S’pore, Malaysia step up cooperation in areas like higher education, carbon credits, urban planning
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PM Lawrence Wong (left) and Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim (right) witnessing the exchange of an MOU between DPM Gan Kim Yong (second from left) and Malaysia's Minister of Economy Rafizi Ramli, at Perdana Putra on Jan 7.
ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI
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PUTRAJAYA - Singapore and Malaysia stepped up bilateral cooperation during the 11th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat
Both exchanged an agreement on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ)
At the same time, there were six memorandums of understanding (MOUs) and a letter of intent. The first four were inked on Jan 6, with the rest signed earlier.
Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) Agreement
The JS-SEZ, an integrated zone for business and investment, will encompass the Iskandar Development Region and Pengerang.
The agreement aims to strengthen the value proposition of Johor and Singapore to compete for global investments together by improving cross-border connectivity for goods between both sides, enabling freer movement of people, and boosting the business ecosystem within the region.
It was signed by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, who is also Minister for Trade and Industry, and Malaysian Minister of Economy Rafizi Ramli. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim witnessed the exchange.
Higher education
Institutes of higher learning will work together more closely under this MOU. Plans include staff and student exchanges, exchange of information and experiences, staff training programmes, exchange of scholarships, and the organisation of joint activities and programmes.
It was signed by Minister for Education Chan Chun Sing and Malaysian Minister of Higher Education Zambry Abdul Kadir.
Minister for Education Chan Chun Sing (left) exchanging the MOU with Malaysian Minister of Higher Education Zambry Abdul Kadir on Jan 7.
ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI
Carbon credits cooperation aligned with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement
Both countries will work towards a legally binding implementation agreement, which will enable the development of carbon credit projects that promote sustainable development and deliver benefits to local communities.
This MOU was signed by Mr Gan and Malaysian Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
Cross-border carbon capture and storage
Both countries will discuss cross-border carbon capture and storage (CCS) and work towards a legally binding agreement.
They will also share best practices and information on CCS, and facilitate industry-led research projects. A joint committee comprising representatives from both sides will be established to implement the MOU.
It was signed by Mr Gan and Mr Rafizi.
Urban development
Officials on both sides will deepen mutual learning in areas such as land use planning to create sustainable and liveable cities, provision of good-quality and smart homes, as well as municipal management. This will be done through initiatives such as study visits and technical exchanges.
This MOU was signed by Minister for National Development Desmond Lee and Malaysian Minister of Housing and Local Government Nga Kor Ming.
Social development
The MOU strengthens and promotes social development cooperation between both countries. It will be supported by the National Council of Social Service and Malaysia’s Department of Social Welfare and Department of Women’s Development.
Areas of collaboration include fostering relationships between government institutions and organisations, exchanging information on policies and programmes, and institutional visits for networking and technical cooperation. There will also be joint workshops, seminars and training programs to build human capacity.
It was signed by Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli and Malaysian Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Nancy Shukri.
Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli (left) exchanging the MOU with Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohamad Hasan, on behalf of Malaysian Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Nancy Shukri.
ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI
Preventing and combating transnational crimes
The MOU was first signed
Under the MOU, Singapore and Malaysia will enhance cooperation in combating transnational crimes such as drug trafficking, terrorism, cybercrime and scams, including cyber-enabled scams.
There was also a letter of intent for the Malaysia-Singapore English Volunteers Programme signed by Mr Janadas Devan, chairman of the Singapore International Foundation, and Datuk Haji Ruji Haji Ubi, chairman of the board of trustees of Yayasan Guru Tun Hussein Onn.
Chin Soo Fang is senior correspondent at The Straits Times, covering topics such as community, politics, social issues, consumer, culture and heritage.
