Vietnam and Singapore agreed to speed up linking their national digital ID systems. The countries also set new targets for industrial park expansion and closer economic cooperation. The move highlights growing regional partnerships.
Vietnam and Singapore have agreed to fast-track the integration of their national digital identification systems, VNeID and SingPass, marking a significant step in regional digital cooperation. The decision was reached during a meeting in Hanoi, where Prime Minister Le Minh Hung hosted Singapore’s ambassador, Rajpal Singh, for official talks. Both sides highlighted the urgency of connecting their digital ID platforms, aiming to simplify cross-border procedures and boost economic activity between the two countries.
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung used the occasion to congratulate Rajpal Singh on his appointment and underlined the importance of deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership. He called for Singapore to prioritize the modernization of the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) network, with a target of reaching 30 parks by 2026. Economic, trade, and investment ties remain central to the relationship, with both governments committed to creating favorable conditions for business and investment.
During the meeting, Le Minh Hung also stressed the need for both countries to coordinate closely on regional issues, including maintaining ASEAN’s central role and supporting a unified stance on the South China Sea. He urged Singapore to back effective negotiations on a code of conduct in the disputed waters, in line with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Ambassador Rajpal Singh welcomed the priorities set by the Vietnamese government and expressed Singapore’s interest in expanding imports of environmentally friendly agricultural and aquaculture products from Vietnam. He emphasized the importance of economic connectivity and encouraged Singaporean companies to continue investing in Vietnam. Singh also reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to implementing the joint statement by both countries’ economic ministers on strengthening supply chain resilience and advancing cooperation in education, science, technology, and innovation.
Looking ahead, both sides agreed to work together on organizing the first strategic dialogue between Vietnam and Singapore, as well as preparing for major events in 2027, when Singapore will chair ASEAN and Vietnam will host the APEC summit. The ambassador highlighted ongoing efforts to support human resource development through bilateral agreements, reflecting a broader trend of regional collaboration.
Regional security and cooperation remain high on the agenda for Southeast Asian nations. Recent events, such as the heightened tensions in Ceuta and the response of Spanish authorities, as reported in coverage of border security challenges in Spain, illustrate the importance of coordinated approaches to cross-border issues and the value of strong diplomatic ties.
Vietnam and Singapore’s push for early digital ID integration comes as digital transformation accelerates across Asia. The VNeID and SingPass systems are designed to streamline government services, facilitate secure transactions, and support cross-border mobility. As both countries deepen their economic and technological links, the success of this initiative could serve as a model for other ASEAN members seeking to modernize their digital infrastructure and strengthen regional cooperation.
