Singapore–United Kingdom relations facts for kids
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|
 Singapore |
 United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Diplomatic Mission | |
| Singaporean High Commission, London | British High Commission, Singapore |
| Envoy | |
| High Commissioner Lim Thuan Kuan | High Commissioner Kara Owen |
Singapore–United Kingdom relations are the friendly ties between Singapore and the United Kingdom. Both countries are part of the Commonwealth of Nations. They share a long history, similar cultures, and close connections. People from both countries visit each other often. They also work together on security, sports, trade, and investments.
Contents
Comparing Singapore and the UK
| Common Name | Singapore | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Official Name |  Republic of Singapore |
 United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland |
| Coat of Arms |  |
.svg) |
| Flag |  |
 |
| Population | 5,638,700 | 67,886,004 |
| Area | 725.7 km2 (280.2 sq mi) | 242,495 km2 (93,628 sq mi) |
| Capital |  Singapore (City-state) |
London |
| Largest City | Singapore – 5,638,700 (City-state) |
London – 8,961,989 |
| Government | Unitary parliamentary republic | Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy |
| Established | August 9, 1965 (Independence) | 1707 (Union of England and Scotland) |
| Head of State |  Halimah Yacob (President) |
 Charles III (King) |
| Head of Government |  Lee Hsien Loong (Prime Minister) |
 Rishi Sunak (Prime Minister) |
| Legislature | Parliament of Singapore | Parliament of the United Kingdom |
| Official/National Languages | English, Mandarin Chinese, Malay, Tamil | English |
| National Anthem | Majulah Singapura (Onward Singapore) | God Save the King |
| National Carrier | Singapore Airlines | British Airways |
| International Airport | Changi Airport | Heathrow Airport |
| Public Broadcasting | Mediacorp | BBC |
| Military | Singapore Armed Forces
|
British Armed Forces |
| Law Enforcement | Singapore Police Force | National Crime Agency |
| Currency | Singapore dollar (SG$) | Pound sterling (GB£) |
| Human Development Index | 0.935 (very high) | 0.920 (very high) |
The British first came to Singapore in 1819. Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles set up a trading post there. By 1823, Britain controlled the whole island. Singapore officially became a British colony in 1824.
It stayed under British rule until 1963. The only break was during the Japanese occupation from 1941 to 1945. In 1963, Singapore gained independence as part of Malaysia.
After Singapore left Malaysia in 1965, the British military stayed for a while. This was to help Singapore become stable and self-reliant. The British forces slowly left in the 1960s and 1970s. Their military bases were then given to the new Singapore Armed Forces.
Because of this long history, English is one of Singapore's four official languages.
Working Together
The United Kingdom and Singapore work together on many global issues. When Singapore was a temporary member of the UN Security Council (2001-2002), they worked even more closely. They cooperate on important topics like keeping international peace. Both countries also work together to fight terrorism.
Defence Cooperation
Since 1971, Singapore and the UK have worked together on defence. They are part of the Five Power Defence Arrangements. This group also includes Malaysia, Australia, and New Zealand. They hold joint military exercises every year.
The UK has a defence office in Singapore. It also has a supply base called the British Defence Singapore Support Unit (BDSSU) in Sembawang. Singapore does not have a military office in its High Commission in London.
Trade and Investment
Singapore is the UK's biggest trading partner in Southeast Asia. About two-thirds of all UK goods sent to this region go to Singapore. In 2010, the UK sent £3.29 billion worth of goods to Singapore. Singapore sent £3.99 billion worth of goods to the UK.
Top UK exports include power machinery and drinks. Top Singapore exports include chemicals and office machines. Singapore was also the UK's 11th largest market for services in 2009.
Singapore has very few import taxes. It fully supports the World Trade Organization. Singapore was the first country in ASEAN to start talks with the EU for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The UK and Singapore signed their own free trade agreement in December 2020. It started on January 1, 2021.
The UK has also finished talks to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Singapore is a founding member of this trade group.
Digital Economy Agreement
The UK and Singapore signed a Digital Economy Agreement (DEA). This agreement helps businesses and people. It allows digital content to flow freely without taxes. It also protects personal data and ideas. This agreement makes trade cheaper by using digital trading systems.
Investments
The UK is the fourth largest foreign investor in Singapore. By the end of 2009, the UK had invested £23.5 billion there. Many big British companies have grown their presence in Singapore. These include Barclays, Dyson, HSBC, Rolls-Royce, Shell, and Standard Chartered. More British small and medium-sized businesses are also entering the market. British universities are also partnering with Singapore's schools.
Singapore also invests a lot in the UK. The UK gets over two-thirds of all Singaporean investment into Europe. By the end of 2009, Singapore had invested £20.6 billion in the UK. This money mainly goes into finance, insurance, real estate, and technology.
Important Visits
Many important people from both countries visit each other. In 2011, six UK officials visited Singapore. These included the National Security Advisor and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. The Duke of York also visited.
Two Singaporean officials visited the UK in 2011. These were the Permanent Secretary for Trade & Industry and Tony Tan, the President of Singapore. In October 2014, President Tony Tan made the first official state visit by a President of Singapore to the UK. He was hosted by Queen Elizabeth and Prince William and Catherine.
Learning and Culture
Education links between Singapore and the UK are very strong. In 2011, over 3,000 Singaporean students were studying in the UK. The British Council estimates that about 80,000 UK qualifications are given out each year in Singapore. This happens through special "twinning" programs.
Singaporean students can get scholarships to study in the UK. These include the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan and Chevening Scholarship. Cultural ties are also strong. Many British artists perform in Singapore. British music exam boards like ABRSM are also well-known there.
The British Council has a big presence in Singapore. It teaches English to about 20,000 people. The British Council also works on projects to make education more global. They help young leaders fight climate change. They also share knowledge in arts and creative industries.
Diplomatic Offices
- Singapore has a high commission (like an embassy) in London.
- The United Kingdom has a high commission in Singapore.
See also
- High Commission of Singapore, London
- List of high commissioners of the United Kingdom to Singapore
- Singaporeans in the United Kingdom
- Accession of the United Kingdom to CPTPP
