Singapore and Finland Team Up on AI and New Technologies

Singapore and Finland have made a big promise to work together on artificial intelligence and other new technologies. The two countries want to make sure that the benefits of AI are available to as many people as possible. Their leaders met in Singapore in October 2026 to sign a joint statement outlining their shared goals. They also agreed to support open and fair technology systems around the world.

Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan met with Finland's Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen to talk about how the two countries can grow closer. They discussed topics like AI, quantum technologies, and digital infrastructure. Both ministers said they want to combine their countries' skills in research and technology to solve big problems. The meeting showed how seriously both nations take the future of AI.

The two countries already have a history of working together on technology. In 2022, they signed a deal on quantum technology that involved research centers and tech companies from both nations. They also have a 2026 agreement focused on health, covering medical research, health technology, and AI. These earlier deals laid the groundwork for the new, broader partnership.

Singapore and Finland also want to help shape the rules that govern AI around the world. They believe that AI policies should be based on facts, open conversations, and fair international agreements. Both countries see AI as something that affects not just technology, but also safety and foreign policy. They want to make sure AI is developed in a way that is safe and benefits everyone.

One important part of their cooperation is through a group called the Group of Friends on Digital Technologies. Finland, Mexico, and Singapore started this group at the United Nations back in 2019. Through this group and other international efforts, the two countries plan to work on practical ways to use new technologies safely. They also both supported a global call to control the most powerful AI systems, which they endorsed in September 2026.

Each country brings something special to the partnership. Singapore is known for its strong AI governance and its work on global AI safety research. Finland is known for its secure digital systems and advanced technology industries. Together, they hope to build stronger institutions, grow business connections, and push for international AI standards that are trustworthy and focused on helping people.