Noy arrives in Singapore for 2-day working visit

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino arrived in Singapore yesterday for a two-day working visit to meet with members of the international business community.

Aquino said in his departure speech that this was not a typical gathering because he would face top business leaders and directly answer their questions or concerns.

Philippine Airlines flight PR001, which carried Aquino and his official delegation from Manila, landed at 11:28 a.m. at the Changi International Airport.

Aquino kicked off his official activities in the city-state with a courtesy call on Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana main building, the official residence of the president of Singapore.

Upon signing the guest book, Aquino was ushered to the Yusof Room for a luncheon hosted by President Tony Tan Keng Yam.

Aquino was set to give a keynote speech at The Economist’s “The World in 2015” last night as part of the international business publication’s gala dinner series.

The event, to be held at the main ballroom of the Four Seasons Hotel, was hosted by Daniel Franklin, executive director of The Economist. This is the first time for a Philippine president to keynote the gala dinner since its inception in 2009.

Aquino today is scheduled to have a series of roundtable discussions and meetings with top business executives. He will also grant interviews to The Straits Times, Channel News Asia and BBC News.

Aquino will also visit Jollibee’s branch at the Lucky Plaza Mall for a quick lunch before boarding his flight back to Manila at 3:10 p.m.