Former Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman has been appointed Australia's next high commissioner to Singapore.
Mr Hodgman resigned as Tasmanian premier in January 2020 after serving in the state's top job for almost six years.
He became the inaugural chairman of the Australian Business Growth Fund in April this year, resigning from that role earlier this month.
Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein congratulated Mr Hodgman on his appointment as high commissioner to Singapore and wished him luck in the new role.
Mr Hodgman said due to protocol he could not make any public comment until he receives his credentials in Singapore.
Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne announced the appointment, emphasising Australia's strong economic relationship with the city-state.
"We look forward to growing our relationship in priority areas and continuing our nations' work together in responding to the health and economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic," Senator Payne said.
Singapore is Australia's sixth-largest trading partner and a leading member of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN).
University of Tasmania political analyst Richard Herr said Mr Hodgman will be taking up the role at a time when Singapore's strategic importance to Australia is growing as tensions between Australia and China rise.
"Certainly Singapore is a critical listening post, and indeed a hub for trade and diplomatic relations with ASEAN," Professor Herr said.
"Of course, ASEAN is increasingly important to Australia as we look to rebuilding some of the geopolitical structures in dealing with China, so it's a very important post."
He said Singapore is a coveted posting for diplomats.
"Certainly I'm sure [Mr Hodgman] will regard it as one of the caps on his political or public career because yes, it is a very significant appointment and it is a plum for him to get," he said.
Mr Hodgman will replace Bruce Gosper, who has been the high commissioner to Singapore since 2017.
