Mayor Hou with a calligraphy handwritten and gifted by Mayor Yam (left) from several years ago, showcasing the close ties between the two mayors.
Mayor Alex Yam Ziming of Singapore’s North West District paid an official visit to Mayor Hou Yu-ih on May 18, 2025, where both parties discussed urban governance, economic and trade development, Taiwan-Singapore relations, and other topics.
Mayor Hou shared that he had visited Singapore on several occasions and deeply admires Singapore’s governance and institutions. Confronted with challenges posed by U.S. tariffs, the Singapore government has responded proactively, taken decisive measures, and urged its people to be prepared, demonstrating outstanding leadership that continues to drive national development. Mayor Hou expressed that Taiwan has much to learn from Singapore, congratulated Singapore on its successful general election for parliament members, and shared hopes for more future exchanges between New Taipei City and Singapore.
Mayor Hou and Mayor Yam (left) shake hands.
Visitors included Trade Representative Mr. Yip Wei Kiat of the Singapore Trade Office in Taipei (third left), Deputy Trade Representative Mr. Timothy Seow of the Singapore Trade Office in Taipei (second left), North West CDC Deputy General Manager Kho Li Lian (first left), while Deputy Secretary-General Ke Ching-chung (second right) and Director-General of the Secretariat Juh Hui-mei (first right) receives the guests with Mayor Hou.
Mayor Yam stated that he and Mayor Hou are long-time friends and that he is delighted to be able to visit New Taipei City again. Taiwan and Singapore have close ties and are important partners to each other in Asia. Mayor Yam also expressed that many current global issues require regional partners to collaborate and work together. New Taipei City’s urban governance offers an exemplary model for cities around the world. Finally, Mayor Yam thanked Mayor Hou for his well-wishes to Singapore.
Visitors today included Mayor Alex Yam Ziming of Singapore’s North West District, Trade Representative Mr. Yip Wei Kiat of the Singapore Trade Office in Taipei, Deputy Trade Representative Mr. Timothy Seow of the Singapore Trade Office in Taipei, and North West Community Development Council Deputy General Manager Kho Li Lian. Deputy Secretary-General Ke Ching-chung and Director-General of the Secretariat Juh Hui-mei received the guests with Mayor Hou.
