippines’ priorities in digital transformation, critical infrastructure development, and expanding access to quality healthcare.

He said discussions with Singtel Group and ABC Impact centered on their ongoing investments and expansion plans in the country. Singtel reaffirmed its long-term commitment through the expansion of NCS Philippines and the continued development of ST Telemedia Global Data Centres’ facilities.

According to Marcos, these investments are expected to enhance the country’s digital infrastructure and AI capabilities, while ABC Impact reaffirmed its support for the nationwide expansion of AC Health, which is projected to improve access to healthcare services and generate thousands of jobs for Filipinos.

“The discussions focused on deepening cooperation in digital technology, telecommunications, data centers, AI, and healthcare—key sectors that will enhance the country’s innovation ecosystem, improve essential services, and support long-term, inclusive economic growth,” President Marcos said.

The President also presented investment opportunities in the Philippines during a Milken Institute roundtable with regional business leaders, highlighting the Luzon Economic Corridor, the Public-Private Partnership Code, and Green Lanes for Strategic Investments as initiatives designed to accelerate project approvals and reduce regulatory bottlenecks.

Marcos said the country’s recent designation as an upper-middle-income economy, coupled with its strong macroeconomic fundamentals, expanding digital economy, skilled workforce, and ongoing reforms, positions the Philippines as a secure, transparent, and stable investment destination in Southeast Asia.

“This visit demonstrates the enduring strength of Philippines-Singapore relations, our shared commitment to ASEAN Centrality, and the Philippines’ readiness to serve as a reliable partner in driving growth and innovation across the region,” the President said.