The pandemic has accelerated the trend of de-globalisation, led to the closure of borders and brought international tourism to a halt. However, as a regional hub, it is essential Singapore remains connected to the ASEAN region, both in terms of trade and people-to-people connections. “Singapore would be irrelevant to the world and much worse for wear if we are not open to trade, investment and talent. People, jobs, our young and best talents would leave Singapore,” said Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, and Trade and Industry. Mr. Tan and Mr. Raymond Yee, Vice President (Customs and Regulatory Affairs) DHL Express, were speaking at the “Trade and Agreements: Regional Partnerships and How They Affect You(th)” webinar co-organised by the National Youth Council (NYC) and the SIIA on 14 May 2021. On the importance of trade, Mr. Yee said, “Trade is like a bicycle: the minute it slows down, the bicycle falls down. The momentum for trade needs to be there.”
The webinar was attended by over 1,200 youths and 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 knowledge partner to the AEP, the SIIA supports the NYC with content and curation of webinar topics for the youths.
