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Ministry of Culture, Community & Youth

Cultural Diplomacy

MCCY works closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other international counterparts to build inter-cultural understanding of the arts and heritage.

Last updated 27 May 2025
A group of performers playing instruments on stage.

MCCY works closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other international counterparts to build inter-cultural understanding of the arts and heritage, enhance socio-culture cooperation, and strengthen relationships. Activities we support include travelling exhibitions, transfers of professional expertise, and artist exchanges. These partnerships help our Singapore artists and professionals gain exposure overseas, and help Singapore gain recognition as a vibrant and unique city of the arts.

MCCY also plays an important part in representing Singapore's interests and contributions in the area of arts and heritage on multilateral platforms such as ASEAN, ASEM and UNESCO.

Singapore National Commission (SNC) for UNESCO

MCCY has been the secretariat for the SNC for UNESCO since January 2014. Set up in 2007, the SNC for UNESCO is responsible for planning and coordinating Singapore's programmes and activities in UNESCO. Chaired by Minister Edwin Tong, the SNC is supported by Sub-Commissions focusing on Education, Science and Culture & Information with members from government ministries, institutions and relevant agencies and organisations.

ASEAN Committee for Culture and Information (COCI) (opens in new tab)

ASEAN is envisioned as a community of caring societies, conscious of its ties of history, aware of its cultural heritage and bound by a common regional identity. Established in October 1978, the ASEAN COCI seeks to spread ASEAN awareness of cultural heritage, cultural creativity and industry, and a sense of community. Through this, ASEAN COCI aims to enhance mutual understanding and solidarity among the ASEAN member nations, furthering regional development.

Singapore COCI

The Singapore COCI carries out the objectives of the ASEAN COCI in the local context. The role of the National Secretariat of the Singapore ASEAN COCI is undertaken by MCCY and supported by the Ministry of Communications and Information (opens in new tab).

Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM)

The biennial ASEM was established in 1996 and is an inter-regional forum for dialogue and cooperation between Asian and European states. It aims to strengthen the relationship between the two regions based on mutual respect and equal partnership. The inaugural ASEM Culture Ministers' Meeting took place in Beijing, China in 2003.