The Embassy of Denmark in Singapore hosted an event at Fort Canning Park on Nov. 26, 2025, to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The commemoration, titled “A Walk in the Park,” brought together officials and participants to highlight shared commitments to public health and environmental sustainability.
Singapore’s Minister for Health, Ong Ye Kung, attended as the guest of honor. He joined more than 150 participants for a 3.60-kilometer walk through the park alongside Denmark’s Ambassador to Singapore, Jakob Brix Tange, and representatives from Novo Nordisk, a Danish healthcare company that supported the event.
The location was chosen for its historical significance. According to the Danish Embassy, Danish botanist Nathaniel Wallich established Singapore’s first botanic garden on the grounds of Fort Canning Park in 1822, representing an early link in the countries’ shared focus on green initiatives.
In remarks delivered at the event, Ambassador Tange connected the walk to the bilateral relationship and public well-being.
“With this event, we celebrate not only six decades of diplomatic relations, but also our shared commitment to sustainability and healthy living,” Tange said. “Small, everyday actions – like walking outdoors – can have a big impact on our health and our wellbeing. Today, we quite literally took a step together toward a greener, healthier future.”
Anand Shetty, Corporate Vice President for South East Asia at Novo Nordisk, spoke on the topic of preventive health.
“The increasing burden of chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity poses a serious threat to public health and healthcare systems globally,” Shetty said. He noted that Novo Nordisk partners with authorities on initiatives to address health challenges and said the company looks forward to working with Singapore to address root causes of chronic diseases.
The event also featured a performance of the Singapore national anthem by a choir from Queenstown Secondary School and the Danish national anthem by vocalist Tori May.
The embassy stated that more than 400 Danish companies currently operate in Singapore, contributing to sectors including renewable energy, sustainability, and healthcare. The event was organized by the Embassy of Denmark in Singapore.
