Singapore, China should deepen green, AI, and ageing ties: Chee Hong Tat

These areas have become key amidst climate pressures and demographic shifts.

Singapore and China should deepen cooperation in the green transition, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, and ageing societies as both countries respond to shared global challenges, Minister Chee Hong Tat said. 

These areas have become more important amidst geopolitical uncertainty, rapid technological change, climate pressures, and demographic shifts, Chee told the Lianhe Zaobao Singapore-China Forum 2026.

“We recognise that no country has all the answers, nor the capacity and resources to act alone,” he added.

On the green transition, Chee said China’s capabilities in solar, wind, battery energy storage systems and nuclear energy, including small modular reactors, could support regional decarbonisation efforts.

“There is much we can learn from China’s experience in deploying and scaling clean energy solutions,” he said, adding that Singapore, in turn, could contribute to sustainable urban planning and integrated development.

On AI and robotics, he pointed out that both countries should consider how these technologies can create new jobs, improve work processes, and prepare workers for new roles.

In the built environment sector, firms have been using robots for painting and facility management, as well as AI-powered façade inspection systems.

Meanwhile, Chee said China’s experience in deploying AI, robotics and intelligent manufacturing at scale across construction, logistics and urban infrastructure could offer lessons for Singapore.

“This goes beyond technological capabilities, as technology cannot exist in a vacuum without the necessary regulatory, economic, and social frameworks to support its usage in society,” he added.

Ageing societies were also identified as a shared priority. By 2030, one in four Singaporeans and one in five Chinese citizens will be aged 65 and above, placing both societies in the super-aged category.

Chee said both countries could exchange experience on designing communities for longevity, using technology to support independent living and building social infrastructure for ageing populations.