Speaking at a reception in Kuala Lumpur to mark the country’s 59th National Day, Vanu Gopala Menon insisted that there is “immense scope” for the two nations to build on its strong foundation.

Menon said the digital economy, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and climate change are just some of the many sectors that Singapore and Malaysia could collaborate further.

“(What) we can achieve together is limited only by our imagination and political will,” said the high commissioner in a Bernama report.

”As prime minister Lawrence Wong said during his visit (to Malaysia in June), trust is everything, and we can get many things done together when there is trust.

“Let us, therefore, continue to stand shoulder to shoulder in facing our many challenges.

“There is much that Singapore and Malaysia can look forward to in 2025, bilaterally and regionally, so let us continue working together towards a bright future filled with promise.”

Menon noted that there have been several notable high-level visits between Singapore and Malaysia this year, adding that Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim chose Singapore for his first overseas state visit in May.

Menon also said Wong made sure that Kuala Lumpur was one of his first stops as part of his introductory visits as prime minister in June, with senior minister Lee Hsien Loong also in the Malaysian capital in July for Sultan Ibrahim’s installation ceremony.

“One common theme during these visits was, ‘What more can Malaysia and Singapore do together? How do we keep our bilateral agenda forward-leaning and future-ready?’” said Menon.

Noting that Singapore and Malaysia are discussing the establishment of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), Menon said he had no doubt that the JS-SEZ would spur investments and create jobs on both sides of the Causeway.

Menon added that the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link (RTS) is also making “good progress” and is set to be completed by the end of 2026.

Singapore celebrated its National Day on Aug 9.