The Arctic Circle is to hold a one-day forum in Singapore in November next year, as the Republic increases its links with the land of the polar bears.

It will be held in conjunction with the third Sustainable Oceans Summit taking place in Singapore then, Mr Sam Tan, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, said on Friday in Reykjavik, Iceland, according to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement.

He was attending the second Arctic Circle Assembly, which brings together political and economic leaders within and outside of the Arctic to discuss issues of the region that have impact beyond it.

He said Singapore is looking at creating opportunities for stakeholders of the Arctic to come to the Republic to broaden and deepen the dialogue it has begun.

Mr Tan, who is also Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, noted that Singapore is working with Norway and Canada on events to inspire conversations about the Arctic.

"We have lined up one or two more in 2015 which, incidentally, is a milestone year for Singapore as we mark the 50th anniversary of Singapore's independence in 1965," he said.

To facilitate people-to-people exchanges between Singapore and the Arctic indigenous communities, the Republic is offering the latter scholarships for courses, including short courses in port management, and the Master of Law (Maritime Law) programme at the National University of Singapore.

This month, representatives from organisations representing various Arctic indigenous communities will be in Singapore for a study visit.