PETALING JAYA: Malaysia and Singapore have discussed strengthening bilateral relations and exploring new areas of cooperation, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic).

In a statement following his arrival for a two-day official visit to Singapore, he said he also had meetings with the republic’s top leaders, including President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, who is also the Trade and Industry Minister.

In his meeting with Wong, discussions centred on strengthening long-standing bilateral ties, with emphasis on strategic projects to boost foreign direct investment, and the creation of more job opportunities in Malaysia.

Both leaders also explored new cooperation in tourism, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and people-to-people exchanges to foster long-term understanding.

The two sides also discussed sharing best practices in regulating the gig economy, a growing sector in both countries.

Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia and Singapore are reviewing the matter from legal and policy perspectives to ensure gig workers receive adequate protection and have their welfare safeguarded.

“I also shared Malaysia’s initiatives to support gig workers through social protection and progressive policies as part of efforts to build a competitive digital economy,” he said.

During talks with Gan, both leaders agreed on the importance of fully tapping into Asean’s vast potential to enhance bilateral trade.

Ahmad Zahid also highlighted Malaysia’s position as the region’s leading halal hub, supported by halal industrial park infrastructure, world-class certification standards and strong regional trade ties.

Gan informed Ahmad Zahid that Singapore had sent TVET trainers to Malaysia, reflecting a joint commitment to improving quality and strengthening the TVET ecosystem.

On regional issues, Ahmad Zahid said both Singaporean leaders commended Malaysia’s leadership in addressing the Thailand-Cambodia issue under its Asean chairmanship.

The working visit concluded with a luncheon hosted by Tharman to mark his final engagement with Singapore’s top leadership.