Category: Politics

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong paid his first official visit to the Philippines and met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Both leaders indicated strong support for increased regional cooperation on renewable energy. They promised to accelerate development on the ASEAN Power Grid and increase attempts to use carbon markets to drive long-term economic growth.

At a joint news conference, President Marcos appreciated Singapore for its support following last year’s typhoon disasters and reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to climate adaptation actions, although particular measures were not disclosed.

The two nations agreed to create a carbon trading structure under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, which allows for the cross-border transfer of carbon reduction outcomes. Singapore has already signed agreements with Chile, Peru, and three other nations, demonstrating its commitment to developing carbon credit systems.

Following the 2024 Memorandum of Understanding with the Philippines, both parties are now developing implementation plans.

Prime Minister Wong emphasised that the carbon credit plan may promote commercialisation, technology transfer, green investments, and job creation. He emphasised that collaboration on sustainability is still in its early stages, with Singaporean enterprises showing strong interest in wind and solar projects.

The Philippine and US militaries recently conducted their seventh joint maritime drills in the South China Sea. This drill, meant to improve mutual collaboration and interoperability, took place in the waters off the provinces of Occidental Mindoro and Zambales, avoiding any disputed maritime features.

According to an official release, the marine cooperative activity (MCA) sought to strengthen both countries’ commitment to international law and regional security. The joint drills included coordinated operations near shorelines and fire support exercises, demonstrating the increased collaboration between the two allied forces.

During the activity, the Philippine Navy deployed the newly commissioned vessel Miguel Malvar, a 118-meter guided missile frigate purchased as part of the country’s military modernisation program. The Miguel Malvar, built by South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries, is one of two corvettes added to the Philippine naval fleet this year.

Military cooperation between the Philippines and the United States has grown greatly throughout President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s presidency. This strategic alignment is considered a response to China’s growing actions in the South China Sea, as Beijing continues to assert sovereignty over practically all of the waters, which overlap with the exclusive economic zones of numerous Southeast Asian countries.

India and the US are engaged in high-level negotiations in New Delhi to finalise an interim trade deal, with the focus on tariff reductions in agriculture and automobiles. A senior US delegation from the Office of the United States Trade Representative began two days of closed-door discussions with Indian trade officials, led by chief negotiator Rajesh Agrawal, according to government sources.

Talks are centred on tariff cuts and proposed benefits for Indian businesses, with an announcement expected by the end of the month, ahead of President Trump’s July 9 deadline, according to one official. A statement is expected once meetings are completed. Trade Minister Piyush Goyal, who is currently in Italy, may return to India to meet with the US delegation.

Both countries agreed in February to work towards a phased trade deal aimed at increasing bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.

India is cautious about fully opening its agricultural and dairy markets due to fears about a domestic backlash. US negotiators are aiming for lower average tariffs, as India’s farm tariffs currently average 39% and peak at 50% for some crops. Bilateral trade increased to $129 billion in 2024, with India posting a $45.7 billion surplus.

The UAE has strengthened its position in the regional defence industry by negotiating a contract for AED 9 billion ($2.45 billion) with Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence. EDGE, the UAE’s advanced technology and defence group, announced an agreement to supply Kuwait with Falaj 3 class 62-meter missile boats, increasing Kuwait’s naval capabilities. Although the exact number of vessels is unknown, EDGE confirms it is the region’s largest-ever naval shipbuilding export.

As the prime contractor, EDGE will be in charge of the whole project, from design and construction to sea trials and delivery. The contract also covers integrated logistics assistance, in-service support, and ammunition supply, guaranteeing that Kuwait’s Navy can operate these warships efficiently. Abu Dhabi Ship Building, a member of the EDGE Group and the UAE’s leading shipbuilder, will oversee the building phase.

The Falaj 3 missile boat is now in service with the UAE Navy and has shown remarkable performance in regional waterways. Its first vessel, Altaf, will be officially commissioned in February 2025.

Hamad Al Marar, CEO of EDGE, emphasised the significance of the agreement, describing it as a watershed moment that deepens defence cooperation and highlights the UAE’s developing naval industrial capabilities.

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi in Abu Dhabi, renewing their call for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza. During high-level discussions at Qasr Al Shati, they emphasised the significance of stepping up efforts to achieve a “just and comprehensive peace” based on a two-state solution, highlighting the international community’s essential role in advancing this aim.

Sheikh Mohamed and President El Sisi also discussed ways to strengthen the UAE’s long-standing collaboration with Egypt, demonstrating their commitment to preserving strong ties.

Following their discussions, Sheikh Mohamed threw a luncheon in celebration of the visiting President, highlighting the two countries’ shared hospitality and brotherhood. Earlier, President El Sisi arrived at the Presidential Airport and was greeted warmly by his Emirati counterpart and other dignitaries.

Mr El Sisi’s visit comes after prior negotiations in Cairo in March, which focused on improving developmental, economic, and investment cooperation. The leaders visit frequently in both nations, highlighting the decades-long friendship that continues to thrive.

Several prominent Emirati officials attended the conference, including Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon, and Dr. Ahmed Mubarak Al Mazrouei.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met with Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade and Industry, Gan Kim Yong, to discuss ways to boost bilateral trade ties. The conversation focused on capitalising on India’s tremendous prospects in the maritime sector, which has been designated as a significant growth area. Goyal emphasised that improving commercial connections with Singapore is consistent with India’s overall aims of global economic integration and sectoral growth.

The minister, who is now on an official visit to France, is meeting with European leaders and businesses to promote trade and attract investment. Over the last three days, he has met with a number of influential figures, including International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol, Nigerian Trade Minister Jumoke Oduwole, French Minister of Economy and Finance Eric Lombard, Valeo Group CEO Christophe Perillat, and L’Oreal Groupe CEO Nicolas Hieronimus. These events aimed to highlight India’s vibrant investment possibilities and dynamic marketplaces.

In a post on X, Goyal stated the importance of strengthening trade and investment links between India and Singapore. He emphasised the enormous opportunities that India’s shipping sector provides, which are crucial for reducing trade costs and increasing exports.

Thailand has strengthened its medical ties with Bahrain and Indonesia through strategic Memorandums of Understanding. The Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital at Mahidol University recently signed an agreement with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain). The agreement, inked on May 23rd, aims to expand educational, research, and clinical prospects for the two major institutions.

Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI Bahrain, and Clinical Professor Artit Ungkanont, M.D., Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, both supported the agreement. They emphasised the importance of international collaboration in preparing future healthcare leaders. The MoU will allow students to participate in a variety of clinical and research electives.

Mahidol University has signed a separate Memorandum of Understanding with Universitas Indonesia and Rumah Sakit Cipto Mangunkusumo, focusing on joint initiatives and advanced medical technology.

During the delegation’s visit, high-level talks were held with Bumrungrad International Hospital’s leadership to discuss cooperation in research in cardiology, diabetes, obesity, and genomics. Faculty and students from RCSI Bahrain actively participated in talks during the International Diabetes Federation World Congress in Thailand, discussing research on the early diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered the keynote address at the International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s 81st Annual General Meeting, which took place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This significant occasion marks the return of the IATA AGM and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) to India after 42 years, the last being held in 1983.

The summit, which runs from June 1 to June 3, has drawn over 1,600 people, including global aviation CEOs, top officials, and members of the international media.

In his speech, the Prime Minister emphasised India’s position as the world’s third-largest domestic civil aviation market. He hailed India’s aviation industry as a major global force with significant potential for international investment.

Infrastructure development remains a top priority, with the number of airports more than doubling to 162 from 74 in recent years. This expansion is part of a larger government initiative to improve connectivity and accelerate economic growth. PM Modi also emphasised the government’s desire to create India as a worldwide manufacturing and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) hub by 2030.

This vision supports efforts such as Make in India, which seek to promote aviation-related sectors and drive industrial growth.

Malaysia Madani Artificial Intelligence (MMAI Technologies SDN. BHD.), a 100% government-owned Malaysian organisation, has struck a landmark partnership with Presight, a premier AI and big data analytics company based in the UAE. The alliance intends to accelerate Malaysia’s digital transformation by using sophisticated AI and sovereign cloud infrastructure.

The deal was formally signed at the ASEAN-GCC Economic Forum 2025, which was attended by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysian Minister of Home Affairs Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, and G42 Group CEO Peng Xiao.

The collaboration will focus on developing sovereign cloud infrastructure, AI technologies, and applications to improve government efficiency, national security, and public safety. Saifuddin Nasution Ismail emphasised that the UAE’s proactive AI efforts, led by Presight, provide a solid platform for Malaysia’s own AI objectives. He emphasised that Malaysia’s collaboration with Presight is completely consistent with the country’s Malaysia Madani vision for a digitally sovereign future.

Presight’s CEO, Thomas Pramotedham, affirmed the company’s commitment to utilising applied AI to generate national impact, pledging to develop cutting-edge solutions that will improve efficiency in crucial industries. This collaboration builds on the momentum established by the UAE-Malaysia CEPA and the earlier MoU signed in Abu Dhabi in January 2025.

MY E.G. Services Berhad (MYEG) and Singapore Trade Data Exchange Services (SGTraDex) have formed a strategic cooperation to boost cross-border digital trade. This collaboration focuses on developing interoperable digital systems that allow for the easy, secure, and paperless interchange of trade-related information between the two countries.

The partnership’s goal is to align digital infrastructures to facilitate easier economic flows and increase regional connectivity. The project thus adds to the larger goals of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which promotes mutual recognition of digital identities, electronic trade documents, and regulatory credentials.

The technical integration of MYEG’s Zetrix blockchain platform with SGTraDex’s digital ecosystem is key to this collaboration. This connection will ensure the secure and verifiable sharing of trade data, benefiting both governments and private businesses. The adoption of blockchain technology improves transparency and reduces reliance on old paper methods.

The program also aims to expand its reach beyond ASEAN by exploring connectivity with China and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. MYEG and SGTraDex will also collaborate to develop new business models, regulatory innovation, and sandbox testing to foster future growth in digital trade.

This collaboration is a crucial step towards establishing a unified digital trading environment in Asia and beyond.