Singapore can look forward to more collaborations with Rwanda in the future.

Speaking at a lecture at the Lee Kwan Yew School of Public Policy, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who is in Singapore on his first official visit, went beyond bilateral ties to paint a picture of hope and optimism.

Singapore will offer advice on building a modern centre - in areas like management of public services and skills development - so that Rwanda can eventually serve as the region's service centre.

President Kagame, who is credited with turning Rwanda around after one of the worst genocides in human history that killed almost 800,000 people, is one of Africa's bright new lights.

And he has worked hard to dispel the negative notion of his country, and continent being unfit for business and investment. Economic growth in Rwanda has now reached 6 percent.

President Kagame said that although the geographical distance between Singapore and Rwanda is short, there is still much psychological distance to be bridged between Asia and Africa.

However, that too looks set to change. China, for example, is now Africa's third largest trading partner, with trade volumes expected to double by 2010.

In a session filled with candour, the African leader also addressed his feelings as a Tutsi soldier - the tribe that saw many killed during the 1994 genocide - and how to avoid being a despot.

- CNA/cl