The SIIA’s Annual Members’ Circle (AMC) is a closed-door event and kept to around 30-40 selected participants to enable free flowing exchange and closer interaction. Held over half a day, discussions revolve around global economics issues and key issues which experts are looking at for the year ahead. In 2013, our AMC speakers looked at the global economic outlook and the domestic as well as regional effects.
Annual Members’ Circle 2013 – Outlook 2013 in Global, Regional and Domestic Dimensions
Session 1: Global Futures in an Uncertain World
With the US facing the imminent effects of its “fiscal cliff” from spending cuts and tax raises, and the Eurozone still searching for solutions to their economic woes, it is looking likely that the global economic slowdown may continue in 2013. In Asia, China’s economy is still growing, but even then there are uncertainties about China’s future. Is the current economic climate just a bout of turbulence, or are we looking at a more lasting slump? This opening session looks at changes in the global economic landscape as a whole, and how the private sector should respond.
- How should businesses react to global economic turmoil, particularly in the US and Eurozone?
- What will be the impact of China’s influence on the regional economy?
- Moving beyond current uncertainties, what future growth areas should investors focus on?
Insights on key issues by:
Dr. Parag Khanna, Senior Fellow, New America Foundation; Director, Hybrid Reality Institute and Senior Research Fellow, Singapore Institute of International AffairsMr. Michael Zink, Head of ASEAN, Citi Country Officer, Singapore
Moderated by: Mr. Simon Tay, Chairman, Singapore Institute of International Affairs
Session 2: ASEAN Connectivity and Singapore’s Positioning
From the overall picture of the global economy, this panel turns the focus to the ASEAN region. The members of ASEAN have pledged to create an ASEAN Economic Community by 2015, bringing together the grouping in a common market and production base. Critics have questioned whether this is achievable by the deadline. But even if ASEAN fails to meet all the targets, it is clear that ASEAN countries are growing closer. New regional supply chain and trade networks are being built, with ASEAN at the centre. What are the prospects for the region, and what does this mean for Singapore?
- What will be the impact of the ASEAN Economic Community and other ASEAN-led regional initiatives on business in Asia?
- What are the key challenges facing ASEAN as a whole, and individual member states?
- How can companies grow regionally and tap on success in other Asian economies?
Insights on key issues by:
Mr. Pushpanathan Sundram, Managing Director, EAS Strategic Advice Pte Ltd and Senior Research Fellow, Singapore Institute of International Affairs
Dr. Robert Yap, Chairman and CEO, YCH Group
Moderated by: Mr. Simon Tay, Chairman, Singapore Institute of International Affairs
Session 3: Global Shifts, Singapore Society
Concluding the day’s discussions, this final panel moves from ASEAN down to a closer look at Singapore – examining how Singapore is managing its economy in light of global and regional uncertainties. 2012 saw issues like foreign labour and the housing market make headline news. What does 2013 hold for Singapore? What challenges does the government identify as most critical, and how is policy addressing these issues? What does the private sector feel about these priorities?
- What are the key challenges for Singapore in 2013?
- What are the government’s economic priorities, and key policies under discussion?
- How can the private sector respond, and what should individual businesses do?
Insights on key issues by:
Mr. Baey Yam Keng, Member of Parliament for Tampines GRC
Mr. Nicholas Fang, Executive Director, Singapore Institute of International Affairs and Nominated Member of Parliament
Moderated by: Mr. Simon Tay, Chairman, Singapore Institute of International Affairs
