HCM City wishes to learn from Singapore’s startup experience

Nhan told Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean on August 27 during his current visit to Singapore that HCM City wants to explore Singapore’s experiences in developing technologies, calling for funding and protecting intellectual property rights for startups.

He suggested Singapore, Indonesia and the Vietnamese southern hub together take turns holding an innovative startup fair of Southeast Asia to share experience, develop startups and call for investment.

Teo appreciated Nhan’s proposal, saying it is critical to bolster cooperation in innovative startup capacity building and Singapore is ready to share experience with Vietnam in this matter.

He advised Vietnam to focus on protecting intellectual property rights and said Singapore plans to establish a centre for international intellectual property registration.

On the same day, Nhan met with Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan during which the guest expressed his delight at the strong growth of Vietnam – Singapore relations over the years, not only benefiting both countries but also contributing to ASEAN’s solidarity, security and development.

Nhan expected the minister and government of Singapore to back the development of a strategic relationship between HCM City and Singapore. HCM City wants to work with partners from Singapore to create relations with long-term vision and practical interests for both sides, he said, adding that the city will make efforts to develop ASEAN as the global hub for innovative startups in the 21st century.

Balakrishnan, for his part, thanked the Government of Vietnam for supporting Singapore investors and businesses and praised Vietnam for its abundant and quality workforce, which is a vital engine for national growth.

He affirmed Singapore’s willingness to share technologies with HCM City in urban development and planning and to invite Vietnamese experts to visit and explore Singapore’s experience.

Secretary of the HCM City Party’s Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan took the occasion to visit the National University of Singapore (NUS) to explore how the university develops startup support policies and discuss cooperation between the two sides.

He also met with Chairman of the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities Lee Tzu Yang and laid flowers at the President Ho Chi Minh statue at the Asian Civilisations Museum.