Kuala Lumpur:Singapore: Singapore and Malaysia have formally endorsed the terms of reference for the Malaysia-Singapore Supply Chain Cooperation Workgroup (SCWG), a strategic initiative aimed at bolstering preparedness against potential supply chain disruptions. This development was announced by Singapore's Energy, Trade and Industry Ministry (METI).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this agreement was a significant outcome of the 3rd Annual Ministerial Dialogue between METI and Malaysia's Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI), which took place in Kuala Lumpur. The session was jointly chaired by Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister and Trade and Industry Minister, Gan Kim Yong, alongside MITI Minister, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.

The SCWG will facilitate regular information sharing and joint planning, fortify crisis coordination, and explore practical arrangements to ensure the continued cross-border movement of essential goods and workers amid severe connectivity or supply disruptions. This initiative will align with the domestic laws, policies, and priorities of both Malaysia and Singapore.

In a joint statement, both nations expressed their commitment to enhancing supply chain resilience in an increasingly complex global economic landscape. Additionally, the countries have agreed to explore opportunities for deeper cooperation, capacity building, and investment across halal-related sectors. Singapore is currently Malaysia's second-largest halal export destination, with exports valued at RM7.1 billion in 2025.

The ministers underscored the complementary strengths of the two economies, highlighting Malaysia's well-established halal industrial ecosystem and Singapore's global trade networks, financing capabilities, and research and development expertise. They noted potential for higher-value commercial partnerships and investments.

Further discussions are ongoing regarding the mutual recognition of halal certification, with encouragement from both ministers to formalize an arrangement that would facilitate halal trade and promote business opportunities in both countries. The agreement also includes exploring linkages between Singapore-based enterprises and Halal Malaysia (HalMas)-certified Halal Parks in various areas such as food processing, halal ingredients, and cold-chain logistics.

Malaysia has also encouraged Singaporean businesses to utilize platforms like the Malaysia International Halal Showcase to identify potential business, investment, and partnership opportunities.