Singapore Institute of International Affairs

[ELN Exclusive] Heat & Light with Mdm Halimah Yacob
2026-04-21 17:30 - 20:00 (Asia/Shanghai) | SIIA, 60A Orchard Road, #04-03 (Level 4M), Tower 1, The Atrium @Orchard International Involvement Hub, Singapore, 238890
Our new ELN series titled “Heat & Light“, engages with complex and contested issues in international affairs. For our inaugural session, “Gaza – The Limits of Consensus”, we are honoured to host Mdm Halimah Yacob.
In this exclusive, closed-door discussion, we will explore the challenges of forging international consensus on the Gaza conflict, examining the tensions between political, humanitarian, and geopolitical perspectives amid an increasingly divided global landscape. This session will also reflect on what responsible leadership looks like in such moments, where clarity of judgment is required even when consensus is not.
Speaker:
Mdm. Halimah Yacob, Chancellor of the Singapore University of Social Sciences; former President of the Republic of Singapore
Facilitator:
Mr. Simon Tay, Chairman, Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA)
This event is exclusive to ELN participants only.

[Closed-door] CompCom Roundtable | Enhancing Singapore’s Global Competitiveness – Session 3
2026-04-10 13:45 - 15:30 | Singapore
The closed-door corporate roundtable is part of a four-part series convened by the SIIA to examine Singapore’s global competitiveness amid geopolitical uncertainty, technological disruption, and evolving global investment patterns. This series brings together senior leaders from multinational companies with regional and global influence to gather forward-looking insights that will inform SIIA’s policy-relevant analysis supporting ongoing deliberations by the Economic Strategy Review (ESR) Committee on Global Competitiveness.
In this third session, Prof. Simon Tay, Chairman of the SIIA, will provide a strategic framing analysis and moderate a candid discussion under the Chatham House Rule. The dialogue will focus on strengthening Singapore’s competitiveness, with emphasis on creating quality jobs and reinforcing the role of trust in underpinning Singapore’s position as a reliable and strategic regional hub.

SIIA Talk | US-Israel-Iran: Implications for Geopolitics, International Law, and the Global Economy
2026-03-27 10:00 - 11:30 | SIIA, 60A Orchard Road, #04-03 (Level 4M), Tower 1, The Atrium @Orchard International Involvement Hub, Singapore, 238890
Attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran have prompted retaliatory strikes across the Middle East, hitting Israel and other countries in the region. Critics have argued that the operation is both illegal under US law without congressional approval and a violation of international law. Spillover effects are already emerging, with oil prices rising and Iran attempting to close the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that handles nearly a quarter of the world’s seaborne oil trade. This dialogue jointly organised by the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) and the Middle East Institute (MEI) will examine the geopolitical, legal, and economic questions arising from the crisis.

What are the political implications of the conflict, not just for the Middle East, but for the rest of the world including Southeast Asia and Singapore?
Does this action by the US and Israel mean an upending of the basic tenets of international law? What does this mean for countries like Singapore?
What impact, both immediate and in the medium to long-term, could this have on trade with the Middle East and for businesses in general?

Speakers:
Ms. Angela Mancini, Partner, Head of Geopolitical Risk Analysis – APAC, Control Risks
Prof. Joseph Liow, Chairman, Middle East Institute (MEI), National University of Singapore (NUS)
Mr. Simon Tay, Chairman, Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA)
Moderator: Ms. Michelle Teo, Executive Director, Middle East Institute (MEI), National University of Singapore (NUS)
Programme:

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SIIA Talk | Beyond the Storms – Climate Adaptation and Resilience in ASEAN Agriculture
2026-03-16 17:30 - 19:00 | SIIA, 60A Orchard Road, #04-03 (Level 4M), Tower 1, The Atrium @Orchard International Involvement Hub, Singapore, 238890
In 2025, several ASEAN countries experienced severe tropical storms and monsoon floods, affecting millions of people and straining response capacity. Aside from the humanitarian impact, these weather events illustrate that the region’s agricultural systems remain vulnerable to shocks. The hit to supply chains and manufacturing from the 2025 storms was relatively manageable, but damage to crops and delays in harvesting have been more significant with losses reaching billions of US dollars across the region. With climate change bringing more frequent and potentially more severe extreme weather events, it is increasingly urgent to ensure that ASEAN’s agricultural producers are both resilient and productive, in order to meet both domestic nutritional needs and regional trade for economic growth. This talk at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) will explore how countries are strengthening the resilience of food and agricultural commodity systems, as well as exploring longer term climate adaptation and productivity goals.

What issues have the events of 2025 exposed, such as inefficiencies and misallocation in flood control, or environmental violations that have worsened the impact of landslides?

What infrastructure, capacity, and financing does the agricultural sector need to build resilience against extreme weather events and enhance long term climate adaptation?

What policy and governance changes are underway in ASEAN countries that will impact land management? What does this mean for supply chains and financiers in the sector?

Speakers:
Dr Sonny Domingo, Senior Research Fellow, Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS)
Mr Tomi Haryadi, Director, Food, Land, and Water Programme, World Resources Institute (WRI) Indonesia
Moderator: Mr Simon Tay, Chairman, Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA)
Programme

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[Closed-door] ATTS Workshop: Climate Risks and Food Security
2026-03-16 13:45 - 17:30 | Singapore
The ASEAN Think Tanks Summit (ATTS) workshop on “Climate Risks and Food Security” will address the following issues:

Strengthening the resilience of ASEAN’s agricultural systems, including enhancing climate adaptation for producers and smallholder farmers

Assessing the implications of global market volatility for ASEAN’s food stockpiles, import/export policies, and domestic food prices

Balancing land use for food, animal feed, and fuel in ASEAN, and how the region can ensure the integrity of biofuels and waste-to-energy supply chains

The discussions from this workshop will be presented at the 3rd ATTS for further deliberations. The ATTS is an annual Track 1.5 dialogue held at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, organised by the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA), the ASEAN Institutes of Strategic and International Studies (ASEAN-ISIS) network, and other think tank partners. Insights from ATTS workshops held throughout the year will be incorporated into the 3rd ATTS policy memorandum to be circulated to the ASEAN Secretariat and the Permanent Representatives of ASEAN Member States (AMS).

[Closed-door] CompCom Roundtable | Enhancing Singapore’s Global Competitiveness – Session 2
2026-02-24 09:45 - 11:30 | Singapore
The closed-door corporate roundtable is part of a four-part series convened by the SIIA to examine Singapore’s global competitiveness amid geopolitical uncertainty, technological disruption, and evolving global investment patterns. This series brings together senior leaders from multinational companies with regional and global influence to gather forward-looking insights that will inform SIIA’s policy-relevant analysis supporting ongoing deliberations by the Economic Strategy Review (ESR) Committee on Global Competitiveness.
In this second session, Prof. Simon Tay, Chairman of the SIIA, will provide a strategic framing analysis and moderate a candid discussion under the Chatham House Rule. The dialogue will focus on how multinational firms’ headquarters view Singapore’s competitiveness in an AI-driven, slower-growth environment, and how deeper engagement with ASEAN, cost considerations, and collaboration with neighbouring economies can strengthen Singapore’s role as a trusted and effective regional hub.

2nd Singapore Green Dialogue (SGD) — Sustainability in a Fragmented World
2026-02-11 08:30 - 14:30 | Tower Club Singapore, 9 Raffles Pl, Tower 1, Penthouse (62nd 64th Floors, Republic Plaza, Singapore, 048619, Singapore
The global sustainability agenda is entering a new and uncertain phase, shaped by growing fragmentation in international cooperation. Global consensus is weakening, momentum behind multilateral climate efforts has slowed, and major powers are adopting more inward-looking policies. Efforts to sign a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution have thus far failed. ESG considerations are now being politicised, with pushback from countries and businesses. COP30 in Belém illustrated what climate action now looks like: negotiators landed a deal that kept the Paris framework alive, but only by softening ambition and deferring hard choices to future meetings.
For ASEAN and Asian economies, this raises a difficult question: what does climate ambition on mitigation and adaptation mean when major emitters and fossil fuel economies are not pulling their weight? ASEAN’s aggregate contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions remains modest, yet the region sits at the frontline of climate impacts. Coastal cities, low-lying deltas and island states are already grappling with frequent floods, rising sea levels, and extreme heat. Three tropical storms in the last months of 2025 have displaced millions across Southeast Asia and claimed over 1,000 lives. Climate adaptation and resilience is urgently needed, along with the right economic choices to lock in development trajectories in the years to come.
The burden—and opportunity—of practical climate leadership is shifting towards Asia. Singapore’s role as a regional hub for policy dialogue, sustainable finance and climate innovation is more important than ever. The 2nd Singapore Green Dialogue will bring together policymakers, corporate leaders, investors and experts to address these tensions: how countries and companies should define meaningful climate action; how to prioritise resilience without locking in high-carbon pathways; and how Asian businesses can stay competitive amid diverging standards in the US, EU and beyond. By convening diverse voices from government, industry, finance and academia, the Dialogue aims to chart practical, actionable pathways for ASEAN and its partners to advance sustainability in a more fragmented global order.
Programme

Time

Programme

08:30am – 09:00am

Registration

09:00am – 09:10am

Welcome Remarks By Mr. Simon Tay, Chairman, Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA)

09:10am – 09:55am

Keynote Dialogue: Sustaining Commitments in a Turbulent World

Speaker: Dr. Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, Republic of Singapore
Moderator: Mr. Simon Tay, Chairman, Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA)

09:55am – 10:55am

Panel 1: The Cost of Compliance – Sustainability versus Competitiveness?
How can businesses in Singapore and ASEAN maintain sustainability goals and build resilience while managing rising costs? Companies must increasingly contend with different regulations and buyer expectations across markets, with some countries continuing to prioritise ESG considerations while others do not. The European Union is continuing to push forward with frameworks such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). While some companies are working to comply with new EU regulations and maintain market access, others are looking to do more business with markets that have softer rules. This session explores how firms are balancing ambition with affordability, how businesses view evolving EU and other international standards, and whether efforts within ASEAN countries such as carbon taxes enhance or constrain competitiveness.

What are the new or upcoming sustainability regulations that might affect international trade and investment flows?
What are the costs or pain points that businesses are facing in complying with sustainability regulations and maintaining market access?
Will the introduction of carbon taxes and similar initiatives hinder competitiveness of ASEAN countries, or provide new opportunities?

Panel Keynote: Ms. Esther An, Chief Sustainability Officer, City Developments Limited (CDL)
Panellists:

Ms. Kuldip Gill, Assistant Chief Executive (Accounting Development & Regulatory Group), Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)
Mr. Hirotaka Ishizaka, Chief Sustainability Officer, Mitsubishi Corporation Singapore Branch
Ms. Melissa Moi, Head of Sustainable Business, UOB
Ms. Esther An, Chief Sustainability Officer, City Developments Limited (CDL)

Moderator:

Ms. Fang Eu Lin, Partner and Sustainability & Climate Change Practice Head; and PwC Asia Pacific Centre for Sustainability Excellence Leader, PwC Singapore, and Council Member, SIIA

10:55am – 11:25am

Break

11:25am – 12:10pm

Keynote Dialogue: ASEAN-Asia Climate Cooperation – Regional Leadership, Global Impact

Speaker: Dr. Bambang Brodjonegoro, Dean and CEO, Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI)
Moderator: Mr. Simon Tay, Chairman, Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA)

12:10pm – 1:10pm

Panel 2: Finding Climate Momentum – Progress, Gaps, Opportunities
With global or multilateral consensus on climate action becoming increasingly uncertain, can the ASEAN region and other partner countries sustain climate ambition on their own? This session takes a long-term, strategic view of ASEAN and Asia’s climate leadership in a time of fragmentation, exploring what the region’s climate mitigation and adaptation priorities should be. The region sits at a crossroads — highly vulnerable to climate impacts yet still economically dependent on fossil fuels — and must now take greater ownership to maintain long-term momentum, strengthen collaboration, and define its own climate narrative.

How can countries in ASEAN and Asia show climate leadership amidst current global headwinds?
How are ASEAN and Asia meeting the climate financing needs of the region?
What role can businesses and financial institutions play in climate resilience towards NDC 3.0 and National Adaptation Plan targets?

Panellists:

Mr. Jackie Surtani, Regional Director and Head of Singapore Office, Asian Development Bank (ADB)
H.E. Satvinder Singh, Deputy Secretary-General for ASEAN Economic Community, ASEAN
Ms. Helena Ooi, Head of Strategy, Sustainability, Digital and Data, Maybank

Moderator: Ms. Cheryl Chen, President, S&P Global Foundation, and Council Member, SIIA

1:10pm – 1:20pm

Closing Remarks By Mr. Simon Tay, Chairman, Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA)

1:20pm – 2:30pm

Networking Buffet Lunch

Registration
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Year Opener 2026
2026-01-28 10:30 - 13:30 | UBS AG (Singapore Branch), 9 Penang Rd, Singapore, 238459
As artificial intelligence reshapes industries amid intensifying geopolitical and digital competition, join us for our 2026 Year Opener featuring Mrs. Josephine Teo, Minister for Digital Development and Information, and Minister-in-charge of Cybersecurity and Smart Nation Group, Republic of Singapore.
The discussion will explore how Singapore is harnessing AI for the public good, strengthening digital trust and cyber resilience, engaging key global partners, and positioning businesses and society to thrive in an increasingly complex global environment.
This event is complimentary for SIIA members, and priced at S$60 for non-members.
Programme

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[Closed-door] CompCom Roundtable | Enhancing Singapore’s Global Competitiveness – Session 1
2026-01-26 09:15 - 11:00 | Singapore
The closed-door corporate roundtable is part of a four-part series convened by the SIIA to examine Singapore’s global competitiveness amid geopolitical uncertainty, technological disruption, and evolving global investment patterns. This series brings together senior leaders from multinational companies with regional and global influence to gather forward-looking insights that will inform SIIA’s policy-relevant analysis supporting ongoing deliberations by the Economic Strategy Review (ESR) Committee on Global Competitiveness.
In this session, Prof. Simon Tay, Chairman of the SIIA, will provide a strategic framing analysis and moderate a candid discussion under the Chatham House Rule. Participants will share views on issues such as AI adoption, data governance, supply chain realignment, talent strategies, and regulatory developments, with a focus on what multinational firms need for Singapore to continue serving as a trusted, connected, and competitive regional hub.

[ELN Exclusive] Emerging Leaders Network (ELN) 2025 Retreat
2025-12-05 09:00 - 13:30 | 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.

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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.

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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
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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

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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
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[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.
