Singapore’s Non-Resident High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Derek Loh, paid a courtesy call on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in digital payments, telecommunications, information technology, artificial intelligence (AI), e-commerce and various sectors of the digital economy.

The meeting was held at the minister’s office at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday (October 2).

During the meeting, the minister said the Bangladesh government was prioritising digital transformation, the effective application of artificial intelligence and the expansion of technology-driven public services. Singapore’s experience, technological expertise and innovative initiatives in these areas could be highly valuable for Bangladesh, he added.

He said initiatives were underway to modernise Bangladesh’s extensive postal network and transform it into an effective hub for e-commerce, parcel delivery and integrated logistics services. There were significant opportunities for joint initiatives in this sector by drawing on Singapore’s experience, he noted.

The minister also emphasised expanding digital payment systems in government services, ensuring transparency and accountability in revenue collection, and increasing the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare and administrative activities.

He said the proper use of technology could improve the quality of citizen services, enhance efficiency in government operations and accelerate economic activities. Bangladesh is keen to strengthen technological cooperation, exchange expertise and undertake joint initiatives with Singapore in these areas, he added.

Singaporean High Commissioner Derek Loh expressed his country’s interest in expanding cooperation with Bangladesh across various sectors. He highlighted the potential of utilising Bangladesh’s extensive postal infrastructure to improve e-commerce, parcel delivery and logistics services.

He also shared Singapore’s experience in introducing and expanding digital payment systems in public services to increase revenue collection, ensure transparency in financial management and improve the efficiency of public services.

The High Commissioner highlighted opportunities for the application of artificial intelligence in healthcare, research, biomedical technology and public services. He further noted that preparing young people for the future job market was essential in an increasingly AI-driven world. Singapore is keen to exchange experience, technological knowledge and expertise with Bangladesh to achieve this goal, he said.

Both sides agreed that there was considerable scope for expanding cooperation between Bangladesh and Singapore in the digital economy, technological innovation, skilled human resource development and modernisation of public services. They expressed optimism that practical joint initiatives, drawing on their respective experiences and technological capabilities, could further strengthen bilateral relations.

Charge d’Affaires of the Singapore High Commission Philip Wong, Desk Officer Mrithini T. Jitritharan and South Asia Development Partner at Enterprise Singapore Benjamin Chu were also present at the meeting.