Singapore and Switzerland maintain excellent relations and cooperate closely, particularly in the economic, financial and education policy fields. Thanks to the favourable conditions they are offered, over 400 Swiss companies have operations in Singapore. Universities in the two countries run extensive student exchange programmes.
Bilateral relations
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
Switzerland and Singapore enjoy excellent relations. Visits and meetings take place on a regular basis at ministerial level. Senior officials also meet regularly to discuss political, economic and financial matters, as well as issues of current interest.
A 'Declaration of Enhanced Partnership' was signed in May 2014 in order to strengthen existing ties. The Declaration provides for regular political dialogue and paves the way for closer cooperation between the two countries, mainly in the economic, financial, research and innovation fields.
Switzerland and Singapore have also been engaged in regular dialogue on financial matters since April 2015.
The Ambassador of Singapore accredited to Bern resides in Singapore. A consulate in Geneva represents Singapore's consular interests in Switzerland.
Economic cooperation
Singapore is Switzerland's most important trading partner in South East Asia. Following the entry into force of the free trade agreement between Singapore and the European Free Trade Association in 2003 – the first with an Asian country – trade between the two countries underwent considerable growth.
The Swiss Business Hub (SBH) Southeast Asia + Pacific has an office at the Swiss embassy in Singapore. It also has representatives in the Swiss embassies and consulates general in Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Sydney. The SBH's management is based in the embassy in Jakarta. SwissCham Singapore, which has more than 220 members of Swiss origin or with economic ties to Switzerland, organises numerous events each year ranging from lectures and seminars to other networking events.
Switzerland Tourism has been represented in Singapore since 2012.
Numerous large Swiss companies, particularly software companies and banks specialising in wealth management and private banking, have a regional office in Singapore.
Swiss Business Hub Southeast Asia + Pacific
Trade promotion (Switzerland Global Enterprise)
Cooperation in education, research and innovation
To strengthen bilateral cooperation in education, research and innovation, the diplomatic section of the Swiss embassy in Singapore has a science attaché who is part of the international Swissnex network of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). Swissnex aims to consolidate Switzerland's outstanding position as a global leader in science, education and innovation.
Every year, the embassy awards ThinkSwiss research grants to local bachelor's and master's students for short research stays at Swiss research institutions. It also coordinates SERI's Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for young researchers who are citizens of Singapore and Brunei Darussalam and have completed their master's or doctoral studies.
ThinkSwiss Research Scholarships: Asia-Pacific
State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists
Cultural exchange
Cultural exchanges between Switzerland and Singapore have steadily increased in recent years. Today, many Swiss artists perform at major cultural events as well as on smaller stages in Singapore.
Swiss nationals in Singapore
Around 2,600 Swiss are registered with the Swiss embassy in Singapore.
History of bilateral relations
Switzerland and Singapore have maintained diplomatic relations since 1967. Between 1917 and 1967, Switzerland had a consulate in Singapore. Regular trade between the two countries began in the late 1830s.
