Event Details
Date: Wednesday 31 March
Time: 9.30am – 12pm (Singapore Time)
Venue: Zoom
Programme
| 09:30am | Introductory Remarks Ms. Seraphim Cheong, Director of Operations, Singapore Institute of International Affairs |
| 09:33am | Welcome Remarks Associate Professor Simon Tay, Chairman, Singapore Institute of International Affairs |
| 09:40am | Opening Keynote Address – ASEAN and Asia: Shared Challenges, Common Interests, and Opportunities The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its neighbours face multiple shared challenges in the years ahead, including a turbulent external environment and demographic shifts at home. The COVID-19 outbreak exacerbated the uncertainty in the global economic outlook, raising questions about the future of trade and investment. The infrastructure gap in Southeast Asia remains a pressing need but “remains a bright spot that can increase business activity and employment”. Long term challenges including climate change and an aging population will require more attention in the next thirty years. This provides opportunities for stronger partnerships in Asia.
Keynote Speaker: |
| 09:50am | In-conversation: Ms. Indranee Rajah, Minister in Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Finance and National Development Facilitator: |
| 10:05am | Panel 1 – Trade and Investment: Shifting Supply Chains and Prospects for Growth A global recession has become a stark reality following the COVID-19 pandemic. Even before the outbreak, trying events such as the US-China trade war had already begun to unnerve businesses. Many ASEAN economies are highly dependent on trade and investment flows, including Singapore. Shocks to business confidence and the reshoring of supply chains would have significant implications for their economic prospects. It is critical for ASEAN to take stock of its relationships and explore avenues to strengthen economic partnerships.
Panellists:
Moderator: |
| 10:55am | Break |
| 11:05am | Panel 2 – Quality and sustainable infrastructure: Bridging expertise with ASEAN’s needs The pandemic has created another hurdle for ASEAN to meet its infrastructure needs. The sector is also increasingly vulnerable to the long term effects of climate change such as natural catastrophes. Sustainable infrastructure is therefore imperative and help contribute to the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Besides technical expertise and financing clout, countries are advocating for quality infrastructure. To build according to guidelines such as the G20 principles, launched during Japan’s presidency in 2019. Yet, commercial priorities – rather than sustainability principles – often drive decision making in ASEAN, and local conditions tend to vary across countries. There is a need to integrate environmental and social considerations in infrastructure investment.
Panellists:
Moderator: |
| 11:55am | Closing Remarks Ms. Seraphim Cheong, Director of Operations, Singapore Institute of International Affairs |
| 12:00pm | END |
Registration:
This event is exclusive to SIIA members only. If you wish to express your interest in joining the forum, please kindly email us at events@siiaonline.org.
