18 Aug
On June 22, 2026, the event “Cyprus as a Gateway – Connecting the Technology and Innovation Ecosystems of Europe and Southeast Asia” took place at the Bukit Timah campus of the National University of Singapore. The event was co-organised by the High Commissioner of Cyprus to Singapore, Mr. Nikos Panayiotou, and Mr. Demetris Skourides, Chief Scientist of Cyprus, during Cyprus’s rotating Presidency of the European Council. A delegation comprising Cypriot businesses, technology companies, and centres of excellence accompanied the delegation to Singapore.
Two Island Nations, Similar DNA
The similarities between Cyprus and Singapore go far beyond their warm climates and distinct culinary traditions. Both islands are strategically located—Cyprus bridges Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, while Singapore guards the Strait of Malacca. Both are major hubs for trade, finance, and shipping, with open economies and highly educated, digitally skilled populations.
According to the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) 2025 Global Innovation Index (GII), Singapore ranks fifth among 139 economies. Cyprus ranks 25th, climbing two places from the previous year. Cyprus ranks 16th globally in innovation outputs and 36th in innovation investment. Singapore ranks first worldwide in innovation investment. Both countries are among the global leaders in innovation. In the 2026 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, Singapore returned to first place.
Policy Framework: A Digital Bridge Connecting Two Regions
As members of the EU and ASEAN, Cyprus and Singapore play a role in the regional digital governance framework. The EU-Singapore Digital Trade Agreement (EUSDTA), signed in 2025, officially entered into force on February 1, 2026. It is the first standalone digital trade agreement between the EU and an ASEAN country. Meanwhile, discussions on the ASEAN-EU Digital Pact are also progressing.
Cyprus follows the EU AI Act, while Singapore participates in the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA). These policy frameworks provide institutional safeguards for cross-border data flows, systems integration, and digital ecosystem security.
It’s Not Just Talk
For EU-ASEAN relations, it is vital to build closer ties in areas of shared interest, such as technology, trade, research, security, and climate change. The event hosted by Cyprus in Singapore is a tangible reflection of this strategic vision. Connecting Cyprus’s innovation ecosystem with Singapore’s technology hub could open up a new avenue worth exploring between the two island nations.
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