Singapore, Malaysia To Strengthen Supply Chain Resilience, Expand Halal Cooperation
By Anas Abu Hassan
SINGAPORE, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- Singapore and Malaysia have endorsed the terms of reference for the Malaysia-Singapore Supply Chain Cooperation Workgroup (SCWG), aimed at strengthening preparedness for future supply chain disruptions, said Singapore’s Energy, Trade and Industry Ministry (METI).
This was one of the key outcomes of the 3rd Annual Ministerial Dialogue between METI and Malaysia’s Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI), held in Kuala Lumpur.
The meeting was co-chaired by Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Trade and Industry Minister, Gan Kim Yong, and MITI Minister, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani on Thursday.
METI said the workgroup will support regular information-sharing and joint planning, strengthen crisis coordination, and explore practical arrangements to facilitate the continued cross-border movement of essential goods and workers during severe connectivity or supply disruptions.
This will be in accordance with the respective domestic laws, policies, and priorities of Malaysia and Singapore.
"The SCWG reflects the shared commitment of Malaysia and Singapore to strengthening supply chain resilience amid a rapidly evolving and increasingly complex global economic environment," it said in a joint statement on Thursday.
Both sides have also agreed to explore opportunities for deeper cooperation, capacity building, and investment across halal-related sectors.
Singapore is Malaysia’s second-largest halal export destination, with exports valued at RM7.1 billion in 2025, it said.
"Both Ministers highlighted the complementary strengths of the two economies, noting that Malaysia’s well-established halal industrial ecosystem, combined with Singapore’s extensive global trade networks, financing capabilities, and research and development expertise, could create opportunities for higher-value commercial partnerships and investments.
"Both ministers acknowledged the ongoing discussions on mutual recognition of halal certification and encouraged both sides to explore avenues towards formalising an arrangement that would facilitate halal trade and promote greater business opportunities for the benefit of businesses and consumers in both countries," it said.
METI said both sides have also agreed to explore linkages between Singapore-based enterprises and Halal Malaysia (HalMas)-certified Halal Parks in priority areas, including food processing, halal ingredients, alternative proteins, cosmetics and cold-chain logistics.
"Malaysia also encouraged Singaporean businesses to leverage platforms such as the Malaysia International Halal Showcase to identify business, investment and partnership opportunities," it added.
-- BERNAMA