Singapore and Finland have agreed to deepen cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI), with a focus on innovation, responsible technology development and international AI governance.
The commitment was outlined in a joint statement issued by Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on 13 October, following a meeting between Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and his Finnish counterpart, Elina Valtonen, in Singapore.
The two countries intend to strengthen bilateral collaboration in AI, quantum technologies and digital infrastructure by combining their respective strengths in research, innovation and technology.
They have reaffirmed their close partnership and set out a shared approach to international cooperation in an era increasingly shaped by AI and emerging technologies.
Expanding AI research and innovation
Their plans include supporting open and diverse research ecosystems, exploring opportunities to collaborate on open AI models and working through relevant international forums to advance emerging technologies.
The expanded cooperation builds on existing initiatives, including a 2022 memorandum of understanding on quantum technology involving Singapore's National Quantum Office, Finland's VTT Technical Research Centre, IQM and CSC IT Centre for Science. It also follows a 2026 bilateral agreement covering healthcare research, health technology and AI.
The EU-Singapore Digital Partnership provides a broader framework for this collaboration, identifying responsible and human-centric AI as a shared priority.
Strengthening global AI governance
Singapore and Finland have reaffirmed their commitment to shaping international AI governance through evidence-based policymaking, inclusive dialogue and a rules-based international order.
Both countries recognise the growing importance of AI in foreign and security policy. They support stronger international cooperation to maximise the technology's benefits while promoting its responsible and secure development and use.
The partnership builds on the Group of Friends on Digital Technologies, established at the United Nations in 2019 by Finland, Mexico and Singapore. Through this group and other multilateral initiatives, the countries intend to strengthen practical cooperation on emerging technologies.
"This bilateral cooperation is complemented by the EU-Singapore Digital Partnership, which identifies responsible and human-centric AI as a shared priority and provides an established framework for broader collaboration in digital technologies and innovation," the joint statement said.
Advancing AI safety and security
AI safety is another priority, with both countries committing to international cooperation, transparency and common standards.
The two countries bring complementary strengths to the partnership. Singapore contributes expertise in AI governance and its wider innovation ecosystem, including the Singapore Consensus on Global AI Safety Research Priorities. Finland brings capabilities in secure digital infrastructure and advanced technology industries.
"Combining these strengths, the two countries intend to deepen institutional partnerships, expand commercial cooperation and advance multilateral initiatives that promote trustworthy, secure and human-centric AI," the statement added.
Through closer institutional and commercial ties, Singapore and Finland aim to advance international initiatives that support trustworthy AI development while broadening cooperation across research, digital infrastructure and emerging technologies.