The Takeaway
On February 28, Singapore unveiled its first-ever National Space Strategy, positioning itself as a player in the global space industry. The strategy prioritizes research and development, talent cultivation, and international partnerships. It also presents new opportunities for collaboration with Canada’s space industry. Deepening ties with Singapore—and with Southeast Asia more broadly—could bolster Canada’s efforts to diversify its space partnerships, especially in the areas of space research, satellite technology and the sustainable use of space.
In Brief
- Singapore’s new space strategy is centred on three pillars: expanding the sector through innovation; fostering international partnerships for the safe and sustainable use of space; and developing targeted space programs in aviation, maritime, connectivity pertaining to communication technologies, and sustainability that includes disaster monitoring and relief.
- The strategy follows a C$162 million (S$150 million) investment in the country’s Space Technology Development Program, which was launched in 2022. The Office for Space Technology & Industry (OSTIn) has committed an additional C$65 million (S$60 million) over the next two years to strengthen Singapore’s satellite technology and space research ecosystem.
- The new strategy and financial support will bolster Singapore’s status as a key hub in Southeast Asia’s burgeoning space sector. It already hosts regional offices of major satellite companies, including Ottawa-based Telesat.
- The growing space ambitions of other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) present Ottawa with an opportunity to diversify and expand its space partnerships. Unlike other major space players such as China, Japan, and India, Canada has yet to establish comprehensive space partnerships with its Southeast Asian counterparts.
Implications
Canada and Singapore can build on their agreement in May 2024 to advance bilateral co-operation in areas of science, technology and innovation. That agreement includes bolstering collaboration in emerging innovations, including artificial intelligence, digital technologies, biotechnology, and green technologies. Although their joint statement did not specifically reference space-related projects, its focus on innovative technologies suggests the potential for collaboration in space technology and research.
Beyond bilateral agreements, Canada and Singapore are both signatories to the Artemis Accords, a set of U.S.-led international guidelines for lunar exploration and use. These accords, while non-binding, reinforce the interpretations by member states who are signatories to the 1967 Outer Space Treaty about what type of resource extraction is permitted under the treaty. These common interpretations could provide an opportunity for Canada and Singapore to work together multilaterally. The 53 signatories to Artemis also include Australia, India, Japan, and South Korea.
In addition, as members of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, Canada and Singapore remain committed to the peaceful and sustainable use of space and its resources. Singapore has also sought to advance global space safety practices through implementing initiatives such as the 2021 Guidelines for the Long-term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities. Similarly, Canada has focused on advancing the long-term sustainability of outer space activities through space monitoring and developing technologies for debris removal and risk assessment.
Diversifying partnerships will be essential for the competitiveness and growth of Canada’s space sector. Southeast Asia, especially Singapore, presents a promising opportunity for Canada due to its rapidly expanding space industry and strategic investments. There are also opportunities for advancing partnerships with other Southeast Asian nations. For example, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam have already developed and launched observational satellites. Moreover, the region’s increasing reliance on satellite data is projected to contribute C$144 billionto its economy by 2030, underscoring the sector’s long-term growth potential.
What’s next?
1. Singapore’s space strategy signals an interest in new international collaborations
Singapore will likely pursue partnerships with established spacefaring nations to enhance its technological and regulatory expertise. OSTIn is currently in talks with the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre to expand co-operation in space technology and industrial development. Additionally, OSTIn inked a memorandum of intent (MOI) with the European Space Agency on “collaboration on initiatives relating to space technologies, applications and downstream services in telecommunications and related fields.” The MOI includes co-operation on quantum and optical technologies and on navigation and surveillance for use in the aviation and maritime industries. It also supports engagement on space policy and law.
Additionally, Singapore’s interest in enhancing satellite capabilities for maritime and aviation applications could present niche partnership opportunities for Canadian companies specializing in satellite communications, data analytics, and artificial intelligence-powered remote sensing technologies. Strengthening bilateral space co-operation could also foster knowledge exchange and capacity-building initiatives between the two countries.
2. An opening for ASEAN-Canada space collaboration
The ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership, launched in 2023, could serve as a foundation for broader collaboration through space policy exchanges, capacity-building, and knowledge transfer. As Southeast Asia’s space sector continues to grow, Canada could play a pivotal role in supporting the development of regulatory frameworks, space traffic management, and sustainable space-use practices across the region. Establishing joint research projects, satellite data-sharing agreements, and training programs would not only bolster Canada’s presence in the region but also reinforce its position as a trusted partner in promoting the peaceful and sustainable use of outer space. Ultimately, tapping into Southeast Asia’s expanding space ecosystem would strengthen Canada’s position in the global space economy.
• Edited by Erin Williams, Senior Program Manager, Vina Nadjibulla, Vice-President Research & Strategy, APF Canada
