Singapore Institute of International Affairs

The economic implications of the disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz extend far beyond the energy market. While oil and gas supply shocks remain the immediate concern, the wider effects are felt across shipping, transport, chemicals, fertilisers, manufacturing, agriculture, and food supply chains.

Join us for our talk as Ms. Sue-Ern Tan, Head of the International Energy Agency Regional Cooperation Centre and Ms. Denise Cheok, Head of Southeast Asia Economics, Moody’s Analytics explore the following questions:

- How might disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz reshape Asia’s economic outlook, beyond their immediate impact on energy markets?
- Where are the biggest vulnerabilities for Asian economies if elevated risks persist?
- What does this crisis reveal about the vulnerabilities and resilience of Asian economies?

Date: Wednesday, 22 July 2026
Time: 5:30PM - 7:00PM
Location: SIIA
Register here: https://bit.ly/BeyondEnergy

What does it take to keep Singapore competitive in a world of disruption and uncertainty?

We are pleased to welcome Mr. Jeffrey Siow （萧振祥）, Singapore's Acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance, as he shares his insights on “Keeping Singapore Competitive in a Disrupted World” at the upcoming 18th ASEAN & Asia Forum (AAF).

As Singapore navigates shifting trade dynamics and geoeconomic pressures, Mr. Siow will offer his perspectives on the challenges and opportunities ahead, and how Singapore can sustain its competitive edge and remain an attractive hub for investment and growth.

Join us as we examine how power rivalry, contested rules, and strategic uncertainty are reshaping competitiveness and resilience in Asia.

18th ASEAN & Asia Forum
📅 3 August 2026, Monday
🕛 9:00am to 4:30pm
🔗 Register now: https://aseanasiaforum.com/

What does it mean for ASEAN to exercise strategic agency in an era of great power rivalry?

In a keynote dialogue, we are honoured to have Mr. Chan Chun Sing, Singapore's Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence, share his insights on 'Power and Agency amidst Turmoil' at the upcoming 18th ASEAN & Asia Forum (AAF).

As policymakers and businesses grapple with growing uncertainty, Mr. Chan will offer his perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing ASEAN, and how the region can strengthen resilience, competitiveness, and cooperation in a rapidly changing world.

Join the 18th AAF as we examine how power rivalry, contested rules, and strategic uncertainty are reshaping competitiveness and resilience in Asia.

18th ASEAN & Asia Forum
📅 3 August 2026, Monday
🕛 9:00am to 4:30pm
🔗 Register now: https://aseanasiaforum.com/

Malaysia's political stability has delivered a stronger economy, renewed investor confidence, and momentum for major projects such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). But can that stability last?

In his latest Politics That Matter column for The Business Times, our Chairman, Simon Tay, argues that upcoming state elections in Johor and Negeri Sembilan will be a critical test for Malaysia's unity government. The results will reveal whether the coalition can remain united nationally while competing fiercely on the ground.

For Singapore and investors, the stakes are significant. Political stability will be essential to sustaining confidence, attracting investment, and ensuring that initiatives such as the JS-SEZ can fulfil their promise.

“Malaysia is not yet unstable. But the coming months will show whether today’s calm is becoming entrenched or whether it is only a pause between phases of political transition,” he writes.

Read the commentary: https://siiaonline.org/the-business-times-malaysias-stability-dividend-faces-its-next-test-as-state-elections-loom/

As Singapore seeks to strengthen ties with East Africa, what opportunities lie ahead?

Speaking to CNA, SIIA Chairman Professor Simon Tay shared his views on the significance of President Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s State Visit to Tanzania and the potential for deeper Singapore – Africa cooperation.

Watch the interview: https://siiaonline.org/cna-singapore-looks-to-strengthen-ties-with-east-africa-as-president-tharman-visits-tanzania/

From US-China rivalry to Middle East tensions and shifting trade policies, the global order is being redrawn. Amidst this turbulence, ASEAN and the broader Asian region find themselves caught in the middle.

At the 18th ASEAN & Asia Forum (AAF) themed "Power, Rules and Competitiveness amidst Turmoil and Transformation", regional policymakers and business leaders will come together to examine how power rivalry, contested rules, and strategic uncertainty are reshaping competitiveness and resilience in Asia.

Key sessions include:
- Competitiveness in an Age of Fragmentation
- ASEAN’s Competitive Future amidst Trade Turbulence
- Agency, Rules, and Partnerships in ASEAN and Asia-Pacific

Join the conversation on how the region can shape its own outcomes amid turmoil and transformation.

📅 Monday, 3 August 2026
🕙 9:30am – 4:30pm
🌐 Register now: https://aseanasiaforum.com

If you have yet to register, we warmly invite you to join us for a timely conversation on how evolving U.S. tariff policies could impact ASEAN economies and businesses.

As legal uncertainty clouds the future of U.S. trade measures, businesses across Southeast Asia are facing growing questions around supply chains, investment confidence, market access, and the reliability of long-standing trade arrangements with Washington. With trade policy becoming increasingly intertwined with geopolitics and broader economic pressures, understanding the implications for ASEAN has never been more important.

Join us as our speakers unpack what these developments mean for the region and how ASEAN businesses can prepare for an increasingly uncertain global trade environment.

📅 Tuesday, 23 June 2026
🕛 5:30pm - 7:00pm
📍 SIIA Office
🔗Register now: https://bit.ly/USTariffTurbulence

As Southeast Asia faces the growing prospect of more frequent and severe El Niño events, the region must strengthen its collective capacity to manage the risks to food security, energy systems, public health, and economic resilience.

In his latest commentary for The Straits Times, our Chairman, Simon Tay, argues that ASEAN cannot afford to treat climate-driven challenges as isolated national issues. Instead, greater regional cooperation, stronger early warning systems, and coordinated action will be critical in preparing for and mitigating the impacts of extreme weather.

“There is no escaping El Niño. The question is whether ASEAN can work together to blunt its fire and fury.”

Read the full commentary: https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/theres-no-escaping-the-el-nino-heres-how-asean-can-blunt-its-fire-and-fury