The Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia YAB Dato’ Sri Fadillah Yusof has arrived in Singapore ahead of a high-level bilateral meeting, signalling a continued push to deepen cross-strait cooperation on critical issues like energy transition and environmental sustainability.
Fadillah, who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), confirmed his arrival on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, for a two-day working visit centred on the 11th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat. The annual summit will be led on the Malaysian side by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Shortly after landing, Fadillah engaged in separate discussions with two key Singaporean cabinet members. He held talks with Singapore’s Minister for Energy, Dr Tan See Leng, focusing on collaborative opportunities in green energy and the broader global shift towards sustainable power sources.
In a subsequent meeting with Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Grace Fu, the dialogue centred on shared challenges and strategies in water resource management, flood control, and advancing a joint environmental agenda.
These preliminary ministerial meetings are seen as setting the stage for the broader discussions between the two national leaders. The Leaders’ Retreat is a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship, serving as a dedicated forum to address both ongoing cooperation and new strategic initiatives between the neighbouring nations.
Fadillah expressed optimism for the talks, stating that the efforts “reflect the continued commitment of Malaysia and Singapore to strengthen bilateral relations, in addition to opening up more space for strategic cooperation in the future.”
He added his hope that the visit would be “filled with productive and meaningful discussion sessions for the mutual benefit of the people of both countries.”
The retreat is expected to build upon a wide array of existing linkages, from the management of water agreements under the 1962 Water Pact to intricate economic and infrastructural ties, including the development of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone.
Analysts note that while the relationship is historically complex, the current focus appears firmly on forward-looking, practical cooperation in areas of mutual economic and environmental interest.
The outcomes of tomorrow’s retreat will be closely watched by the business communities and citizens of both countries, with potential announcements on new frameworks for collaboration in the green economy and cross-border sustainability projects.
Sources: Statement by YAB Dato’ Sri Fadillah Yusof on his FB Page
