President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday concluded his three-day working visit to Singapore, describing it as his “most productive working visit” as the Philippines and Singapore committed to further strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, artificial intelligence, digital technology, healthcare, and education.
In a post-visit video statement released Thursday night, Marcos highlighted his meetings with Singapore Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong, as well as with Singaporean business executives and regional business leaders during his July 14 to 16 visit.
“During my courtesy call on Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, we affirmed the strength of our bilateral relations amidst global shocks and conflicts,” Marcos said.
The President said discussions with Wong focused on expanding cooperation in trade and investments, artificial intelligence development and use, education, environmental initiatives, healthcare, and people-to-people exchanges.
Marcos said the two countries also reaffirmed their shared commitment to a stronger and more unified ASEAN, as the Philippines and Singapore prepare to hold successive chairships of the regional bloc.
During the visit, Marcos also met with representatives of major Singapore-based companies and investors, during which he highlighted the Philippines’ digital transformation efforts, infrastructure programs, and initiatives to expand access to quality healthcare.
He said the Philippines remains a strategic investment destination in Southeast Asia, citing its growing digital economy, skilled workforce, and reform agenda that continue to attract technology-driven investments from partners such as Singapore.
Marcos also discussed the expansion plans of Singtel Group and ABC Impact in the Philippines.
He said Singtel is increasing investments through NCS Philippines and supporting the continued development of ST Telemedia Global Data Centres’ facilities, which contribute to the country’s digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence capabilities.
Meanwhile, ABC Impact reaffirmed its support for the nationwide expansion of AC Health, which is expected to improve healthcare access and generate thousands of jobs for Filipinos.
The President also presented investment opportunities in the Philippines during a Milken Institute roundtable discussion, highlighting government initiatives such as the Luzon Economic Corridor, the Public-Private Partnership Code, and the Green Lanes for Strategic Investments.
Marcos said he also promoted the Philippines’ transition into a new upper-middle-income country, citing its strong macroeconomic fundamentals, expanding digital economy, skilled workforce, and continuing reforms aimed at positioning the country as a secure, transparent, and stable investment hub in Southeast Asia.