The 17th Stratagem-NTU Sino-Singapore Dialogue explored using technology commercialisation and multilateral cooperation to build a resilient economic community between ASEAN and China amidst global changes.
(Image: From left to right: Mr Ma Qing, Dr Maria Monica Wihardja, Ms Penny Low, Dr Zhang Ling, Dr Ong Kian Ming and Mr Peter Lim.)
The 17th Stratagem-NTU Sino-Singapore Dialogue was held on 11 April 2025 in Singapore. The theme of the dialogue was “Building a Resilient ASEAN-China Economic Community: Tapping into a Cooperation Framework of Technology Commercialisation”. The dialogue was moderated by Ms Penny Low, a former member of Singapore Parliament, and presently the Chief Strategic Advisor of Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute & National Innovation Centre par Excellence and Founder of Social Innovation Park. The panelists included Mr Peter Lim, Partner at Xora Innovation and former Director from the Ministry of Finance, Singapore; Dr Ong Kian Ming, Pro Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement), Taylor’s University in Malaysia; Mr Ma Qing (马青), Chief Representative for Asia-Pacific Countries (APAC) and Head of China Research, Institute of International Finance; Dr Maria Monica Wihardja, Visiting Fellow and Co-Coordinator of the Media, Technology and Society Programme, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute; and Dr Zhang Ling (张伶), Senior Fellow at the GrandView Institution in China.
Against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions and global economic system disruptions, the dialogue discussed the importance of deepening cooperation through technology commercialisation - turning innovation into practical, scalable solutions that will benefit economies and communities. Panelists explored how emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, smart manufacturing, and renewable energy, can be effectively integrated with regional production and supply chains. With ASEAN poised to become a major hub in the global digital and green economy, cooperation in these areas will be vital to the long-term resilience and competitiveness of the region.
The dialogue addressed the potential impacts of geopolitical shifts, economic restructuring, and technological transformation on the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in relation to ASEAN-China cooperation, regional trade policy, and digital development. Panelists highlighted efforts taken by stakeholders to deepen China-ASEAN economic cooperation, referencing mechanisms such as ASEAN-China Free Trade Area and Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. Panelists also shared views on Sino-US trade tensions, especially post-2016 developments such as the Trump-era tariffs, and how these have catalysed a regional reconfiguration of supply chains. The relocation of Chinese industrial capacity to ASEAN—especially Vietnam and Cambodia—was identified as both an opportunity and a challenge.
The dialogue discussed how ASEAN can increase its appeal to global investors by improving interoperability, strengthening institutions, and cultivating a skilled and future-ready workforce. The panelists reaffirmed a shared commitment to fostering a resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking ASEAN-China economic community. By nurturing talent and supporting innovation across borders, ASEAN and China can achieve more by deepening multilateral cooperation, sharing knowledge, resources, and opportunities that benefit everyone. The dialogue closed with a clear emphasis that building a prosperous future is not just about growth—but growing together, with shared purpose and a commitment to uplift all in the region.