President Marcos to meet with Prime Minister, finance officials in 5-day visit to Singapore

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will hold a series of meetings with Singapore Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong and global business leaders during his five-day working visit to Singapore.

The President arrived at Changi Airport at around 11:05 p.m. Wednesday, the Presidential Communications Office said in a statement.

In his departure statement, Marcos said he would meet with Wong to discuss bilateral and regional developments, including priorities in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as Singapore prepares to assume the bloc's chairship next year.

“Singapore assumes the chairship of ASEAN next year. As the Philippines enters the final stretch of its ASEAN chairship, I look forward to exchanging views on how we can best sustain and advance our priorities for the region,” Marcos said.

Marcos will also attend the 24th Forbes Global CEO Conference, which will bring together around 450 business leaders, entrepreneurs and investors to discuss the global economy, innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), investment opportunities, real estate, energy, leadership, entrepreneurship and family business strategies.

Marcos said he would use the opportunity to engage global business leaders on trade and investment and present opportunities in the Philippines, particularly in digital technology, AI and advanced manufacturing.

“I will also touch on infrastructure, energy, healthcare, and other sectors that will drive our country’s continued transformation,” he said.

“As we pursue these ambitions, we must also prepare for the economy that we are building. AI, data centers, advanced manufacturing, and other emerging industries will require greater amounts of reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy.”

Marcos will also visit the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute upon the invitation of Temasek Foundation and Ayala Corporation to learn more about nuclear technology and safety as part of the Philippines’ efforts to explore long-term options for energy security.

He expressed optimism that the visit would encourage more investments and strengthen regional cooperation.

“I return to Singapore with a clear purpose: to build on one of our most important economic partnerships and prepare our country for the industries of the future,” Marcos said.

-PNA / Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos