Jakarta. BP Batam head Muhammad Rudi recently hosted a visit from the Singaporean Ambassador to Indonesia Kwok Fook Seng for some talks on cooperation, among others.

According to a press release, Kwok Fook Seng proposed some potential cooperation, particularly in the renewable energy sector and also digital technologies. The diplomat said that Singapore had been closely paying attention to these sectors. There are also plans for some partnerships in the health sector, particularly on human capital development of healthcare workers, particularly nurses at Batam’s health facilities.

"It is an honor for us to be able to visit Batam. Of course, we will maintain and improve the existing cooperation," Kwok Fook Seng was quoted as saying in a recent press statement.

Batam’s infrastructure, as well as the city’s economic growth, earned praise from the Singaporean envoy. Batam reported that its economy grew 7.04 percent in 2023 after struggling due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We would like to congratulate Mr. Rudi for [Batam’s] achievements. Everything that he has built is shown in the city’s economic growth which even surpasses the national figures,” Kwok Fook Seng said.

According to Muhammad Rudi, Singapore became Batam’s largest foreign investor. Data showed Singapore invested about $366.5 million in Batam throughout last year. 

“BP Batam will fully support what Singapore needs to make its investment in Batam. Hopefully, this meeting will strengthen bilateral ties,” he said.