The Singapore-Sweden Royal Business Forum 2024, themed “Innovating for a Sustainable Future” successfully concluded yesterday with impactful discussions, new partnerships, and significant agreements that solidified the collaborative spirit between the two nations. The Forum was honoured by the presence of His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf, marking his first state visit to Singapore. His attendance, alongside a distinguished delegation of Swedish ministers and prominent figures from industry, government, and academia, underscored the importance of this bilateral initiative.

The Forum aimed to foster collaboration, explore business opportunities, and facilitate knowledge exchange between Sweden and Singapore. Key discussions centred around digitalisation, green transition, and innovation within the energy, transport, and life science sectors. Attendees from both nations engaged in meaningful dialogues that underscored shared commitments to sustainability and innovation.

The Singapore-Sweden Royal Business Forum was organised by Business Sweden and the Embassy of Sweden in Singapore, in collaboration with the Singapore Business Federation.

During his welcome remarks at the Singapore-Sweden Royal Business Forum, H.E. Mr Andrew Kwan, Ambassador of Singapore to Sweden and Vice-Chairman of the Singapore Business Federation, highlighted the shared values and achievements of both nations, stating, “Sweden and Singapore share strengths in innovation, sustainability, and technology. Both countries have topped or been placed highly on IMD’s World Digital rankings of the 2024 Global Innovation Index and the Economic Intelligence Unit’s best countries for business. Despite the modest size of our population, our economic growth and ambitions are clearly not defined by it.”

In His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf’s welcome address at the Singapore-Sweden Royal Business Forum, he shared Sweden’s collaborative plans with Singapore: "Sweden aims to be a trusted, long-term partner to Singapore. In areas like energy transition, sustainable transportation, life sciences and defence, our partnerships can drive solutions to both current and future challenges. Working together in emerging technologies, such as AI and quantum technology, allows us not only to understand their implications but also to push the boundaries of what is possible."

A key highlight of the forum was the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), which outlined joint commitments to innovation and sustainable practices across key industries. These agreements pave the way for deeper cooperation and tangible outcomes that will benefit both nations in the years to come.

His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf expressed his appreciation for the warm reception and reiterated the importance of international partnerships in driving forward sustainability goals. The event successfully reinforced the longstanding ties between Singapore and Sweden, setting a precedent for future collaborative efforts.

For more details on the signed MoUs, please refer to Annex 1.