Staff Correspondent : Derek Lok, Non-Resident High Commissioner of Singapore to Bangladesh, paid a courtesy call on Faqir Mahbub Anam, Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and Science and Technology, at the Minister’s office at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Singapore and explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including digital payment systems, information technology, telecommunications, artificial intelligence (AI), e-commerce and the digital economy.
During the discussion, Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam said that the Government of Bangladesh was working to accelerate digital transformation, promote the effective application of artificial intelligence and expand technology-driven public services. He noted that Singapore’s experience, technological expertise and innovative initiatives could be highly valuable for Bangladesh in these areas.
The Minister said that initiatives were being undertaken to modernise Bangladesh’s extensive postal network and transform post offices into effective hubs for e-commerce, parcel delivery and integrated logistics services. He observed that there were significant opportunities for collaboration in this regard by drawing on Singapore’s experience and expertise.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of expanding digital payment systems across government services, ensuring transparency and accountability in revenue collection, and harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence in healthcare and public administration. He noted that the effective use of technology could improve the quality of citizen services, enhance the efficiency of government operations and accelerate economic activities. He expressed Bangladesh’s interest in pursuing technological cooperation, exchanging expertise and undertaking joint initiatives with Singapore in these areas.
Singapore’s High Commissioner Derek Lok expressed his country’s interest in further expanding cooperation with Bangladesh in various sectors. He highlighted the potential of leveraging Bangladesh’s extensive postal infrastructure to develop e-commerce, parcel delivery and logistics services. He also shared Singapore’s experience in introducing and expanding digital payment systems across government services to increase revenue collection, ensure transparency in financial management and improve the efficiency of public service delivery. The High Commissioner further highlighted the potential for the effective application of artificial intelligence in healthcare, research, biomedical technology and public services. He also stressed the importance of preparing the younger generation for the future job market in an increasingly AI-driven world. In this regard, he expressed Singapore’s interest in sharing its experience, technological knowledge and expertise with Bangladesh.
Both sides recognised the significant potential for expanding cooperation between Bangladesh and Singapore in the digital economy, technological innovation, human resource development and the modernisation of public services. They expressed optimism that practical joint initiatives, drawing on the respective experiences and technological capabilities of the two countries, would further strengthen bilateral relations.
Also present at the meeting were Philip Ong, Chargé d’Affaires of the Singapore High Commission; Mrithini TGGRITHARAN, Desk Officer; and Benjamin Chue, Development Partner for South Asia at Enterprise Singapore.
