The 18th ASEAN & Asia Forum, organised by the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA), brought together more than 320 policymakers, business leaders, diplomats and experts on 3 August 2026 to discuss the strategic challenges reshaping Singapore, ASEAN, and the global economy.
Held under the theme “Power, Rules and Competitiveness amidst Turmoil and Transformation,” this year’s Forum examined how intensifying geopolitical rivalry, contested international rules and growing strategic uncertainty are reshaping competitiveness, resilience and the regional order in ASEAN and across Asia.
In a keynote dialogue on “Power and Agency Amidst Turmoil“, Mr Chan Chun Sing, Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence, said that in an increasingly contested global environment, Singapore and ASEAN can preserve their competitive advantage by staying out of trouble, remaining consistent in policymaking and execution, keeping open and connected, and continuing to be relevant and resilient partners.
In a keynote dialogue on “Keeping Singapore Competitive in a Disrupted World“, Mr Jeffrey Siow, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance, said the final recommendations of the Economic Strategy Review (ESR) set out a roadmap for the next five to ten years, for a world that would be geopolitically more fractious and more energy constrained, while remaining a trusted hub for business, talent and investment.
The Forum also marked the launch of SIIA’s latest report, “Tested Through Turmoil: Advancing Singapore’s Competitiveness with ASEAN.” The report offers recommendations on how Singapore and ASEAN can strengthen regional cooperation, deepen economic integration and enhance their collective competitiveness in a more fragmented global landscape.
The Forum underscored that Singapore’s competitiveness is increasingly intertwined with ASEAN’s success. As businesses rethink supply chains, investment destinations and regional strategies, ASEAN’s ability to remain open, resilient and adaptable will be critical, not only for the region’s growth, but also for Singapore’s continued role as a trusted hub and partner.
Read the SIIA media release here: https://siiaonline.org/18th-asean-asia-forum-asean-competitiveness-in-an-era-of-turmoil-and-transformation
Selected Media Coverage
The Business Times – Turning constraints into assets could help Singapore remain competitive in an age of global fragmentation
The Business Times – Singapore, ASEAN have to be proactive to stay relevant in volatile world: Chan Chun Sing
The Straits Times – Singapore needs to redouble resources on reskilling to overcome smaller population: Jeffrey Siow
The Straits Times– ASEAN countries should share data to propel regional economic growth: Chan Chun Sing
Lianhe Zaobao – 新加坡明年接任亚细安轮值主席 萧振祥：希望推动区域联通倡议
Lianhe Zaobao – 亚细安要成更强经济体 能源金融数据三制高点须把握
Lianhe Zaobao – 全球贸易碎片化 亚细安内部深化合作有望构建完整产业链
CNA – Singapore must prepare workers for more job changes and continuous retraining: Jeffrey Siow
CNA – Complacency could dull Singapore’s ability to respond to threats: Chan Chun Sing
CNA – Chan Chun Sing’s keynote dialogue at 18th ASEAN & Asia Forum | Full
CNA – Jeffrey Siow’s keynote dialogue at 18th ASEAN & Asia Forum | Full
