When Italy and Singapore connect, the exchange goes beyond trade; it’s a cultural fusion that brings out shared values of beauty, innovation, and empathy. This was the essence of the recent event “Italy Meets Singapore: What They Say About Us,” hosted at Villaggio Italia during the stopover of Italy’s iconic vessel, the Amerigo Vespucci, in Singapore. The event, organized with Difesa Servizi, gathered Italian and Singaporean thought leaders, showcasing the dynamic bond between the two nations.
Deputy Minister of Business and Made in Italy, Valentino Valentini, opened the event by highlighting the parallel strengths of Italy and Singapore. Both nations play pivotal roles within their regions and boast a strong presence of family-owned businesses and SMEs that drive tradition and values forward. He emphasized, “Singapore is the gateway to Southeast Asia,” and noted the increasing value of regional collaboration in a world where globalization is evolving into a network of regional alliances.
Stefano De Alessandri, CEO of ANSA, echoed this sentiment. He spoke about ANSA’s efforts to expand its reach in Southeast Asia, particularly in Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, and India, and underscored the agency’s long-standing mission of fostering international connections. “Next year, we will celebrate ANSA’s 80th anniversary,” he announced, pointing to the agency’s extensive global network of partnerships and correspondents that bring Italy closer to its friends abroad.
Federico Donato, former president of Eurocham Singapore, praised Singapore as a welcoming business environment, attributing its rise as a global business hub to its ease of operations and accessibility. He noted that these qualities have grown alongside challenges in Hong Kong, positioning Singapore as an alternative gateway for business in Asia.
Entrepreneur Charity Cheah, co-founder of Toni&Guy, shared her insights on Italy’s reputation for cultural vibrancy and warmth. She believes that the Italian people’s natural affinity for building relationships makes them ideal partners in business and cultural exchanges alike.
Travel and tourism also took center stage, with Huang Eu Chai, director of Ergo Travel, highlighting Italy’s appeal among Singaporean tourists, who are increasingly seeking unique Italian experiences beyond the typical tourist paths. “In 1960, at the Rome Olympics, Singapore won its first Olympic medal,” he reminded the audience, underscoring Italy’s enduring place in the memories of Singaporeans.
The field of robotics illustrated another point of collaboration. Cecilia Laschi, director of the Robotics Department at the National University of Singapore, noted that Singapore’s innovation-friendly ecosystem allows research developed in Europe and Italy to thrive and transition into real-world applications. “For robotics, this is a true paradise,” she concluded, emphasizing Singapore’s role as a launchpad for technological advancements.
Ultimately, the event underscored a profound synergy between Italy and Singapore, celebrating a relationship that goes beyond mere diplomacy. From business to innovation, travel, and culture, both countries stand as gateways in their regions, and their collaboration continues to grow as they forge a future rooted in shared values and a mutual appreciation for beauty and progress.