The year ahead not only marks the 60th anniversary of Singapore’s independence, but also Australia and Singapore’s diplomatic relationship. To highlight the strong bonds, the Australian High Commission in Singapore is marking this milestone with a year-long celebration of activities and events.
Throughout 2025, our theme, “Celebrating 60 Years of Friendship,” will showcase the long-running and deep relationship between our two nations – particularly the people-to-people links formed over six decades. This enduring friendship is underpinned by our strong educational ties. In 2025, Australia and Singapore will renew our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. We’re working to make our education relationship – from early learning to tertiary education, research collaboration and lifelong skills development – a central part of the renewed partnership.
A central piece of work that will anchor our celebrations is our “60 for 60” project, which will highlight 60 people who’ve been pivotal to the fabric of the Australia-Singapore relationship. One is 85-year-old Coral Dixon AM, an international education pioneer and founding principal of the prestigious Australian International School (AIS). We spoke with Coral about her journey establishing the school in 1993, her life on the island, and her key tips for entrepreneurial success.
Q. You moved to SG in the 90’s. What was the most rewarding part of being here?
A. I lived in Singapore from 1993 – 2002. Life was rich, varied, safe, and gentle. I loved the complex cultural pattern of local and expatriate life and the many opportunities for travel that Singapore offered as an entry point to Southeast Asia. Truly a garden city, Singapore delighted its visitAors with amazing culinary delights. A plate of chicken rice would go down well right now!
Q. What’s your favourite memory from your career at AIS?
A. Witnessing the school’s growth and being part of its success story. Starting as toddlers, I watched children grow in stature, knowledge, and understanding. I was also part of the growth in professional competence and excellence of a young teaching staff, many of whom have gone on to positions of leadership in the educational world. A continuing feature of the school is the very strong affection and loyalty that former teachers feel towards their time in Singapore, and the people they worked with.
Q. Any advice for young, ambitious Australian entrepreneurs in Singapore?
A. Singapore is a vibrant, young country with opportunities to be seized, especially for middle managers and business leaders. The underlying business structure is similarly adventurous, yet reliably sound and free from corruption. Strategically located, Singapore invites international expansion. It is hard not to succeed.
Great reflections from a champion of the Australia-Singapore relationship! For more stories celebrating 60 years of friendship, or information on other 60th anniversary initiatives and events, follow the Australian High Commission Singapore on social media.
