Marking over half a century of diplomatic ties, Hungary and Singapore reaffirm their strong and evolving relationship through political dialogue, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange.
SINGAPORE – As part of IN Diplomacy’s Singapore National Day Edition Feature, Hungary joins in the celebration of Singapore’s 60th year of independence by commemorating a milestone of its own—55 years of diplomatic relations with the Republic. Established in 1970, Hungary–Singapore ties have grown into a comprehensive partnership anchored in mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to rules-based international cooperation.
The past year has seen intensified engagement between the two countries, especially at the ministerial level. In 2024 and early 2025, Singapore welcomed three Hungarian cabinet members—Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Culture and Innovation János Csák, and Minister of Justice Bence Tuzson. These high-level visits underscore the importance both governments place on sustained political dialogue and strategic coordination, particularly amid evolving global challenges.
Economic ties continue to strengthen, with bilateral trade reaching USD 1.5 billion in 2024. Hungarian exports to Singapore include machinery, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and gourmet food products, while imports from Singapore largely comprise high-tech components, precision instruments, and biotechnology solutions. At the same time, Hungarian enterprises—especially those in information and communications technology (ICT), data services, and smart technologies—are increasingly drawn to Singapore’s transparent and innovation-driven economy.
In return, Singapore has become the largest Southeast Asian investor in Hungary, with over 120 companies operating across various sectors and a cumulative investment exceeding USD 8 billion. The significance of this economic relationship was highlighted in the Singapore Manufacturing Federation’s 2024 White Paper on Hungary, which introduced Hungary as a strategic hub for Southeast Asian businesses expanding into Europe. The paper has served as a platform for knowledge exchange and investment exploration.
On the scientific front, the Hungarian Research Network (HUN-REN) and the Energy Research Institute at Nanyang Technological University (ERI@N) have signed a strategic partnership agreement to establish a joint research lab in Budapest, focusing on hydrogen storage and smart grid technologies. Biomedical collaboration is also advancing, with Semmelweis University and the National University of Singapore maintaining active research and academic exchange programmes.
Cultural diplomacy has played a key role in further strengthening bilateral ties. In October 2024, Hungary launched the first-ever Hungarian Month in Singapore, which presented more than 30 events over five weeks. The programme offered a dynamic mix of music, film, gastronomy, innovation showcases, and design exhibitions, and culminated in a sold-out gala concert by the legendary Plácido Domingo, attended by close to 1,800 people. The initiative successfully introduced Hungarian culture to a broader Singaporean audience, promoting mutual understanding and people-to-people connections.
As Hungary and Singapore reflect on 55 years of friendship, both nations reaffirm their commitment to deepening cooperation across all sectors. With shared interests in innovation, sustainable development, and inclusive global governance, the bilateral relationship continues to evolve—looking toward the future with confidence and mutual respect.
