The benefits of free trade agreements (FTAs) have come into question in recent months as anti-globalisation and protectionism sentiments is on the rise. On 24 July 2021, the SIIA, in partnership with the National Youth Council Singapore (NYC), organised the webinar, ”Singapore Free Trade Agreements- Yay or Nay” for over 480 youths. Speaking at the webinar, Associate Professor Simon Tay, Chairman of the SIIA, said “International trade is part of Singapore’s DNA. It is a key reason why Singapore was founded and it is a key strategy for the future, a future that can be, through trade and digitalisation, virtually unlimited.” In addition to highlighting the importance of trade, Associate Professor Tay also highlighted the opportunities it brings to Singaporeans especially the youth.
The webinar is part of the Asia-Ready Programme (AEP), an initiative that equips youths with knowledge about our region and more importantly, how they can tap on the opportunities in the region amidst the uncertain economic landscape. As a knowledge partner to the AEP, the SIIA supports the NYC with content and curation of webinar topics for the youths.
