Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong Makes First Working Visit to the United States

In an 11-day trip from October 5 to 15, DPM Wong visited Arizona, New York, and Washington, D.C. as part of his first visit to the United States as Deputy Prime Minister. DPM Wong met with senior officials from the Biden administration as well as high-level representatives from the private sector. He visited the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s longest-running overseas detachment in Arizona, attended a GIC investment forum and the launch of a new Global Innovation Alliance node led by Enterprise Singapore, and participated in a dialogue session with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). The visit reaffirmed the commitment to strengthen bilateral relations in commerce, defense, and new emerging areas. Furthermore, the visit underscored the important roles that both countries play in shaping the technologies of the future.
 
DPM Wong delivered opening remarks at the inaugural U.S.-Singapore Critical and Emerging Technology (CET) Dialogue, which marks a significant step in forging business and security partnerships on scientific and technological frontiers such as artificial intelligence (AI); digital economy & data governance; quantum information science & technology; biotechnology; critical infrastructure & technology supply chains; defense innovation; and cybersecurity. The forum will complement key initiatives across the U.S.-Singapore Partnership for Growth and Innovation (PGI), the U.S.-Singapore Cyber Dialogue, and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF). During the visit, Singapore’s Office for Space Technology and Industry and the U.S. State Department Office of Space affairs led the first Singapore-U.S. Space Dialogue, a platform designed to strengthen bilateral exchanges and cooperation in civil space matters to better understand environmental conditions, respond to disasters, and utilize natural resources.
 
As Singapore undergoes its leadership transition, DPM Wong is expected to take on more global engagements. In Washington, DPM Wong held substantive meetings with U.S. Cabinet Secretaries and senior members of the Biden administration including National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, and National Security Council Coordinator for the Indo-Pacific Kurt Campbell. The meetings covered a wide range of issues and emphasized the indispensable leadership role that the United States plays in addressing global challenges.