Navigating Diplomacy: Inside Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Source: PMO

On 7 January 2025, Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong convened in Putrajaya for the 11th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat. This being their inaugural Retreat together, the Leaders reflected on the commendable advancements in bilateral collaboration and reaffirmed their unwavering dedication to continuing this annual dialogue as a means to enhance bilateral relations across diverse sectors for mutual advantage.

Summary of Malaysia-Singapore Bilateral Relations

The Leaders expressed their delight that Malaysia and Singapore will commemorate 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2025. They reflected on the robust bonds and extensive cooperation that have developed between the two nations over the past sixty years, reiterating their resolve to further enhance the bilateral relationship for the mutual benefit of both countries and the region.

The Leaders acknowledged the consistent exchanges of visits at various levels during the past year, which underscored both nations’ determination to fortify the bilateral ties, broaden the scope of collaboration, and seek new channels of partnership. They expressed their commitment to continue tackling shared challenges, promoting mutual benefits, and supporting sustainable development within the region.

The Leaders viewed positively the lasting bilateral relations shaped by geographical, historical, and interpersonal connections. They advised that reinforcing these links at every level would benefit both countries and ensure continued attractiveness for international investments that can generate quality jobs and inspire innovation within both economies.

The Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to cultivating a more robust bilateral partnership grounded in mutual respect and understanding, emphasizing their shared aspiration to resolve outstanding matters amicably and constructively. They concurred that it is crucial for both nations to handle these issues in a manner that promotes win-win cooperation and prevents any single matter from overshadowing the extensive, long-term relationship.

The Leaders recognized Singapore’s plans to establish Consulates in Sabah and Sarawak, which would further strengthen the economic and interpersonal connections between Singapore and East Malaysia, in addition to enhancing the overall bilateral partnership.

Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ)

The Leaders expressed their satisfaction regarding the positive progress achieved on the JS-SEZ following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 11 January 2024, and subsequently the JS-SEZ Agreement concluded during the Retreat. The JS-SEZ constitutes a significant milestone in Malaysia-Singapore relations, allowing both nations to leverage their complementary value propositions to foster innovation, increase productivity, attract global investments, create employment opportunities, and stimulate economic growth. The Leaders endorsed the vision for the JS-SEZ to facilitate enhanced cross-border movement of goods and people while strengthening the business ecosystem.

In terms of fostering enhanced collaboration within the JS-SEZ, the Leaders noted early initiatives that have seen positive progress, including (a) the implementation of QR code clearance at land checkpoints; (b) facilitating investments for Singaporean businesses through the establishment of the Investment Malaysia Facilitation Centre – Johor (IMFC-J) in Johor; (c) Singapore’s efforts to streamline its customs processes for land intermodal transhipments; and (d) partnerships aimed at enhancing cooperation in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) initiatives to fulfill industry requirements. Instances of such TVET collaborations include MOUs between Singapore Polytechnic and the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM), and Singapore’s ITE Education Services (ITEES) with the Johor Skills Development Centre (JSDC), alongside the signing of a Cooperation Note on Talent Development between Republic Polytechnic and the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC). These initiatives open pathways for closer win-win cooperation between Singapore and Malaysia on new ventures outlined in the JS-SEZ Agreement.

The Leaders commended the sustained collaboration under the Joint Ministerial Committee for Iskandar Malaysia (JMCIM) and the intention to revitalize the JMCIM framework to better align with the ambitions and development of the JS-SEZ. Both Leaders acknowledged the promising opportunities for further collaboration in the development of Iskandar Malaysia, particularly facilitated by the establishment of the JS-SEZ, establishing a foundation for a vibrant and sustainable business ecosystem. They reiterated ongoing discussions aimed at refreshing the JMCIM framework to better support the ambitions and execution of the JS-SEZ while reinforcing bilateral cooperation in other areas such as transportation and environmental matters.

Political-Security Collaboration

The Leaders praised the robust defence collaboration between Malaysia and Singapore, with both nations actively participating in various bilateral and multilateral activities. The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) engaged in several bilateral military drills, including Semangat Bersatu (Army), Malapura (Navy), and Sarex Malsing (Air Force). On the multilateral front, cooperation continues to develop through initiatives such as the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus, Malacca Straits Patrol (MSP) as well as the Counter-Terrorism Information Facility (CTIF). Both Leaders underscored the significance of maintaining close defence cooperation in response to the increasing challenges to global security and the ongoing contributions by both nations to regional safety.

The Leaders emphasized the necessity for ongoing close collaboration between Malaysia and Singapore to tackle the continuously adapting threat of transnational crime, which poses considerable risks to national peace and stability. Both Leaders welcomed the exchange of the MOU on Collaboration in Preventing and Addressing Transnational Crimes signed by the Ministry of Home Affairs of both nations at the Retreat, demonstrating their dedication to enhancing bilateral cooperation in confronting this issue together. Both Leaders recognized the advancements made in finalizing the MOU on Cooperation to Combat Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances, Their Analogues, and Precursor Chemicals, and expressed a desire to conclude the MOU at the earliest possible opportunity.

The Leaders noted that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and Singapore’s Info-Communications Media Development Authority formalized an MOU on Cooperation regarding the Enforcement of Laws on Scam Telephone Calls and Scam Short Message Service on 25 February 2024. This MOU aims to bolster the cross-border sharing of strategic intelligence to counter scams.

Economic Cooperation

The Leaders reiterated the robust and expanding economic partnership between Malaysia and Singapore. Historically, both nations have been significant trading partners, consistently ranking as one another’s top trading allies within ASEAN. In 2023, Malaysia was Singapore’s third-largest trading partner, while Singapore was Malaysia’s foremost export destination and second-largest global trading partner. The trade between the two nations remained strong in 2023, totaling USD79.58 billion. From January to November 2024, bilateral trade reached USD78.59 billion, reflecting a 6.7% growth compared to the same timeframe in 2023. This increase was propelled by heightened trade in electrical and electronic items, machinery, equipment and components, as well as chemicals and chemical products. Singapore also emerged as Malaysia’s leading source of sanctioned foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2023, injecting USD9.52 billion into Malaysia’s FDI.

The Leaders praised the collaboration between Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) through the Annual Ministerial Dialogue (AMD). During the second AMD held in Singapore on 13 June 2024, discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in sustainability and reaffirming both countries’ commitment to nurturing sustainable economic growth. Both parties welcomed the creation of a new supply chain cooperation workgroup to strengthen supply chain resilience between Malaysia and Singapore. Additionally, they appreciated the rollout of the updated Malaysia-Singapore Third Country Business Development Fund (MSBDF) in March 2024, which is jointly managed by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG). This fund extends support for businesses and associations from both nations to collaboratively engage in missions, feasibility assessments, and pilot initiatives, particularly in emerging sectors such as the digital and green economies. Since its inception, over 20 businesses from Malaysia and Singapore have utilized the MSBDF to enter third-country markets such as the United States and Thailand through business missions.

The Leaders further commended the advancements achieved in economic cooperation within emerging domains as outlined in the Frameworks on Cooperation (FoC) in Digital Economy and Green Economy, ratified in January 2023. Pertaining to the Digital Economy, both parties made headway in cross-border e-payment linkages with the launch of a real-time payment systems connection between Singapore’s PayNow and Malaysia’s DuitNow on 17 November 2023. Significant bilateral digitalization initiatives include projects in trade facilitation, cloud computing, standards for e-commerce transactions, last-mile delivery, and anti-online scam measures. Furthermore, both parties introduced the Capacity Development Programme for Exporters, aimed at aiding exporters’ sustainability transition, led by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and EnterpriseSG. These undertakings seek to digitalize cross-border trade engagements and interoperability, as envisioned in the FoC in Digital Economy, while paving the way for the establishment of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement in 2025 and aiding exporters in meeting sustainability criteria. As of October 2024, significant strides have been made under the FoC in Green Economy, including low-carbon solutions, collaboration on carbon credits, ongoing dialogues/events on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, advancements in electric vehicles (EVs), and developments in carbon capture and storage (CCS). As essential trading partners, both nations reaffirmed that cooperation in this realm is vital for ensuring a seamless flow of trade, fostering economic stability, and enhancing resilience amid global disruptions.

The Leaders emphasized the importance of Malaysia and Singapore’s shared commitment to advance sustainable practices and collaborative efforts between Malaysia’s Ministry of Economy (KE) and Singapore’s MTI concerning transboundary carbon capture and storage (CCS). They acknowledged the Malaysian Government’s initiative to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework governing carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) activities across the value chain. This initiative represents a key step towards facilitating a bilateral arrangement for transboundary CCS operations. In this spirit, both Leaders welcomed the exchange of the MOU in the Area of Carbon Capture and Storage between Malaysia’s KE and Singapore’s MTI at the Retreat and anticipated the formation of a binding bilateral agreement to enable cross-border CCS.

In pursuit of enhancing economic collaboration, the Leaders endorsed the initiatives aimed at trade expansion, including the launch of the MATRADE Singapore Office on 14 June 2024. They also welcomed the mutual acknowledgment of Malaysia’s Authorised Economic Operator Programme and Singapore’s Secure Trade Partnership Programme by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department and Singapore Customs effective from 30 July 2024, which will facilitate the movement of goods between the two nations.

The Leaders recognized the progress achieved under the MOU on Collaboration for the Development of Malaysia and Singapore SMEs ratified between SME Corporation Malaysia and EnterpriseSG at the previous Retreat. Both nations will persist in their cooperation on SME development by exchanging knowledge and best practices and motivating SMEs to engage in business matching sessions and events.

Environmental Cooperation and Sustainable Development

The Leaders welcomed the close inter-agency collaboration on transboundary environmental matters through platforms like the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Committee on the Environment (MSJCE) and the Malaysia-Singapore Annual Exchange of Visits (MSAEV), which gathered on 26 and 27 November 2024 respectively. Through the MSJCE and MSAEV, both parties acknowledged tangible progress in controlling vehicle emissions, jointly monitoring water quality, conducting exercises and collaborations on emergency responses to chemical and oil spill incidents, and exchanging information regarding the ecology and morphology in and around the Straits of Johor. The Leaders also reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to supervise,exchange data regarding, and deliberate on issues impacting the environment in the Straits of Johor. Both Leaders recognized the MSJCE’s progress report, highlighting that both nations had exchanged relevant information and debated land reclamation activities influencing the environmental conditions in the Straits of Johor and their possible detrimental transboundary effects. The Leaders advocated for ongoing initiatives to foster cross-border environmental protection through collaborative efforts and capacity enhancement; reiterated the significance of improving competencies to tackle areas of shared concern; and underscored the necessity of information exchange and the implementation of mitigation strategies.

The Leaders expressed their approval of the exchange of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Cooperation in Cooperative Approaches under Article 6, Paragraph 2 of the Paris Agreement by Malaysia’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) and Singapore’s MTI during the Retreat. The Leaders looked ahead to the formation of a binding bilateral agreement and affirmed the ongoing collaboration between the two countries for sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

The Leaders reaffirmed their commitments to ensure adherence to the obligations under the 1962 Johore River Water Agreement (62WA). They praised the consistent efforts of Malaysia’s Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) and Singapore’s Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) to promote the shared interests of both countries under the 62WA. They expressed their sincere gratitude for the longstanding partnership between the water authorities of Johor and Singapore, encouraging the perpetuation of this fruitful collaboration. During the PETRA-MSE Joint Technical Committee meeting held on 25 November 2024, both parties consented to address topics related to yield, water quality, and the resilience of the Johore River on a technical basis, to guarantee the sustainable provision of water from the Johore River, as mandated by the 62WA. The Leaders also directed officials to continue engaging in discussions through the Joint Technical Committee regarding measures to enhance yield and protect the water quality of the Johore River, such as potential collaborations, as well as ongoing conversations around raw and treated water pricing, without reservations on each other’s pre-established rights to reevaluate pricing under the 62WA.

The Leaders recognized the substantial advancements and successful execution of cross-border trading in green electricity between both countries, including the inaugural pilot supply of green electricity by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) from Malaysia to Singapore through Sembcorp Power Pte. Ltd., facilitated by the Cross-border Electricity Sales for Renewable Energy framework, utilizing the Energy Exchange Malaysia (ENEGEM) auction platform. TNB will deliver 50MW of electricity along with green attributes to Sembcorp Power in Singapore. Building on the results from the pilot initiative, both nations will persist in fortifying cooperation in cross-border renewable energy trading, including the exploration of methods to establish a credible framework for mutual recognition of green attributes tied to cross-border electricity transactions, to bolster both countries’ ambitions toward a sustainable and low-carbon future.

The Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to persist in exploring and enhancing collaboration in cross-border electricity and renewable energy trading, aiming to achieve their shared objectives of decarbonization, energy security, and economic development. They acknowledged the positive progress in discussions for Singapore to import renewable energy from Sarawak and efforts to expedite the process. The Leaders noted the ongoing joint feasibility study by TNB and SP Group to optimize the use of the existing interconnector. To facilitate extensive long-term bilateral and regional power trading, the joint feasibility study will also aim to enhance interconnector capacity and infrastructure between Singapore and Malaysia. The Leaders further welcomed the enhanced cross-border electricity trade made possible by the increased capacity of the Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project (LTMS-PIP), which successfully implemented multilateral power trade with the initial flow of power from Malaysia to Singapore reaching up to 100MW, commencing in September 2024.

The Leaders regarded these initiatives as significant steps toward realizing deeper regional power exchange and integration within the framework of the ASEAN Power Grid, which will expedite economic growth and energy transition in the region. The Leaders reiterated their commitment to advance regional collaboration on the ASEAN Power Grid during Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025.

The Leaders welcomed the exchange of the MOU on Cooperation in the Urban Development Domain by Malaysia’s Ministry of Housing and Local Government and Singapore’s Ministry of National Development during the Retreat. This MOU will bolster greater collaboration and manifest a strong commitment to promoting sustainable urban development through technical knowledge exchange and sharing expertise in urbanization. Focus areas may include land use planning (e.g., town planning, urban redevelopment, urban mobility, urban livability, urban sustainability), provision of high-quality smart homes, and municipal administration aimed at fostering more inclusive, resilient, sustainable, and livable urban spaces that can better meet the demands of contemporary urbanization while enhancing the quality of life for their inhabitants.

Border and Connectivity Collaboration

The Leaders noted that the Causeway commemorated its 100th anniversary on 28 June 2024, serving as a poignant reminder of a century of collaboration and the lasting connections that unite the two nations. With a daily traffic flow of approximately 300,000 individuals, the Causeway facilitates transport, tourism, and enhances people-to-people ties between the nations. The Leaders welcomed initiatives by both sides to celebrate this milestone, including the joint issuance of commemorative stamps by Singapore Post and Pos Malaysia, and the National Heritage Board of Singapore’s launch of a traveling exhibition titled, “The Causeway: A Century of Connection,” documenting the history and development of the Causeway.

Recognizing the importance of cross-border connectivity and security, the Leaders expressed satisfaction with the positive progress of the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link project, following the commemorative ceremony in January 2024 celebrating the completion of the drop-in span, linking both sides of the marine viaduct. The Leaders observed that both countries’ infrastructure companies are gradually providing RTS Operations Pte Ltd, responsible for the RTS Link’s operations, access to civil infrastructures to commence the installation of rail systems. Upon completion, the RTS Link will accommodate a peak capacity of 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction. The RTS Link will complement the establishment of the JS-SEZ, further enhance connectivity between Johor and Singapore, and facilitate the creation of a dynamic economic ecosystem. The Leaders urged their officials to maintain close collaboration to ensurethe initiative is finalised on schedule and for passenger operations to commence by December 2026.

Both Leaders acknowledged the significance of enhancing the efficiency and experience of cross-border travel and recognised the collaborative efforts by agencies from both nations, under the Joint Malaysia-Singapore Committee on Immigration and Transportation Links (JMCIM) Work Groups, to mitigate congestion at the land borders. The Leaders appreciated the advancements made in developing our respective immigration clearance systems, including initiatives such as digitalisation via QR code clearance and automated clearance lanes, which have facilitated a quicker and more seamless clearance process for travellers. Both Leaders encouraged further initiatives to alleviate congestion at the Causeway and acknowledged Singapore’s intentions to revamp the Woodlands Checkpoint to enhance the movement of individuals and goods across borders.

The Leaders reiterated their dedication to reassessing the delegation arrangements pertaining to the provision of air traffic services over Southern Peninsular Malaysia, which were suggested and sanctioned by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 1973. The Leaders concurred that these delegation arrangements do not impinge on sovereignty and that the review ought to align with ICAO’s stipulations for safe and efficient air traffic management while addressing both nations’ current and future operational needs. Both Leaders assigned the Transport Ministers to steer the civil aviation authorities to advance the discussions and to convene regularly to exchange perspectives on matters of mutual interest.

Maritime Boundary

The Leaders took note with gratitude of the Joint Report submitted by the Attorneys General of Malaysia and Singapore, and commended the efforts undertaken by both delegations in the Joint Meeting of the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Technical Committee concerning the Implementation of the International Court of Justice Judgment on Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks and South Ledge, as well as the Committee for Boundary Delimitation Pursuant to the Agreement between the Foreign Ministers of Singapore and Malaysia on 14 March 2019 (Joint MSJTC and CBD Meeting) conducted since the previous Retreat. Both parties remain devoted to resolving the unresolved maritime boundary disputes between the two nations.

The Leaders noted the commendable progress achieved at the Meeting of the Technical Working Group regarding the Agreement between the Government of Malaysia and the Government of the Republic of Singapore to Accurately Delimit the Territorial Waters Boundary in accordance with the Straits Settlements and Johore Territorial Waters Agreement of 1927 (1995 Agreement). Since June 2023, the Technical Working Group (TWG) convened four times, with the fourth meeting taking place in Singapore on 11 and 12 November 2024. Both nations consented to and signed the Terms of Reference (TOR) and Scope of Works (SOW) for the TWG. Accordingly, both countries also agreed upon a proposed timeline, with joint technical efforts commencing in 2025. Both Leaders urged the TWG to persist in determining the precise location of the international boundary in the Johor Strait pursuant to the 1995 Agreement.

Socio-Cultural Cooperation

The Leaders emphasised the crucial role of regional collaboration in education and expressed a unified commitment to enhance basic education through cooperative initiatives. Accordingly, both parties have agreed to initiate the Malaysia-Singapore English Volunteers Programme (MSEVP) in 2025. Yayasan Guru Tun Hussein Onn (YGTHO) and the Singapore International Foundation (SIF) are in discussions to implement a pilot programme later this year. Under the MSEVP, volunteers from Singapore will support the teaching of the English language in selected schools and regions in Malaysia. The MSEVP demonstrates the shared interest of both nations in investing in youth and fostering greater interpersonal and professional exchanges. This initiative will also generate meaningful opportunities for reciprocal learning and long-term educational advantages.

The Leaders welcomed the exchange of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding Cooperation in the field of Higher Education by Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education and Singapore’s Ministry of Education at the Retreat. The MOU will further bolster educational collaboration between Singapore and Malaysia, paving the way for enhanced institutional partnerships, people-to-people exchanges, and information sharing between the respective higher education institutes.

The Leaders also acknowledged that Malaysia’s Ministry of Health and Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority signed an MOU on Cooperation in the Field of Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs on 6 May 2024. The MOU will further fortify collaboration in pharmaceutical regulation for the improved protection of public health and safety.

The Leaders welcomed the exchange of the MOU on Cooperation in the Fields of Social Welfare, Women, and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Family, Children, and Community Development, signed by Malaysia’s Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development and Singapore’s Ministry of Social and Family Development at the Retreat. This MOU underlines the mutual commitment to working together in the realms of social welfare, women’s empowerment, empowerment of persons with disabilities, and family, children, and community development aiming to build cohesive, resilient, and supportive communities.

Both parties welcomed and promoted initiatives to celebrate the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two nations, including the Triennial Cultural Showcase (TCS) which Singapore will host this year in Malaysia. Events such as the TCS provide a platform for both sides to envision a future of even closer collaboration and to reinforce the mutual respect and friendship that characterise the strong bilateral connections.

Highlighting the enduring cultural and interpersonal ties, the Leaders have committed to strengthening bilateral relations in the arts, culture, and heritage sectors. Accordingly, both nations have opted to jointly nominate Chingay onto the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2025. Traditionally celebrated during the Chinese New Year festivities, the Chingay Parade has transformed into a significant event in both nations, featuring active participation from communities of diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and age brackets. The UNESCO nomination will represent a crucial milestone in safeguarding and promoting this shared living heritage of Malaysia and Singapore. The Leaders acknowledged that this will be the second joint nomination by both nations, following the successful multi-national inscription of the kebaya with Brunei, Indonesia, and Thailand, which was announced on 4 December 2024.

Regional and International Developments

The Leaders reaffirmed the significance of ASEAN as a platform for regional collaboration, underscoring that ASEAN Centrality and resilience, particularlyin a progressively unpredictable global context, will remain essential. Both Leaders underscored the necessity for ASEAN to maintain relevance and unity in tackling regional and international matters, as well as to advance its integration initiatives. Concerning the developments in Myanmar, the Leaders reaffirmed their dedication to the Five-Point Agreement and the ASEAN Leaders’ Review and Resolution on the Execution of the Five-Point Agreement. Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim also voiced his gratitude to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong for Singapore’s robust backing of Malaysia’s Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025.

Conclusion

The Leaders acknowledged the discussions at the Retreat regarding the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) Agreement; the Letter of Intent (LOI) between Yayasan Guru Tun Hussein Onn (YGTHO) and the Singapore International Foundation (SIF) on the Malaysia–Singapore English Volunteers Programme (MSEVP); MOU on Collaboration in the Area of Higher Education; MOU on Collaboration in the Arenas of Social Welfare, Women’s Empowerment, and Support for Persons with Disabilities, Family, Children, and Community Development; MOU for Collaboration in Cooperative Initiatives under Article 6, Paragraph 2 of the Paris Agreement; MOU in the Area of Carbon Capture and Storage; MOU on Collaboration in Preventing and Fighting Transnational Crimes; and MOU on Collaboration in Urban Development. The Leaders urged their respective officials to take swift follow-up measures under the MOUs to guarantee that the commitments made are converted into concrete results. Both Leaders expressed optimism that by sustaining a proactive and results-driven strategy, the initiatives specified in the diverse MOUs will be effectively executed. This will further reinforce the bilateral relationship and yield mutual advantages for both nations.

The Leaders also directed officials from both parties to accelerate their discussions towards finalizing other outstanding bilateral agreements by the 12th Annual Leaders’ Retreat.

The Leaders anticipated Singapore hosting the 12th Retreat.

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