Programme

0830 – 0900 

Registration 

0900 – 0910 

Welcome Remarks

Associate Professor Simon Tay, Chairman, Singapore Institute of International Affairs

0910 – 0955

Keynote Dialogue: Charting ASEAN’s Strategic Course

Keynote Speaker: H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General, ASEAN

Moderator: Associate Professor Simon Tay, Chairman, Singapore Institute of International Affairs

0955 – 1110

Panel 1: Understanding Geopolitics and Geoeconomics   

In an increasingly multipolar world, trade is no longer just an economic activity, it’s a geopolitical tool. A Trump 2.0 has brought about greater power rivalry, and the trade tensions between the US and China have reshaped the landscape of global commerce, with rising protectionism and shifts in the global supply chain. As geoeconomics continues to play a central role in international relations, this panel will explore how it is reshaping the global trading system and unpack its economic and political ramifications.  

• Will trade conflicts lead to a new era of de-globalization, or is there room for negotiation and compromise? 
• How does the trade war impact countries caught in the middle, such as those in Southeast Asia?

Panellists: 

• Prof. Danny Quah, Li Ka Shing Professor in Economics, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore
• Mr. Kevin Wong, Chief Executive, Asia Pacific, Swift
• Mr. Michael Buchanan, Chief Macro Strategist and Head, Australia & New Zealand, Temasek
• Ms. Nisha Biswal, Partner, The Asia Group  

Moderator:

• Mr. Nicholas Fang, Director, Security and Global Affairs, Singapore Institute of International Affairs

1110 – 1140

Tea Break

1140 – 1300 

Panel 2: Powering Innovation and the New Economy 

Southeast Asia’s rapid economic growth and ongoing efforts to build downstream industries need to be supported by reliable energy supply and cutting-edge digital infrastructure. The need for integrated solutions that address energy sustainability, data management, and digital infrastructure has never been more critical. Key initiatives like the ASEAN Power Grid and the rise of data centers are reshaping the landscape of Southeast Asia’s future. As energy systems evolve, the expansion and optimization of energy and data-related services closer to end users and businesses will play a pivotal role. This panel will explore the interconnected roles of energy and technology in powering the new ASEAN economy. 

• What are the key challenges in achieving cross-border energy integration in Southeast Asia? 
• How can innovation be harnessed to shape regional energy and digital infrastructure?

Panel Keynote: 

• Ms. Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, Deputy Minister of Trade, Indonesia 

Panellists: 

• Mr. Andre Oei, Director, Energy Markets and Infrastructure Division, and Energy Partnerships Division, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Singapore
• Mr. Lionel Yeo, Chief Executive Officer, Southeast Asia, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres 

Moderator: 

• Mr. Satya Ramamurthy, Chair, Public Sector, Structured Finance Asia Pacific, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation; and Council Member, Singapore Institute of International Affairs

1300 – 1430 

Lunch

1430 – 1515 

In-Conversation: Singapore’s Role in a Shifting Landscape

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Singapore

Moderator: Associate Professor Simon Tay, Chairman, Singapore Institute of International Affairs

1515 – 1615

Panel 3: Future of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone 

The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) stands at the crossroads of innovation, trade, and regional cooperation, transforming the economic landscape of both Malaysia and Singapore. It aims to enhance trade, investment, and economic integration between Johor and Singapore, focusing on high-value sectors such as technology, manufacturing, logistics, and finance. This panel will delve into the strategic development, milestones and challenges of this cross-border project, which seeks to foster stronger economic ties between the two nations. 

• How has the changing landscape of global trade shaped the development and business strategies within the JS-SEZ? 

• How can regulatory frameworks be shaped to support evolving business needs and long-term resilience? 

Panellists:  

• Mr. Sivasuriyamoorthy Sundara Raja, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Investment Promotion and Facilitation, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)
• Mr. Alvin Lee, Country Chief Executive Officer, Maybank Singapore
• Mr. Kok Ping Soon, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Business Federation 
• Dr. Melvin Heng, Executive Director and Group Chief Executive Officer, Thomson Medical Life Science and Thomson Medical Group 

Moderator:

• Associate Professor Simon Tay, Chairman, Singapore Institute of International Affairs

1615 – 1620

Closing Remarks 

Associate Professor Simon Tay, Chairman, Singapore Institute of International Affairs

1620 – 1700

Networking Tea Break

1700

End

*Last updated 10 July 2025. The programme is subject to change.