About 16th ASEAN & Asia Forum

The 16th ASEAN and Asia Forum (AAF) | “Integration and Connectivity Amid Global Shifts” 

 

The world faces a growing risk of fragmentation due to heightened geopolitical tensions, prolonged conflicts and growing geoeconomic contestation. These challenges threaten to disrupt global trade and undermine the stability of the conventional rules-based order.    

As an important player in global value chain, ASEAN and Asia require new strategies and approaches to strengthen cross-border collaboration. Fostering connectivity through stronger supply chain, physical and digital connectivity, is critical for the region to enjoy sustained growth. Government-to-government cooperation and public-partnership collaboration within ASEAN and with external partners are important to encourage innovation and build a more resilient region.   

To foster understanding and dialogue in our region, the Singapore Institute of International Affairs is organising the 16th ASEAN and Asia Forum (AAF), on the theme of “Integration and Connectivity Amid Global Shifts”. Through three panels focusing on strengthening connectivity between ASEAN and its dialogue partners, we aim to address the following questions:

  • How might heightened geopolitical tensions and prolonged conflicts affect the global economy and supply chain connectivity?
  • What are the implications for the regional political and economic outlook of ASEAN and Asia, and how best should the region respond?
  • How can policymakers and businesses enhance regional connectivity and resilience?
  • How can ASEAN capitalise on its growing digital economy and strengthen connectivity?  

About the ASEAN and Asia Forum (AAF)

Into its 16th 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.