Singapore, Singapore. Cyprus was the focus of an event held at the National University of Singapore on June 22, bringing together Cypriot officials, companies and Centres of Excellence to present the country as a gateway to Europe and seek partnerships in Southeast Asia.
Cypriot delegation and participants
The event was organised by the High Commissioner of Cyprus, H.E. Nikos Panayiotou, and the Chief Scientist of Cyprus, Demetris Skourides, who travelled to Singapore with a delegation of professionals representing Cypriot enterprises, companies and Centres of Excellence.
The delegation included Shadgunya Cyprus, QSecure, Tototheo Global, Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI), German Medical Institute, Hyperion Systems Engineering, Dynamic Works, Orom AI, and Powersoft.
Economic and digital positioning
The visit took place as Cyprus sought to form alliances in Singapore, described in the article as the world’s strongest and most competitive economy according to the 2026 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking.
According to data cited from the International Trade Administration, Cyprus’ digital economy is experiencing rapid growth and enhanced business competitiveness, with fintech, cybersecurity, blockchain and AI gaining traction. The article also said this growth is supported by government backing and digital infrastructure with 95 per cent coverage.
Shared characteristics and innovation rankings
The article said Cyprus and Singapore share several characteristics, including their status as small island states located at strategic crossroads and their roles as trade, financial and shipping hubs. It added that both countries have open economies, attractive business environments and highly educated, digitally literate populations.
Singapore was described as a Smart Nation with an advanced AI framework and long-term national development strategy supported by digital transformation. According to the World Intellectual Property Organisation, Singapore ranked fifth among 139 economies in the 2025 Global Innovation Index, while Cyprus ranked 25th. The article said Cyprus ranked 16th globally in innovation output and 36th in innovation inputs, while Singapore ranked first in inputs and ninth in outputs.
EU-ASEAN context and policy frameworks
The article placed the event in the wider context of EU-ASEAN relations, saying stronger collaboration in technology, trade, research, security and climate change has become increasingly important amid geopolitical change, the growth of AI and expanding cross-border data flows.
It said Cyprus is expanding its technological and diplomatic outreach, first in Asia with India and now in Southeast Asia with Singapore, with the aim of connecting the Cypriot technology and innovation ecosystem to foreign markets and linking the EU and ASEAN through partnerships in Singapore.
The article said both countries operate within frameworks that support this process. Cyprus, as an EU member state, and Singapore, as an ASEAN member, are guided by the ASEAN-EU Digital Pact. It also referred to the EU-Singapore Digital Trade Agreement signed in 2025, describing it as the first Digital Economy Agreement between the EU and a Southeast Asian nation.
Cyprus aligns with the EU AI Act, while Singapore aligns with the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement and both have national AI strategies. The article said these frameworks support trusted cross-border data flows, integrated systems, a safer digital ecosystem and regulatory interoperability.
Research, technology and market access
The article said digital, scientific, academic and economic partnerships beyond regional borders are becoming more important in supporting innovation and transformation with socioeconomic impact.
It referred to possible links between research institutions in areas such as space, biotech and marine biodiversity, and said the development and deployment of scalable technologies could create a two-way pathway for innovation between the two countries. It added that this would require investment in digital public infrastructure, deep tech and digital inclusion, supported by trusted private-sector and institutional partnerships.
The article said Cyprus’ innovation landscape and institutional credibility position it to develop as a regional hub for AI capacity development and fintech, and as a sandbox for Singaporean technology companies seeking entry into the EU market.
Stakeholders at the Singapore event
The June 22 event brought together diplomats, industry professionals, investors and business leaders in Singapore to discuss opportunities for cooperation.
According to the article, participants included the CEO of the ASEAN Economic Forum, the Executive Director of GATES, described as Asia’s largest independent technology channel platform, and Redington, identified as a global technology distributor.
Broader strategic direction
The article said that in a changing geo-economic environment, cross-regional and island-to-island collaboration is emerging as a practical strategy based on shared conditions and principles.
It concluded that Cyprus is increasingly integrating its innovation ecosystem into both domestic and foreign policy as it expands its reach beyond its immediate region.
