Programme

09:30 – 09:33

Introduction

09:33 – 09:40

Welcome Remarks

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

09:40 – 09:55

Opening Keynote: Seizing Opportunities Amid Uncertainties

As countries enter a period of post-pandemic recovery, they continue to face challenges which threaten to impede growth. Geopolitical turmoil, inflation, rising debt levels, and climate change are key issues that need to be addressed. Amidst the uncertainty, public-private partnerships and cross-border collaboration will be needed to create opportunities in new areas of growth, such as digitalisation and sustainability.

• How can ASEAN and Asia find opportunities amid global challenges and uncertainty?
• How can Singapore enhance its role as a hub in ASEAN?
• How can public and private partnerships accelerate innovation and growth?

 

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower, Second Minister for Trade and Industry, Republic of Singapore

09:55 – 10:55

In Conversation: Navigating a Fractured Global Order

Amid the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war and intensifying Sino-American rivalry, what lies ahead is a fractured form of globalisation which threatens the once open and inclusive economic order. Friend-shoring in the form of multilateral agreements exerts pressure on smaller countries to pick a side or be left out of the global economy altogether. ASEAN is no exception, similarly, caught in the crossfire. How should ASEAN respond? What does ASEAN centrality entail and how important is it in maneuvering the fractured global order?

• What are the geopolitical risks that nations and business must consider?
• What is the future of economic order in the APAC region?
• What are some challenges to ASEAN centrality and how important is it in maneuvering this increasingly fractured global order?

 

Speakers:

• Dr. Taimur Baig, Managing Director and Chief Economist, DBS Bank
• Associate Professor Simon Tay, Chairman, Singapore Institute of International Affairs

 

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

10:55 – 11:30

Coffee Break + Networking

11:30 – 12:30

Dialogue on Sustainable World Resources (SWR) Panel: Climate Action Amidst Global Upheaval

The Russia-Ukraine conflict, together with geopolitical tensions and the lingering effects of the pandemic, has led to global food and energy shortages, severe inflationary pressures, and emerging resource nationalism. Amidst these challenges, there are concerns that climate action plans may be deprioritised. Several economies are already increasing their reliance on coal-fired power and LNG from other sources to compensate for the lack of Russian supply. What implications will this have on carbon pricing policies and climate action?

• How is the current global upheaval impacting climate policies? How can ASEAN and Asia remain resilient against these shocks?
• How are higher energy and fuel prices affecting the rollout of carbon tax and carbon market initiatives?
• How can we strengthen cross-border partnerships for climate action, especially when energy and carbon projects are sensitive sectors?

 

Speakers:

• Mr. Souksavart Sosouphanh, Deputy Managing Director, Électricité du Laos
• Mr. Ferry Akbar Pasaribu, Assistant Deputy for Investment Strategy, Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment Affairs, Republic of Indonesia
• Mr. Colin Chen, Managing Director, Head of ESG Finance APAC, MUFG Bank
• Ms. Hum Wei Mei, Head of Asia-Pacific, AirCarbon Exchange

 

Moderator: Ms. Cheryl Chen, Director, Global ESG Strategy and Engagement, S&P Global and Council Member, SIIA

12:30 – 13:30

Coffee Break + Networking

13:30 – 13:40

Panel Keynote: Digitalisation as an Enabler

Digital underpins the growth of the modern economy and both businesses and government have laid out digital transformation roadmaps for profit and for people. Online services and digital technologies are also seen as an enabler to tackle some of the world’s challenges related to climate change and the need for inclusive growth.

• What are the regulatory challenges facing the growth of the digital economy in Singapore and across borders?
• What can digitalisation do for the environment and inclusivity?
• How can transformative digital services and innovation support ASEAN’s goals of economic integration?

 

Speaker: Mr. Kiren Kumar, Deputy Chief Executive, Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) Singapore

13:40 – 14:35

Digital Panel: ASEAN’s Next Wave of Growth: Innovation, Interoperability and Inclusion

ASEAN is projected to be the fourth largest economy by 2030, with digital transformation being a key driver of inclusive growth and development in the region. The pandemic spurred digital adoption, providing countries with the foundation to propel their respective digital transformations. However, policy challenges remain in enabling innovation, inclusion, and interoperability in the digital realm.

• What are the opportunities and threats to ASEAN’s digital transformation?
• How can the public and private sector collaborate to drive digital innovation and growth?
• How can digitalisation enhance inclusive growth in ASEAN?

 

Speakers:

• Mr. Kiren Kumar, Deputy Chief Executive, Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) Singapore
• Dr. Kasititorn Pooparadai, Senior Executive Vice President, Strategy and Management Unit, Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), Thailand
• Ms. Shinto Nugroho, Chief of Public Policy & Government Relations, GoTo Group
• Mr. Leo Jiang, Chief Digital Officer, Asia Pacific, Huawei Cloud & AI

 

Moderator: Ms. Jessica Wau, Deputy Director, ASEAN, Singapore Institute of International Affairs

14:35 – 14:45

Closing Remarks (AAF x SWR)

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

14:45 Onwards

End of AAF x SWR

Networking with refreshments

*Conference programme is subject to changes (updated 3 October 2022)