JAKOB BRIX TANGE has served in various roles, including at the OECD, Danish Security and Intelligence Service, and diplomatic postings in Nicaragua, London and Paris, before serving as the Danish Ambassador to Afghanistan. He moved to Singapore almost two years ago with his daughter, Luna. We find out about his work as Denmark’s Ambassador to Singapore.
Where are you from originally?
I’m from a small town north of Copenhagen called Birkerød – a beautiful place surrounded by lakes and forests.
What inspired you to pursue a career in diplomacy?
Back in the 1990s, after the fall of the Berlin Wall, I was an intern at the European Commission. I witnessed how multilateral organisations and strong international cooperation could create stability and economic prosperity for the benefit of many parties.
What are some characteristics you feel are important for the job?
One very important quality is the ability to relate to other people. You need to understand your partners and appreciate their points of view. You also need to know your policy areas thoroughly and be able to analyse them well.
What’s your favourite aspect of your work?
My favourite aspect of the job is working in teams to define and achieve a shared objective. I’m very fortunate to have a great team at the embassy here and I very much enjoy working with them.
What has been your most memorable meeting so far?
I met the King of Denmark when he had a short stopover in Singapore, on his way home from an official visit to Australia. We went for dinner at Marina Bay Sands. I had the opportunity of having an informal and very enjoyable conversation with him, which was a wonderful experience.
What would you like to achieve during your service in Singapore?
My overall goal is to help build an even closer relationship between Denmark and Singapore. The two countries are very alike. Both are small with limited natural resources, and they are highly innovative and deeply dependent on trade. Both countries also enjoy high levels of liveability and very low levels of corruption.
I believe both sides would benefit from an even closer diplomatic relationship.
Where do you live in Singapore, and what do you like about the neighbourhood?
The Danish Residence is located in the Caldecott neighbourhood. It’s very quiet in the best possible way, with very good neighbours. There’s a great deal of wildlife around, too – birds, monkeys, lizards and more. So, it’s a lively area in terms of nature, while still being very peaceful.
What are a few things you like to do in Singapore when you’re not working?
I enjoy going for runs, playing tennis at a club near where I live, strumming my guitar and exploring Singapore. Sometimes I go sailing with a German friend, but the boat is Danish!
Quick questions about Singapore: what’s your favourite…
Local food? Laksa
Nature space? The Rail Corridor
Thing to do with visitors? Have a meal at the top of Marina Bay Sands, visit Gardens by the Bay and take the cable car to Sentosa.
Nearby holiday destination? My daughter and I both love skiing so we often travel to Japan and New Zealand to ski. I’ve yet to explore other nearby destinations but I look forward to discovering them!
The Royal Danish Embassy in Singapore
#13-01/02 United Square, 101 Thomson Road
sinamb@um.dk | FB & IG @udenrigsministeriet | um.dk/singapore
This article first appeared in the June 2026 issue of Expat Living magazine. You can buy the latest mag or an annual subscription, or read the digital version for free now.
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