By Dr Graham Ong-Webb

The Republic of Singapore and the Sultanate of Oman, both rich in distinct cultural and geographical identities, are united in their transformative journey to redefine urban living through their smart city initiatives. This collaboration, deeply rooted in shared historical ties and common visions for the future, is exemplified by the Sultan Haitham City project in Muscat, which is on track for completion by 2045.

One of the project’s highlights will be Singapore Street, a reciprocal gesture to Muscat Street in Singapore’s Kampong Glam, symbolising the profound bond and mutual respect between the two nations.

The unveiling of Singapore Street during His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s state visit to Singapore, from December 13 to 15, 2023, stands as a testament to the robust bilateral ties between the countries. His endorsement of “excellent relations” and the pursuit of strategic partnerships, particularly within the green energy sector, harmonises with Singapore’s progressive environmental policies, indicating a shared vision that extends beyond traditional diplomatic engagement into substantial, actionable collaborations.

The historical and cultural connections between Singapore and Oman, having been cultivated over centuries initially through maritime trade, have blossomed into a broad spectrum of collaborative ventures today. The recent elevation of consulates-general to embassies, along with ongoing governmental and business exchanges, signals a strengthening commitment to a shared strategic vision. The Singapore-Oman Strategic Dialogue, launched in December 2022, marks a significant milestone in this growing partnership.

Culturally, Singapore and Oman share a commitment to the preservation and celebration of their heritage. The redesigned Muscat Street in Singapore, adorned with its elegant granite arches and Omani art, is more than an architectural feat; it serves as a cultural bridge, inviting residents and visitors to immerse themselves in a tapestry of Omani and Singaporean traditions.

Economically, the two countries showcase their readiness to learn from each other’s successes and challenges. Oman’s strategic position in the Middle East provides Singapore with access to new markets and insights. In contrast, Singapore’s expertise in technology and urban planning offers Oman a model for their smart city developments. The memorandums of understanding recently signed in culture, youth, and economic cooperation exemplify significant strides toward a symbiotic partnership.

Innovative measures are pivotal in amplifying the collaborative efforts between Singapore and Oman. Joint Innovation Hubs could act as incubators for technological and entrepreneurial innovation, fostering collaboration on smart city solutions. Expanding cultural exchange programmes would deepen the understanding and appreciation of each nation’s heritage and contemporary societal dynamics.

Educational partnerships in crucial future-city domains like technology, environmental sciences, and urban planning could equip a skilled workforce for the smart city projects of tomorrow. Similarly, sustainable energy joint ventures, focusing on green hydrogen development, would affirm Oman’s commitment to net-zero emissions and align with Singapore’s environmental goals.

Smart tourism initiatives have the potential to blend technology with heritage, curating tourist experiences that are both enlightening and engaging. By employing modern technology, such as virtual reality and intelligent navigation systems, these projects could safeguard cultural legacies while enhancing the visitor experience.

Healthcare presents another area ripe for collaboration, with both nations facing the challenges of ageing populations and the rise of chronic diseases. Collaborative medical research can investigate public health issues and pharmaceutical advancements, utilising the combined expertise and state-of-the-art facilities of both countries.

Exchanges of medical professionals would enable the sharing of best practices in advanced medical treatments and healthcare management. Pooling collective knowledge in medical technology, Singapore and Oman can create partnerships that bring together research institutions and start-ups, focusing on areas like telemedicine, AI in diagnostics, and sophisticated healthcare management systems to elevate patient care.

Together, the development of smart healthcare facilities, drawing on Singapore’s experience in efficient healthcare systems, coupled with Public Health Initiatives promoting preventive care and wellness, could be tailored to the unique needs of each country’s populace.

As we move beyond the conception of smart nations as merely technological achievements, we see the emergence of societies that are sustainable, habitable, and culturally enriched. The collaborative smart city projects between Singapore and Oman embody a shared vision for a future where technology, culture, and sustainability intertwine to enhance the quality of life for all citizens.

In navigating the complexities of the 21st century, the partnership between Singapore and Oman stands as a beacon of international cooperation, illustrating how countries with diverse backgrounds can find commonality and pursue shared objectives. Fortified by historical ties, cultural respect, and mutual aspirations, this bond is more than a diplomatic success – it is a symbol of visionary and collaborative leadership on the world stage.

[The author is a corporate leader and scholar affiliated to the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore]