Singapore and Japan have elevated their ties to a Strategic Partnership on March 18, 2026, marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, after talks in Tokyo between Prime Ministers Lawrence Wong and Sanae Takaichi, with artificial intelligence identified as a key area of collaboration.
PM Takaichi: “I met with Prime Minister Wong of Singapore🇸🇬, and we elevated our bilateral relationship to a ‘Strategic Partnership.’ This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Singapore. Guided by the joint statement (1/2) pic.twitter.com/RuCidSM38J
— PM’s Office of Japan (@JPN_PMO) March 18, 2026
Both countries agreed to ensure that AI is safe, reliable and aligned with human values, with emphasis on the need for clear rules, safeguards, and trust. The leaders also stressed the importance of AI to be developed in ways that respect languages and cultures differences.
The joint statement highlighted “deepening collaboration on AI to build a safe, secure, and trustworthy AI ecosystem.” It added that this includes “AI safety, AI governance, and AI models that respect local languages and cultures, including through the ASEAN-Japan Co-Creation Initiative for AI.”
The collaboration will extend into research and development (R&D), enabling both countries to build new AI technologies aimed at improving everyday life, generating employment, and accelerating economic growth through shared ideas and expertise.
The partnership also places AI within broader deep tech cooperation, including AI, automation and quantum computing, alongside efforts to promote open innovation, co-creation, startup collaboration, and the sharing of best practices in technology adoption.
Another pillar is strengthening the digital systems that power AI. This involves advancing digital infrastructure and encouraging ongoing national conversations on technology policy and governance, which will ensure that the countries remain aligned fast-changing environment.
“Promoting open innovation and co-creation, enhancing startup cooperation, reviewing deployment potential and sharing best practices in technology adoption in areas such as digital and green transformations, deep tech (including AI, automation, quantum computing, fusion energy) and secure digital systems,” the statement said
Cybersecurity is another major focus of the partnership, With the expansion of AI capabilities comes increased exposure to digital threats, and Singapore and Japan have committed to work closely to secure digital systems.
As part of their upgraded strategic partnership, cooperation in artificial intelligence and digitalization and technology includes the following areas:
- AI safety and governance
• Information and Communications Technology (ICT)/ digital infrastructure dialogue
• Cybersecurity + digital economy cooperation
• Smart-device standards and emerging tech coordination
The agreement explicitly includes cooperation in artificial intelligence, ICT policy dialogue, and digital infrastructure. The countries are also exploring the development of common standards for smart technologies.
Overall, this partnership clearly reflects a forward-looking approach, where AI is positioned within broader deep tech collaboration, while ensuring it remains safe and accountable.
Also Read: Singapore Tops Global AI Adoption as U.S. Ranks 20th, a16z Analysis Finds
