Singapore Institute of International Affairs

[ELN Exclusive] Emerging Leaders Network (ELN) 2025 Retreat
2025-12-05 09:00 - 13:30 (Asia/Shanghai) | Singapore
We are pleased to be hosting participants from our Emerging Leader Network for a year-end retreat.
Stay tuned for more information!

[Closed-door] Annual Dinner: Forging a Path Forward in a Shifting Global Landscape
2025-11-18 18:30 - 21:30 | Singapore
This year’s Annual Dinner, themed “Forging a Path Forward in a Shifting Global Landscape,” coincides with Singapore’s 60th year of independence, offering a timely reflection on the leadership and resilience that have guided the nation through change.

[Closed-door] PAE Celebratory Reception
2025-11-18 17:00 - 18:30 | Singapore
This celebratory reception honours Prof. Simon Tay, recipient of the President’s Award for the Environment 2025 – Singapore’s highest national accolade for contributions to environmental sustainability – and recognises the continued support of our corporate members and partners in advancing SIIA’s sustainability mission.

[Closed-door] Policymakers’ Lunch Dialogue with Dr. Janil Puthucheary
2025-10-29 12:00 - 14:30 | Singapore
SIIA is pleased to host Dr. Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State for Education and for Sustainability and the Environment, for a private lunch dialogue exploring how Singapore can help lead ASEAN’s green transition.

[Closed-door] SIIA Briefing: Inequality, Unrest, Instability: Indonesia, Thailand, and the Asian Geopolitical Reset
2025-10-23 09:30 - 10:30 | SIIA, 60A Orchard Road, #04-03 (Level 4M), Tower 1, The Atrium @Orchard International Involvement Hub, Singapore, 238890
In this closed-door briefing, Prof. Simon Tay, Chairman of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs will provide an analysis on the recent political landscape of Indonesia, Thailand and the wider Asian Geopolitical Reset. Prof. Tay will examine the rising tides of inequality, social unrest and political instability in the region.

[ELN Exclusive] A Chat with Mr Ho Kwon Ping: Values in Public Life, Business and Family
2025-10-17 17:30 - 19:00 | Singapore
Mr. Ho Kwon Ping, one of Singapore’s foremost business and thought leaders, will share his candid reflections on the values that have guided his journey across public life, business, and family.
This exclusive, closed-door discussion is curated for participants of our Emerging Leaders Network (ELN) programme, which is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders to tackle Singapore’s and the region’s most pressing challenges. At the heart of SIIA’s vision, the programme reflects our commitment to developing future leaders who engage with global issues as part of their personal and professional growth.
Speaker:
Mr Ho Kwon Ping, Founder and Executive Chairman, Banyan Tree
Facilitator:
Ms. Cheryl Chen, President, S&P Global Foundation; and Senior Director, Social Sustainability, S&P Global; Council Member, Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA)
This event is exclusive to ELN participants only.
Please stay tuned for more information.

SIIA Talk | A Look at Japan: Political and Economic Crossroads
2025-10-14 17:30 - 19:00 | SIIA, 60A Orchard Road, #04-03 (Level 4M), Tower 1, The Atrium @Orchard International Involvement Hub, Singapore, 238890
Japan is navigating a complex web of international relationships and domestic political challenges amid rising regional tensions and global economic uncertainty. Domestic political developments, evolving leadership, and public expectations are shaping policy decisions, while Japan’s relationships with major powers like the United States and China require careful management. Its growing engagement with ASEAN reflects a strategic aim to promote regional stability and diversify economic partnerships.
This discussion will explore how Japan’s global ambitions intersect with domestic constraints and offer insights into how businesses can adapt in these volatile conditions.

Registration Form

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[Closed-door] Policymakers’ Lunch Dialogue with Ms. Sun Xueling
2025-10-08 12:00 - 14:00 | Singapore
SIIA had the pleasure to invite Ms. Sun Xueling, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of National Development & Ministry of Transport, Singapore, to share her perspective on enhancing regional connectivity by developing Singapore as a hub.

[Closed-door] Second Summit of ASEAN Think Tanks and Think Tanks from ASEAN Dialogue Partners
2025-10-02 - 2025-10-03 | Singapore
The ASEAN Think Tanks Summit (ATTS) is an ASEAN-ISIS initiative (the ASEAN-ISIS network is a listed ASEAN accredited entity in Annex II of the ASEAN Charter) organised by SIIA in partnership with the ASEAN Secretariat. The ATTS is a platform for prominent think tanks from ASEAN Member States and ASEAN Dialogue and Development Partners to come together to chart a forward-looking agenda for ASEAN’s development.
This year’s ATTS taking on the theme of the Malaysian ASEAN Chair on “Inclusivity and Sustainability” will feature panels and presentations on building Digital Resilience, Mainstreaming Sustainability, Deepening Economic Integration, Preserving ASEAN’s Centrality and on Challenges related to Ocean Governance and Maritime Security.

SIIA-ISAS | India’s Economic Outlook: Domestic Drivers, FTAs and Strategic Engagements
2025-08-20 17:45 - 19:00 | SIIA, 60A Orchard Road, #04-03 (Level 4M), Tower 1, The Atrium @Orchard International Involvement Hub, Singapore, 238890
India’s gross domestic product is growing at a brisk rate of more than six per cent, making it one of the fastest growing major economies and on way to becoming the world’s third largest economy by the end of the decade. Large public investments and high domestic consumption have been sustaining the high growth. However, doubts are arising over whether the growth can be maintained, given the slowdown in private investment, lack of reforms in agriculture and state-run enterprises, and the rising pressure on public finances. India is also actively engaged in finalising new free trade agreements (FTAs), including with the United States (US), the European Union and the United Kingdom, and reviewing its FTA with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. While strained ties with China look poised for reset, strong ties with the US are being tested by complex developments in global trade in geopolitics, making deft and flexible strategic engagement critical to realisation of its economic prospects. The panel discussion will focus on these various issues and their implications.

Registration Form

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17th ASEAN & Asia Forum - The Global Future and Challenges Ahead
2025-08-05 09:00 - 17:00 | Singapore
In a time of unprecedented global change, the shifting dynamics in political landscapes and international relations bring about a new global order. A Trump 2.0 administration has brought about new changes impacting global governance, that threaten to disrupt connections and undermine the stability of the established rules-based order.
ASEAN stands at the crosshairs of these shifting geopolitical landscapes and economic transformations. The region will have to collectively find ways to strengthen its resilience as well as explore economic and security strategies to navigate a delicate balancing act, while avoiding being drawn into geopolitical tensions and great power rivalry. Collaborating on energy and digital infrastructure ideas and solutions will foster regional economic integration and create resilient value-added supply chains within ASEAN and with its regional partners.
To foster understanding and dialogue in our region, the Singapore Institute of International Affairs is organising the 17th ASEAN and Asia Forum (AAF) in partnership with the 4th Asian Council of Economic Policy (ACEP), with the theme “The Global Future and Challenges Ahead”. Through three panels focusing on building resilience and sustainable chains between ASEAN and its dialogue partners, we aim to address the following questions:

What steps can be taken to ensure resilience and foster deeper cooperation in the face of geopolitical shifts and economic challenges?

How can collaboration between policymakers and businesses drive greater regional connectivity and long-term growth?

How can ASEAN work together on energy and digital infrastructures to strengthen supply chains and boost regional economic ties?

Programme
Please visit our website here for more information.
Registration Form
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Haze Outlook 2025: Media Briefing
2025-07-28 10:00 - 11:00 | Singapore
The Haze Outlook 2025 report provides a risk assessment of the probability of a transboundary haze incident affecting Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore for the year ahead. The report is the seventh edition of this assessment.
Our research includes quantitative information on weather factors, the impact of fires, and commodity prices. We also qualitatively consider government policies and private sector practices.
These assessments are based on the SIIA’s engagement with sustainability stakeholders in the region.

[ELN Exclusive] A Chat with Ms Euleen Goh Leadership and Governance: Navigating Uncertainty and Change
2025-07-08 17:30 - 19:00 | Singapore
A trailblazer for women in leadership, Ms. Euleen Goh will share reflections and hard-earned insights on the principles that have guided her leadership and boardroom decision-making in times of complexity and change.
This exclusive, closed-door discussion is curated for participants of our Emerging Leaders Network (ELN) programme, which is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders to tackle Singapore’s and the region’s most pressing challenges. At the heart of SIIA’s vision, the programme reflects our commitment to developing future leaders who engage with global issues as part of their personal and professional growth.
Speaker:
Ms. Euleen Goh, Chairman, Singapore Institute of Management (SIM)
Facilitator:
Prof. Simon Tay, Chairman, Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA)
This event is exclusive to ELN participants only.

Climate Collaboration in a Time of Crisis
2025-06-26 18:00 - 19:05 | SIIA, 60A Orchard Road, #04-03 (Level 4M), Tower 1, The Atrium @Orchard International Involvement Hub, Singapore, 238890
Climate change is an urgent challenge. Rising greenhouse gas emissions, along with vulnerabilities driven by inequality, deforestation, and disaster risks demand immediate attention – but efforts to address these issues are being complicated by inflation, slowing growth, and trade disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions. Amidst global economic uncertainty, how can Singapore and the ASEAN region work together in continuing progress towards carbon neutrality and net zero?
This public dialogue aims to gather further perspectives on Singapore’s climate initiatives and opportunities to synergise Singapore’s green transition efforts with similar plans in other ASEAN nations, with a focus on Singapore’s role in the region, as well as the role of businesses and other stakeholders in achieving climate action. Insights from this dialogue will feed into the draft ASEAN Climate Change Strategic Action Plan (ACCSAP) 2025–2030 report being developed by think tanks.

How can Singapore’s national climate action plans contribute to ASEAN’s strategies, and what areas offer the greatest potential for alignment?
How are Singapore’s efforts to position itself as a hub for decarbonisation and the green transition being perceived in ASEAN and Asia?
What role can businesses and financial institutions play in advancing decarbonisation and climate action goals in Singapore and beyond?

Programme

Registration Form

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[Closed-door] Consultation Workshop on the Singapore National Report for ACCSAP
2025-06-26 16:00 - 17:30 | SIIA, 60A Orchard Road, #04-03 (Level 4M), Tower 1, The Atrium @Orchard International Involvement Hub, Singapore, 238890
ASEAN is developing the ASEAN Climate Change Strategic Action Plan 2025-2030 (ACCSAP), which aims to identify synergies between adaptation and mitigation efforts among ASEAN Member States. The ACCSAP hopes to accelerate the implementation of Singapore’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and strengthen international support for the finance, technology, and capacity-building needed to achieve net zero and climate neutrality in ASEAN.
This consultation session invites selected policy experts, industry representatives, and other stakeholders to provide feedback and draft inputs to the ASEAN Climate Change Strategic Action Plan (ACCSAP) 2025–2030. The session will gather views on Singapore’s policies and measures for both climate adaptation and mitigation, with an emphasis on identifying synergies for sustainable development and areas that can inform ASEAN climate cooperation.

12th Singapore Dialogue on Sustainable World Resources (SWR) -- Sustaining Sustainability: Reinventing Commodity Industries
2025-05-28 09:00 - 14:30 | One Farrer Hotel, 1 Farrer Park Station Road, Singapore, Singapore, 217562, Singapore
The world is seeing fresh tensions between economic priorities and climate action, highlighted by the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and rolling back of environmental regulations. Questions are also mounting about US policy and trade tariffs, with implications for the global green economy. Elsewhere in the world, other economies are continuing to implement sustainability rules, such as the European Union’s flagship Regulation on Deforestation-free products (EUDR). But the EUDR has already been delayed by a year, and some in Europe are pushing for further changes to the regulation. ASEAN and Asian economies now need to contend with a rapidly shifting policy and business landscape.
In an uncertain world, the ASEAN region will need to reinvent its commodities industries. Much of Southeast Asia’s economic growth still depends on agricultural production and the export of tradable commodities. While sustainability for purely green reasons is now being questioned by global markets, it could be that sustainable production still matters for ASEAN – not only for environmental reasons, but also to ensure efficiency and profitability in the years ahead. ASEAN will need to strike a balance between increasing output to meet economic objectives and long-term sustainability goals. Beyond meeting international demand, commodity producers also need to supply Asia’s own consumption, not only from markets like China and India, but increasingly from within ASEAN itself. Indonesia, Malaysia, and other Southeast Asian economies are accelerating the development of higher-value downstream industries, laying the groundwork for future development.
The 12th Singapore Dialogue on Sustainable World Resources (SWR) will bring together policymakers, business leaders, and experts to discuss the future of sustainability and implications for ASEAN’s tradable commodities industries, including stakeholders from producing countries as well as Singapore as a home to commodities businesses, traders, and financial institutions that play a key role in this sector.

How will trade rules being adopted by major economies affect businesses and sustainability in the ASEAN region?
How will efforts to promote economic development and the downstreaming of industries in ASEAN affect the region’s domestic demand for resources and products?
How can Singapore-based businesses and stakeholders play a positive role in increasing efficiency and sustainability in the region’s tradable commodities industries?

Programme
Please visit our website here for more information.
Registration Form
Please register for the event here

[Closed-door] Dinner Dialogue: Outcomes and Implications of the Singapore General Elections 2025
2025-05-08 19:15 - 21:15 | SIIA, 60A Orchard Road, #04-03 (Level 4M), Tower 1, The Atrium @Orchard International Involvement Hub, Singapore, 238890
Join us as we unpack the outcomes and implications of the Singapore General Elections 2025. This curated evening will convene an intimate group of senior leaders for a candid and confidential exchange of perspectives, with insights shared by:

Prof. Simon Tay, Chairman, SIIA
Mr. Nicholas Fang, Director, Security & Global Affairs, SIIA
Mr. Manu Bhaskaran, CEO, Centennial Asia Advisors

The Future of Growth: Malaysia & the JS-SEZ
2025-04-25 16:30 - 18:40 | UBS AG (Singapore Branch), 9 Penang Rd, Singapore, 238459
The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is a landmark initiative shaping the future of economic cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore.
Join us for an exclusive fireside chat with Mr. Liew Chin Tong, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Malaysia as he shares insights into Malaysia’s economic strategy, its vision for sustainable growth, and the country’s role in driving regional trade and investment.
Following this, a panel discussion will explore the JS-SEZ’s strategic impact, key growth sectors, and opportunities for businesses. Panellists will discuss trade facilitation, investment prospects, and how the JS-SEZ enhances cross-border collaboration between Malaysia and Singapore.
Programme

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[Closed-door] Roundtable: Liberation or Disruption? Assessing the Impact of Trump’s Tariff Policy on the Region
2025-04-24 09:00 - 10:00 | SIIA, 60A Orchard Road, #04-03 (Level 4M), Tower 1, The Atrium @Orchard International Involvement Hub, Singapore, 238890
Join us to hear insights shared by Dr. Denis Hew, Senior Research Fellow for the Centre on Asia and Globalisation, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, and Council Member, Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA).

[ELN Exclusive] A Chat with Prof. Wang Gungwu: China in the Long View
2025-04-17 17:30 - 19:00 | Capital Tower, 168 Robinson Road, Singapore, 068912
A distinguished expert on China and Southeast Asia, Prof. Wang Gungwu will share his insights on the region’s evolving dynamics and their broader implications.
This exclusive, closed-door discussion is curated for participants of our Emerging Leaders Network (ELN) programme, which is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders to tackle Singapore’s and the region’s most pressing challenges. At the heart of SIIA’s vision, the programme reflects our commitment to developing future leaders who engage with global issues as part of their personal and professional growth.
Speaker:
Prof. Wang Gungwu, Professor, National University of Singapore (NUS)
Facilitator:
Prof. Simon Tay, Chairman, Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA)
This event is exclusive to ELN participants only.
REGISTRATION
Thank you for your interest. Registration is now closed. Please contact membership@siiaonline.org if you have any questions.

China's Revival: How Real It Is and the Role of its Partners
2025-03-18 17:30 - 19:00 | SIIA, 60A Orchard Road, #04-03 (Level 4M), Tower 1, The Atrium @Orchard International Involvement Hub, Singapore, 238890
As China reasserts itself on the global stage with increased investments into the Global South, ASEAN has been a clear beneficiary. Despite some headwinds and the volatile geo-strategic environment, the Chinese economy has shown remarkable resilience. Pragmatic roadmaps for high quality growth have been announced for 2025.
This talk explores how China’s growth will continue to shape economic, geopolitical, and social dynamics in Singapore and ASEAN. From opportunities in trade and investments to challenges in balancing superpower rivalries, we discuss how Southeast Asia can navigate this evolving relationship. Join us to unpack the complexities of China’s revival and discuss strategies for fostering sustainable growth, resilience, and regional collaboration.
Speakers:
Mr. Gerry Chan, Chief Executive Officer, CapitaLand China Trust Management Limited
Prof. Alfred Schipke, Director, East Asian Institute; and Professor of the Practice of International Finance, LKYSPP, NUS
Mr. Suan Teck Kin, Executive Director & Head of Research, United Overseas Bank Limited
Moderator:
Mr. Nicholas Fang, Director of Security & Global Affairs, Singapore Institute of International Affairs
REGISTRATION FORM
Thank you for your interest. Registration is now closed. Please contact events@siiaonline.org if you have any questions.

[Closed-door] Lunch Dialogue: Mr. Jin Park, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Senior Adviser to Kim & Chang
2025-03-14 12:00 - 14:00 | Singapore

[Closed-door] SIIA Briefing: Indonesia and Malaysia
2025-03-04 16:15 - 17:30 | SIIA, 60A Orchard Road, #04-03 (Level 4M), Tower 1, The Atrium @Orchard International Involvement Hub, Singapore, 238890
Synopsis
This closed-door briefing will provide an analysis on the political and economic landscapes of Indonesia and Malaysia. It will reflect on the first 100 days of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, his progress on his policies, and his coalition management and dynamics. On the Malaysian front, the briefing will look at Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s political agenda, particularly as this year’s ASEAN chair, as well as discuss impacts from the Johor-Singapore SEZ.

[Closed-door] Workshop on ASEAN Sustainability
2025-02-27 09:00 - 15:30 | SIIA, 60A Orchard Road, #04-03 (Level 4M), Tower 1, The Atrium @Orchard International Involvement Hub, Singapore, 238890
“From Strategy to Action: Ecosystem Management and Carbon Neutrality in ASEAN”
About the workshop
This closed-door workshop is part of “Mainstreaming Sustainability in ASEAN”, one the five ASEAN Think Tanks Summit (ATTS) workstreams1, carried out by a working group of experts coordinated by the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA). There will be 2 workshops in this workstream, the first of which is on ecosystem management and carbon neutrality as described in this draft programme. The second workshop will be held in June 2025 on renewable energy and connectivity.
Recommendations from the two workshops will feed into the annual ATTS in Q3 2025 at the ASEAN Secretariat and a consolidated policy note to be circulated to ASEAN Member States and the ASEAN Secretariat. Inaugurated in September 2024, the ATTS is organised by the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) on behalf of the ASEAN Institutes of Strategic and International Studies (ASEAN-ISIS) network of think tanks, with the support of the ASEAN Secretariat to revitalise Track 2 Dialogue and contribution to ASEAN development and post-2025 vision.
Programme
With the world facing the effects of climate change and the impact of human activities on the environment, sustainability needs to be placed at the core of both national and regional economic development strategies. Southeast Asia is one of the most biodiverse areas of the world and ASEAN Member States must explore ways to keep the region’s ecosystems intact while still achieving economic development objectives that require land use – such as the production of food, export commodities, and biofuels.
Ecosystem management is also crucial for ASEAN’s future carbon economy. Governments and businesses are looking to generate carbon credits from ecosystem conservation and restoration projects, which can be used to offset hard-to-abate emissions on the road towards net zero. The ASEAN Strategy for Carbon Neutrality (2023) identifies the need for the region to develop a regional framework for the production and export of high-quality carbon credits, along with policies to harmonise carbon credit systems and make carbon markets interoperable across borders.

Towards 8% Growth: Can Indonesia Balance Productivity and Sustainability?
2025-02-26 17:30 - 19:00 | SIIA, 60A Orchard Road, #04-03 (Level 4M), Tower 1, The Atrium @Orchard International Involvement Hub, Singapore, 238890
Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto has set an ambitious target of achieving 8% GDP growth. A significant part of this growth is expected to come from intensifying Indonesia’s production of tradeable commodities such as palm oil, cocoa, coffee, and rubber. However, NGOs have raised concerns that this could lead to more forests and peatlands being converted into plantations, resulting in biodiversity loss. Is this the only way forward?
Some experts are advocating for alternative strategies, such as enhancing the productivity of existing agricultural land – especially among smallholder farmers whose yields often lag behind those of corporate plantations. Others are focusing on the potential of the country’s carbon economy. The Prabowo administration has plans to establish a new government agency to oversee carbon trading, signalling a commitment to position Indonesia as a key player in the international carbon credit market.
This talk at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) will explore the current dynamics in Indonesia’s forestry sector and the implications for both the economy and sustainability. The talk will also mark the launch of a special report by the SIIA on the use of tech and finance to strengthen smallholder farmers in ASEAN.
Speakers:
Ms Dewi Sari, Nature-based Solutions Manager, WRI Indonesia
Mr Sebastian Wijaya, Chief Operating Officer, Agridence
Moderator: Ms Cheryl Chen, President, S&P Global Foundation; Senior Director, Social Sustainability, S&P Global; Council Member, SIIA
🔗 Register now

Politics and Power Struggles: South Korea's Leadership Crisis
2025-02-06 17:30 - 19:00 | SIIA, 60A Orchard Road, #04-03 (Level 4M), Tower 1, The Atrium @Orchard International Involvement Hub, Singapore, 238890
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s shock attempt to declare martial law has plunged the country into a political crisis. Although Mr Yoon has been impeached, he is technically still president until the Constitutional Court decides to dismiss him or restore his powers – a process that could theoretically last until May this year. In the interim, the country’s lawmakers have already impeached one acting leader – though current Acting President Choi Sang-mok has promised to maintain national security, a stable economy and public safety. This talk at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs will explore how South Korea has reached this point, what lies ahead, and what this means for South Korea’s economy and foreign relations in 2025.
Speakers:
Ms. Ma Tieying, Senior Economist, CFA, DBS Group Research
Dr. Ryu Yongwook, Assistant Professor, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, NUS
Moderator:
Mr. Nicholas Fang, Director of Security and Global Affairs, SIIA
🔗 Register now

Year Opener 2025
2025-01-24 11:30 - 14:00 | UBS AG (Singapore Branch), 9 Penang Rd, Singapore, 238459
As Singapore celebrates 60 years of independence in 2025, join us for an insightful discussion on the nation’s journey as a Global-Asia hub and the challenges ahead.
Our Year Opener will explore Singapore’s global role and the key factors driving its success, as well as the nation’s economic and strategic outlook for 2025 and beyond.
Guest speaker:
Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Singapore
🎫 Tickets:
Complimentary for Members
S$60 for Non-Members
