Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during Singapore’s first official visit to the Philippines in June 2025. (Philippine Presidential Communications Office)
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is on a five-day working visit to Singapore from October 7 to 11, a crucial time as the city-state is preparing to take over the ASEAN chairmanship in 2027.
Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Analyn Ratonel reported one day prior to the president’s departure that the trip was made at the invitation of Singaporean Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong. Accompanying the President are Finance Secretary Frederick Go and Trade Secretary Christina Roque.
“This Working Visit is part of the country’s initiative to deepen our relations with Singapore, expand our economic engagement, and advance our cooperation in sectors that will contribute to our nation’s progress,” Ratonel said.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and renewable energy are reportedly among the core agendas for the bilateral talks, with nuclear technology expected to be a prominent topic as President Marcos will visit the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute. Ratonel explained that “nuclear energy may be a key topic, given the Philippines’ growing power needs and the expansion of energy-intensive industries”.
Crucially, the Philippine president is scheduled to participate in the 24th Forbes Global CEO Conference at the Shangri-La Singapore, where he will engage in a one-on-one dialogue with Steve Forbes, the Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Media. President Marcos is expected to utilise the platform to actively pitch investment opportunities in the Philippines’ high-growth sectors.
“The President’s participation in the Forbes Global CEO Conference, of which the Economic Development Board of Singapore serves as host sponsor, will provide an opportunity to promote Philippine economic priorities and engage potential investors,” Ratonel added.
Reportedly, the Philippine President has also been invited to attend the Singapore Grand Prix set to be held from October 9 to 11, which will allow the president to engage with key government personnel, business leaders and investors from Singapore and elsewhere.
What does this mean for business?
Of note, Singapore ranks as the third-highest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) for the Philippines and was the single largest source of Board of Investments (BOI)-approved foreign investment commitments in the first half of 2026, totalling nearly 55 million US dollar. Singapore’s deepening bilateral ties therefore open major avenues for the private sector. This visit signals a push for strategic partnerships in high-value industries like green tech, AI, and digital infrastructure. For corporate leaders, the enhanced economic collaboration promises streamlined investment pathways and robust cross-border ventures between both nations. However, the trip has sparked growing criticism among Filipinos at home, with detractors questioning the necessity of the overseas visit amidst ongoing domestic economic hardships .
Kala Advisory helps corporate leaders turn bilateral investment momentum like this into targeted, country-by-country market entry plans across Southeast Asia. Visit kala-advisory.com.
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