Singapore Institute of International Affairs

09/09/2026

The current haze situation is a stress-test of ASEAN’s preparedness, and an opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation.

In comments shared with Bernama, our Chairman, Mr. Simon Tay highlighted the need for stronger coordination on firefighting and information-sharing, as well as sustained regional action and adequate financing for haze prevention.

Read more: https://asean.bernama.com/news.php?id=2600533

08/09/2026

Panel 2: Japan-Singapore Partnership for a Resilient Future: Economic Security, Trade and Technology

From trusted supply chains to AI and the green transition – how can Singapore and Japan build a resilient economic partnership? Join us at the 19th Japan-Singapore Symposium to explore:

📌 Upholding free trade, economic resilience and trusted supply chains
📌 Harnessing digitalisation, AI and emerging technologies for inclusive growth
📌 Advancing the green transition, energy security and sustainable infrastructure

Our panel features:
- Ms. Annabel Lee, Director, Strategic Policy Engagements and Campaigns (APJ) and ASEAN, Amazon Web Services
- Mr. Manu Bhaskaran, CEO, Centennial Asia Advisors
- Mr. Shin Oya, Chief Analyst, Sojitz Research Institute

Moderated by Mr. Ashok Mirpuri, Head of International Policy & Governance, Temasek, and Amb. Kenichiro Sasae, President, The Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA).

📅 Friday, 11 September 2026
🕐 1:30pm – 5:00pm
📍 Conrad Singapore Marina Bay, Grand Ballroom, Level 2

🔗 Register for the 19th JSS now: bit.ly/JSS-2026

The SIIA is pleased to be the appointed Secretariat to the JSS and co-organiser of the event with The Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA), supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore (MFA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA Japan).

04/09/2026

Our Chairman, Mr. Simon Tay, recently spoke at the SID Directors Conference 2026 on the panel “Geopolitics Has Entered the Boardroom”.

The discussion explored how businesses can navigate geopolitical risks that are increasingly affecting corporate performance, from supply chains and market access to investment and technology. It highlighted the importance of companies identifying and mapping the geopolitical risks most material to their operations, rather than attempting to predict every global development.

During the panel, he emphasised a clear distinction between the roles of management and the board: management must assess geopolitical exposures and develop appropriate responses, while boards should challenge assumptions and ensure that the risks taken are consistent with the company’s strategy and risk appetite.

The discussion underscored the growing need for businesses to treat geopolitics as a core business risk and build resilience accordingly. Do keep a lookout for the SID Conference podcast, releasing in October!

04/09/2026

Panel 1: Japan-Singapore Partnership for a Resilient Asia: Navigating Geopolitical and Security Challenges

How can Singapore and Japan navigate regional security, uphold a rules-based order, and deepen people-to-people ties? Join our speakers at the 19th Japan-Singapore Symposium as we discuss:

📌 Strengthening regional security, defence cooperation and crisis preparedness
📌 Supporting a rules-based international order
📌 Deepening people-to-people, cultural, education and next-generation exchanges

Featured Speakers:
- Mr. Simon Tay, Chairman, Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA)
- Prof. Joseph Liow, Dean, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, and Chairman, Middle East Institute-NUS, National University of Singapore (NUS)
- Prof. Akio Takahara, Senior Research Adviser, The Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA)
- Mr. Hiroyuki Akita, Commentator, Nikkei Inc.

Moderators:
- Mr. Ashok Mirpuri, Head of International Policy & Governance, Temasek
- Amb. Kenichiro Sasae, President, The Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA)

📅 Date: Friday, 11 September 2026
🕐 Time: 1:30pm – 5:00pm
📍 Venue: Conrad Singapore Marina Bay, Grand Ballroom, Level 2

🔗Register for the 19th JSS now: bit.ly/JSS-2026

The SIIA is pleased to be the appointed Secretariat to the JSS and co-organiser of the event with The Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA), supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore (MFA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA Japan).

02/09/2026

We would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to our Honorary Member, Prof. Tommy Koh, for receiving the Ramon Magsaysay Award.

Prof. Koh was awarded the prize for his pivotal role in creating the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, as well as his work in academia and public policy, which has helped shape generations of leaders, scholars, and public servants.

We are proud to have Prof. Koh as an Honorary Member of our institute — the highest accolade SIIA bestows — and, following his example, we remain committed to fostering constructive dialogue, advancing international understanding, and contributing to the region.
Read the full article:

The award foundation hailed Professor Tommy Koh as an exemplary leader in international diplomacy who spent decades advancing dialogue and peaceful resolutions among nations.

02/09/2026

In his latest “Politics That Matter” column for The Business Times, our Chairman Mr. Simon Tay examines the pressures facing ASEAN’s youth from jobs and housing to AI and shifting expectations.

As the region grows, how can governments and businesses ensure that young people continue to see credible pathways to opportunity and upward mobility?

Read the commentary: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/opinion-features/asean-must-repair-its-fraying-bargain-young

01/09/2026

How can ASEAN strengthen its energy security while building greater economic resilience and regional integration?

On 28 August, SIIA and ERIA convened an ATTS Focus Group on Strengthening ASEAN’s Energy Security and Regional Economic Resilience, under the Economic Integration workstream of the 3rd ASEAN Think Tanks Summit (ATTS).

Dr Venkatachalam Anbumozhi, Senior Research Fellow at ERIA, presented the draft ATTS-ERIA Policy Brief/Paper, A Blueprint for ASEAN Energy Security, Economic Resilience, and Regional Integration, highlighting its assessment of ASEAN’s energy security landscape and proposed policy recommendations.

Bringing together experts from across the region, the discussion explored key energy risks, gaps in existing regional arrangements and priority actions. A key takeaway was the need to move from frameworks to implementation, while strengthening regional energy preparedness, connectivity and cooperation.

Insights from the discussion will help refine the policy paper for the 3rd ATTS in September at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta and inform the 3rd ATTS Policy Memorandum ahead of the ASEAN Summit in November.

We thank all participants for sharing their valuable insights and perspectives.

31/08/2026

This year marks 60 years of Singapore-Japan diplomatic ties. To commemorate this milestone, the 19th Japan-Singapore Symposium Public Forum will open with a special SJ60 segment, and bookending the day with distinguished voices that reflect the depth and continuity of the Singapore-Japan relationship.

SJ60 Special Address:
- Prof. Tommy Koh, Chairman, Centre for International Law (CIL)
- Amb. Hiroshi Ishikawa, Ambassador of Japan to Singapore

Closing Remarks:
- Mr. Yohei Onishi, Parliamentary Vice-Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
- Mr. Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, Minister of State, Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs, Singapore

📅 Friday, 11 September 2026
🕐 1:30pm – 5:00pm
📍 Conrad Singapore Marina Bay, Grand Ballroom, Level 2
🔗 Register for the 19th JSS now: bit.ly/JSS-2026

We look forward to seeing you at the 19th JSS!

27/08/2026

The critical period for regional haze has arrived.

Transboundary haze from fires in Kalimantan have affected Sarawak and Sabah, and dense smoke has also been observed coming from fires in Sumatra and Peninsula Malaysia. The National Environment Agency (NEA) has warned that occasional periods of haze could affect Singapore depending on wind conditions.

The SIIA Haze Outlook 2026 identified August–September as the peak danger period, with the risk of severe transboundary haze assessed as Red (High) risk.

Recent fire and haze developments highlight the importance of strengthening regional resilience and preparedness. The coming weeks will be an important test of ASEAN’s collective response.

Read the SIIA Haze Outlook 2026 to learn more: https://siiaonline.org/report-haze-outlook-2026/

25/08/2026

What are the key takeaways from SIIA’s latest Special Report, Tested Through Turmoil: Advancing Singapore’s Competitiveness with ASEAN?

Our Chairman, Mr. Simon Tay, shares his thoughts on why deeper regional integration and growing together with ASEAN will be increasingly important in navigating an uncertain global environment.

Read the report here: https://siiaonline.org/special-report-tested-through-turmoil/