Singapore Institute of International Affairs

Towards 8% Growth: Can Indonesia Balance Productivity and Sustainability?
2025-02-26 17:30 - 19:00 (Asia/Shanghai) | 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
