The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Brabant Development Agency (BOM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen economic relations between Singapore and Brabant, the Netherlands.

This partnership will provide the framework for Singapore and Brabant to develop complementary business ecosystems. EDB and BOM will work with companies and key partners in both locations to facilitate knowledge and policy exchanges, talent development initiatives, and joint research opportunities.

EDB and BOM will collaborate in the following key areas:

a) Deeptech: Semiconductors, photonics, quantum, and advanced manufacturing
b) Digital: Artificial intelligence, data science, and cyber security
c) Climate-neutral energy solutions: Cleaner energy systems; including production, transport, and storage solutions
d) A healthy future: Medtech, pharmaceuticals, biotech, healthtech
e) Sustainable food systems: Agritech, foodtech, alternative proteins

The MOU leverages Singapore’s position as a business hub in Asia to support European companies to grow and capture new opportunities globally. In addition, it aims to use the Netherlands’ position as gateway to Europe as a stepping stone for Asian enterprises. Besides mutual sharing of best practices and industry developments, the EDB and BOM will look to establish discussion platforms involving stakeholders from academic institutions, public- private partnerships and investors to foster open innovation and greater collaboration. Both parties will also work with institutes of higher learning to create opportunities for cross-border learnings involving students and academic staff from Singapore and the Netherlands.