Singapore’s Education Minister Chan Chun Sing will deliver the keynote speech at Rajah & Tann Asia’s inaugural global event on postpandemic politics and business opportunities in Southeast Asia.
“Beyond Pandemic & Politics: Behold Southeast Asia & The World” will be a hybrid conference to be livestreamed on Monday, 26 July at 3.30pm. Mr Chan will also participate in a fireside chat with Parag Khanna, Founder & Managing Partner, FutureMap.
More than 1,000 global thinkers, decision makers and business leaders are expected to join the event to address the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and geopolitical issues on businesses looking to expand in Southeast Asia, as well as mega trends such as digital transformation, sustainability and energy diversification as countries move towards a new normal.
In addition, the event organised by Rajah & Tann Asia, Southeast Asia’s leading legal network, will touch on the special role Singapore plays as a safe harbour and springboard for companies to expand their businesses into the region.
Rajah & Tann Asia said the event aims to help its clients better navigate global challenges such as a surge in Covid-19 cases, trade wars that have disrupted global supply chains, and the growing number of free trade agreements being negotiated by countries.
Lee Eng Beng, SC, Chair of Rajah & Tann Asia, said: “Southeast Asia has been one of the fastest growing regions in the world because of its young population, rising middle class and rapid urbanisation. It is expected to remain so despite the impact of the pandemic on business activities.
“Amid rising US-China tensions, the region has seen a surge in Chinese investments, especially by Chinese tech giants, as they seize opportunities in developing markets and gain global competitive edge.
“This marquee event by Rajah & Tann Asia hopes to shine the spotlight on the various challenges and opportunities for businesses in Southeast Asia as it continues to play an important role economically, geographically and politically in a post-pandemic world.”
Other notable speakers at the main event include Piyush Gupta, Chief Executive Officer, DBS Group; Aw Kah Peng, Chairman, Shell Group of Companies in Singapore; Caesar Indra, President of travel booking site Traveloka; and Chia Kim Huat, Regional Head, Corporate and Transactional Group, Rajah & Tann.
Among the topics to be discussed include how the role of Southeast Asia in the new world order of competing superpowers will impact regional trade security and sustainability, opportunities in digital transformation for businesses, and long-term investment strategies and trends specific to fundraising, investments, and mergers and acquisitions in the region.
