About 18th ASEAN & Asia Forum
The 18th ASEAN and Asia Forum (AAF)
“Power, Rules and Competitiveness amidst Turmoil and Transformation”
The continued fragmentation of the international rules-based order is fuelling turmoil and instability around the world. Geopolitical tensions and the actions of major powers are constantly reshaping the global economy. Most recently, the war in the Middle East and the resulting energy crisis have introduced a new layer of volatility for governments and businesses alike. This comes on top of the prolonged US-China rivalry and ongoing uncertainty over the Trump administration’s tariffs.
Amidst this turbulence, ASEAN and the broader Asian region find themselves caught in the middle, navigating sharper strategic pressures and tighter economic constraints within an increasingly fluid regional order. In this challenging landscape, ASEAN and Asia’s ability to sustain their competitive edge will depend increasingly on how effectively they exercise agency, carve out strategic space, and shape their own outcomes. Equally important will be their capacity to provide the stability and rules-based environment needed to sustain business confidence amidst continued disruption.
Under the theme “Power, Rules and Competitiveness amidst Turmoil and Transformation”, the 18th ASEAN & Asia Forum will bring together regional policymakers and business leaders to examine how power rivalry, contested rules, and strategic uncertainty are reshaping competitiveness, resilience, and regional order in ASEAN and Asia.
About the ASEAN and Asia Forum (AAF)
Into its 17th edition, the AAF is a platform for the private sector to better understand the region’s political, economic, and strategic challenges, as well as their implications for businesses. The annual Forum draws more than 200 high-level corporate leaders and policymakers each year, and encourages open dialogue and networking among regional stakeholders.
Previous AAFs have featured Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, former Prime Minister of Singapore; Tan Sri Dato’ Muhyiddin bin Yassin, former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia; and U Soe Thane, Union Coordinating Minister for Economic Development, Republic of the Union of Myanmar. The AAF attracts significant media coverage, widely covered by both local and regional media outlets. News coverage of the AAF appears in media outlets such as TODAY, Channel NewsAsia (CNA), and Bloomberg, as well as via social media platform Twitter and Facebook. The media engagement has been useful in promoting awareness about ASEAN and international affairs.
About the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA)
Established in 1962, the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) is a non-profit, independent think-tank committed to policy-relevant research, analysis, and discussions on regional and international politics, economic policy, and sustainability. Our work serves as a bridge between policymakers, business leaders, and other stakeholders to nudge policy change through dialogue and collective action.
We provide insights and perspectives for businesses in navigating a complex world and help Singaporeans with sense-making and responding to issues they care about. We aim to contribute to a region that is inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous – An integrated, sustainable, and globally competitive ASEAN and a Singapore that is an open, dynamic hub and responsive node.
We have been consistently ranked as one of the leading think tanks in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, in the Global Go-To Think Tank Index by the University of Pennsylvania. Since 2017, the SIIA was ranked the No. 1 independent think tank in Asia. We were recognised as one of the top 50 think tanks globally, excluding the United States of America. In 2019, we were recognised as the No. 1 think tank in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific (excluding India). In 2020, we were also recognised as one of the think tanks with the best policy and institutional response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Visit us at www.siiaonline.org.