The Spotlight Singapore 20th edition was unveiled at a launch event by (from left) Ms Chen Huifen, Editor, The Business Times;
Ms Jennie Chua, Chairman, TRCL; Mr Lee Suan Hiang, Chairman, Spotlight Singapore Organising Committee and Mr Lim Yeong Seng, Chairman, Millet Group
Singapore, 25 June 2026 – Spotlight Singapore marks its 20th anniversary this year with its return to Japan, as Kobe hosts the next chapter of the cultural diplomacy platform in December.
Since its launch in Hong Kong in January 2006, followed by Tokyo later in the year, Spotlight Singapore has travelled to ten cities across Asia, Europe, Africa and Latin America. Over the past two decades, it brought together business leaders, artists, policymakers, entrepreneurs and cultural partners through its long-standing mission of “Business with a Cultural Handshake”.
The Kobe edition carries added significance as Singapore and Japan commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Two decades after Spotlight Singapore’s first Japan edition in Tokyo, Kobe offers a timely setting to renew old ties, build new partnerships and deepen the people-to-people connections between both countries.
Mr Lee Suan Hiang, Chairman of the Spotlight Singapore Organising Committee, said:
“Spotlight Singapore began with a simple belief – that culture can open doors, build trust and create meaningful connections across borders. Over the past 20 years, it has brought Singaporean businesses, artists and leaders into conversations with their counterparts around the world, not only through formal meetings, but through shared experiences and friendships.
Our return to Japan is especially meaningful. As Singapore and Japan mark 60 years of diplomatic relations, Kobe provides a thoughtful and timely setting for us to celebrate the strength of this relationship and explore what more we can build together.”
The Kobe City Government also announced its collaboration with Singapore at a media conference.
Mr Kizō Hisamoto, Mayor of Kobe City, said:
“Kobe is honoured to welcome Spotlight Singapore in 2026 as we mark the 60th anniversary of Japan-Singapore diplomatic relations. Kobe has long been a port city open to the world, and our ties with Singapore and Southeast Asia continue to grow.
With the establishment of Kobe’s office in Singapore in August 2025, we have created another important bridge for deeper engagement with the region. We look forward to welcoming the Singapore delegation to Kobe, sharing our city’s hospitality, culture and enterprise, and exploring new opportunities in business, innovation and the arts.”
Spotlight Singapore has always sought to pave the way for business and economic partnerships through the soft power of culture and the arts. The 2026 Kobe edition will continue this approach, beginning with a creative gesture of friendship before extending into business, innovation and enterprise.
This year’s over-arching artistic narrative is presented by Global Cultural Alliance (GCA), convening the best talents to demonstrate their craft over three days. Think pop icons collaborating on an interactive mural, energetic clashes among an electric guitar, Taiko and Indian and Malay percussion, and beatboxers syncing with dancers – culminating in a finale that embodies the Rhythm of Life.
Shueh-li Ong, Head of Artistic Development, GCA, said:
“Rhythm of Life grew out of a simple question: what happens when young Singaporean and Japanese artists share a stage where their creativity blends as one without boundaries, just their instruments, their instincts, and one another? The answer, every time, surprises us.
Rhythm of Life grew out of a simple idea: rhythm is something we all recognise before words. It is in our pulse, our breath, our movement, and in the ways we connect with one another.
A Taiko drummer finds his counterpart in an Indian percussionist. A beatboxer and a dancer discover they are speaking the same beat. That is what we are bringing to Kobe, not a performance about connection, but connection itself, happening in real time.”
Building on this cultural handshake, the programme will also spotlight Singapore businesses looking to deepen their connections in Japan. Among them is dConstruct Robotics, a Singapore-based robotics and AI company with an existing presence in Tokyo, which will use Spotlight Singapore Kobe to explore new opportunities and partnerships in the city.
Mr Chinn Lim, CEO of dConstruct Robotics, said:
“Kobe stands out as a city that embraces innovation, collaboration, and the practical application of technology to improve everyday life. For dConstruct Robotics, it represents an exciting opportunity to build new relationships and explore how robotics and AI can support the city’s future ambitions.
Through Spotlight Singapore, we look forward to engaging with businesses, institutions, and ecosystem partners in Kobe who share our belief that technology should create tangible value for communities. We are excited to learn from the city’s innovation ecosystem and explore opportunities for meaningful collaboration and long-term growth.”
Supported by The Business Times as Business Programme Partner, alongside GCube, QuantumTX and The Kobe Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Spotlight Singapore Kobe 2026 will welcome delegates, partners and friends to a six-day programme from 1-6 December. Further details on the programme and delegation will be announced in due course.
Colin Goh, CEO of TRCL, making a welcome address at the launch event on 25 June 2026
Opening of Art in Bloom Exhibition at 10 Square in celebration of
60th Anniversary of Japan-Singapore Diplomatic Relation in 2026 and Spotlight Singapore 2026 in Kobe City
(Left) Ms Akiko Kawabe, Director, Japan Creative Centre (JCC), Embassy of Japan in Singapore
(Right) Ms Jennie Chua, Chairman, TRCL
Opening of Art in Bloom Exhibition in celebration of 60th Anniversary of
Japan-Singapore Diplomatic Relation in 2026 and Spotlight Singapore 2026 in Kobe City
(from left)
Mr Hisashi Nakazawa, Director, Kobe Trade Information Office in Singapore
Mr Shigenori Tanabe, Director General, Economic & Tourism Bureau, City of Kobe
Ms Akiko Kawabe, Director, Japan Creative Centre (JCC), Embassy of Japan in Singapore
Ms Jennie Chua, Chairman, TRCL
Mr Lee Suan Hiang, Chairman, Spotlight Singapore Organising Committee
