General Secretary and President To Lam is set to deliver the keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue during his upcoming state visit to Singapore with his spouse, in what officials described as the most important speech of the regional security forum.

The Shangri-La Dialogue is regarded as the leading security forum in the Asia-Pacific region. Mr. To Lam’s invitation to deliver the keynote speech reflects growing international recognition of Vietnam’s role, stature and credibility, as well as the leadership profile of the Vietnamese leader himself.

The visit comes at a time when the world is facing profound geopolitical shifts. Strategic competition among major powers, regional conflicts, supply chain disruptions, maritime security, technological transformation and non-traditional security threats have become pressing concerns for the international community.

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cuong said the invitation for Mr. To Lam to deliver the keynote address - the forum’s headline speech - demonstrates the high regard the international community holds for Vietnam’s increasingly important position and influence.

It also reflects strong international interest in Vietnam’s independent, self-reliant, peaceful and cooperative foreign policy focused on development.

The Shangri-La Dialogue is an annual security summit organized in Singapore by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), bringing together political leaders, defense ministers, scholars and leading strategic experts from around the world. The forum is considered highly influential in shaping discussions on regional peace, security and strategic architecture in Asia-Pacific.

Vietnam is increasingly viewed as a deeply integrated economy that still maintains strategic autonomy, a dynamic developing nation with strong aspirations for growth, and an active, responsible member of both the regional and international communities.

According to Nguyen Manh Cuong, Mr. To Lam’s speech is expected to convey Vietnam’s perspectives and messages on addressing strategic challenges in pursuit of peace, stability and sustainable development within an evolving regional order.

The keynote appearance at Shangri-La also highlights Vietnam’s growing contributions to peace, cooperation and development in both the region and the wider world.

Vietnam and Singapore seen as a model partnership in ASEAN
 

Mr. To Lam’s visit to Singapore takes place as bilateral relations continue to develop strongly, while both countries face growing demands to renew their growth models, improve competitiveness and adapt to rapid changes in the global economy.

The visit is expected to further strengthen political trust and elevate strategic coordination between the two nations. Amid increasing global uncertainty, regular high-level exchanges and closer coordination at multilateral forums carry significant importance for both sides.

Vietnam and Singapore are also expected to expand cooperation in investment, trade, finance and supply chain connectivity. Singapore holds strengths in technology, finance, logistics and modern governance, while Vietnam offers a dynamic market, abundant human resources and strong economic growth. Officials believe these complementary advantages create significant room for future cooperation.

A major focus of the visit will be efforts to deepen cooperation in science and technology, innovation and digital transformation. Both sides are expected to broaden collaboration in artificial intelligence, big data, semiconductors, smart cities, the digital economy, digital government and green transition - all considered strategically important areas for Vietnam’s long-term development.

Technology and innovation initiatives such as “Tech Connect” are also expected to create new platforms linking governments, scientists and businesses from both countries, including research institutes, universities, technology firms and innovation centers.

Singapore is currently one of Vietnam’s most important economic partners and the second-largest foreign investor in the country, with more than 4,500 valid projects and nearly USD 97 billion in registered capital.

Officials described this cooperation as strategically important in the long term, helping build a deeper technology partnership in areas including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, big data, green technology and high-quality workforce training, aligned with the trends of digital transformation and green growth.

The visit is also expected to create new momentum for next-generation Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIP), with a stronger focus on green, smart and sustainable development.

Vietnam and Singapore have developed one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic and effective bilateral partnerships. Over more than five decades, relations between the two countries have continued to deepen and expand, becoming widely seen as a successful model of cooperation within ASEAN.

Singaporean investment projects in Vietnam span manufacturing, infrastructure, logistics, real estate, finance, high technology and modern services, contributing significantly to economic growth, job creation and structural transformation in Vietnam.

One of the most visible symbols of bilateral success is the VSIP network. From the first VSIP project, the network has since expanded across multiple localities nationwide.

The industrial parks are viewed not only as effective economic cooperation models, but also as symbols of trust, long-term vision and strategic connectivity between the two countries. In the next phase, VSIP projects are expected to become greener, smarter and more technology-driven, while remaining aligned with sustainable development goals.

Another major pillar of cooperation lies in emerging industries and deeper strategic collaboration. Singapore is considered a regional leader in innovation, digital transformation, digital economy, finance, modern governance and high-quality workforce development. Vietnam and Singapore are now pushing broader cooperation in artificial intelligence, big data, semiconductors, clean energy, green transition and financial center development.

In particular, the two countries are promoting technology and innovation connectivity initiatives designed to link technology ecosystems, innovation hubs, technology enterprises and highly skilled talent pools between both sides. Officials described this as a long-term strategic direction that aligns with Vietnam’s development needs and Singapore’s strengths.

Cooperation in leadership training and governance capacity building has also become an important strategic area. Over the years, Singapore has supported Vietnam in training officials, managers and high-quality human resources through a range of practical cooperation programs.

Tran Thuong