Opening Remarks by Minister Josephine Teo at France-Singapore Frontier Technologies

Madame Clara Chappaz, French Minister Delegate for AI and Digital Affairs,

Colleagues and Friends,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. Bonjour à tous. Thank you for having me at today’s France-Singapore Frontier Technologies Forum.

2. As Singapore and France mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, our collaboration is set to reach new heights. Earlier today, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and President Emmanuel Macron announced the upgrade of our bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. We have agreed to step up our cooperation in areas such as frontier technologies, trade and defence. France is the first European state to have such a partnership with Singapore. This reflects our unique bond and shared ambition to chart new paths in areas like artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technologies.

3. Our close ties have been forged on shared commitment to similar goals.

4. The first of these is that we both want to boost innovation. Singapore is a hub for technology companies to grow and innovate. Our rules are predictable and clear. Businesses can be assured that their intellectual property will be protected, and they can enjoy access to new market opportunities. French enterprises have recognised this, and over 2,600 now operate here.

5. Singapore is also committed to the responsible development and deployment of technologies like AI for the benefit of our businesses and citizens. France is similarly committed to advancing innovation in a responsible manner. In February, President Macron announced over €100 billion in investments in its domestic AI industry, by the private sector.

6. As Singapore grows our tech ecosystem and digital infrastructure, we are happy that France has been one of our key partners. Many of you are aware of Mistral AI’s plan to set up an office in Singapore.

   1. Beyond that, Mistral AI has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ST Engineering, one of our local champions, to form a partnership in applied AI engineering.

   2. AirBus, the Economic Development Board and the Infocomm Media Development Authority will jointly develop use cases for 5G- Non-Terrestrial Network. They aim to reduce time lag and quicken the responsiveness of AI systems, so they can be deployed to more scenarios.

7. Like France, Singapore also uses AI and other digital technologies to transform existing industries, through the establishment of Centres of Excellence and R&D centres.

   1. One such Centre will be launched today. Thales – which has long been involved in Singapore’s aerospace, defence and security sector - will set up a global AI accelerator in Singapore. This new Centre, which is known as the CortAIx Centre, aims to develop AI solutions for critical environments and strengthen R&D capabilities. Solutions developed here will benefit the company’s global network.

8. Another shared commitment between both our countries is to invest in R&D, such as in robotics and quantum. France has been a valued partner in this area, and we want to do more together with you. For example, Singapore’s National Quantum Office (NQO) and France’s National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) expanded their cooperation in quantum research, particularly quantum energetics and photonics. This will increase our shared knowledge on the development of quantum computers and sensors as well as quantum-safe communication systems. Through its Centre at NUS Create, CNRS will also take part in Singapore's National Robotics Programme to strengthen research in embodied AI. This collaboration is supported with funding of SGD 20 million.

9. Looking beyond our own shores, Singapore and France are both strong proponents of multilateralism. We believe in it, we advocate for it, and we stand by it.

10. Our world is becoming more fractious and unpredictable. Yet, Singapore and France have continued to support an open and inclusive trading system. The EU-Singapore Digital Trade Agreement (EUSDTA) was recently signed with the support of like-minded trading partners like France. While tariff-induced uncertainties persist, French businesses operating in Singapore can continue to benefit from the ASEAN Free Trade Area, which makes it more cost-effective for French businesses in Singapore to export and source goods from the region.

11. Our support for multilateralism can also be seen in our joint efforts in sustainability.

12. Singapore and France are committed to effective climate action under the Paris Agreement and have collaborated on ways to accelerate our shift to a greener economy. It is fitting that one of the themes of this Forum is clean energy and the path to net zero. We also welcome the partnership between French energy company ENGIE and SBS Transit to reduce the carbon footprint of public transport.

13. We do sincerely believe that it is through these kinds of tangible projects that we can demonstrate the necessity for and the ability to reduce our interests and contribute to the real world.

Conclusion

14. In closing, our countries’ bilateral ties have remained steadfast and strong for the past 60 years.

15. As we look to the future, I am confident that Singapore and France will deepen our friendship and shape a future that is innovative, inclusive and sustainable.

16. Merci Beaucoup!