The 17th Stratagem-NTU Sino-Singapore Dialogue: Building a Resilient ASEAN-China Economic Community: Tapping onto a Cooperation Framework of Technology Commercialisation

The 17th Stratagem-NTU Sino-Singapore Dialogue took place on April 11, 2025 in Singapore. The event convened a distinguished panel of experts, policymakers, industry leaders as well as a group of 80 students from Nanyang Centre for Public Administration (NCPA)’s Master of Science in Managerial Economics (EMME), Master in Public Administration (EMPA) and Master of Social Sciences in China and Global Governance (MCGG) programmes to explore the next chapter of regional collaboration in an increasingly complex global landscape.

The panellist 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, Gene, Chief Representative for Asia-Pacific Countries (APAC) and Head of China Research, Institute of International Finance, China; Dr. Maria Monica Wihardja, Visiting Fellow and Co-Coordinator of the Media, Technology and Society Programme, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, and Dr Zhang Ling, Senior Fellow at the GrandView Institution, China, the dialogue was chaired and moderated by Ms Penny Low, Chief Strategic Advisor of Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute and National Innovation Center par Excellence and Founder, Social Innovation Park.  

 

Against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions and growing economic interdependence, the dialogue highlighted the importance of deepening cooperation through technology commercialisation - turning innovation into practical, scalable solutions that benefit economies and communities. Participants also explored how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, smart manufacturing, and renewable energy can be more effectively integrated across regional supply chains. With ASEAN poised to become a major hub in the global digital and green economy, cooperation in these areas was seen as vital to long-term resilience and competitiveness.

The dialogue addressed the intersections of geopolitical shifts, economic restructuring, and technological transformation in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in relation to ASEAN-China cooperation, regional trade policy, and digital development. It highlighted efforts to deepen China-ASEAN economic cooperation, referencing mechanisms like the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area and the emerging role of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), such as the Johor-Singapore corridor. These zones were portrayed as platforms for regional integration, facilitating the movement of goods, capital, and digital services. The discussion also mentioned China’s structural issue of industrial overcapacity, which is reshaping trade flows and investment strategies. The relocation of Chinese industrial capacity to ASEAN—especially Vietnam and Cambodia—was discussed as both an opportunity and a challenge. Speakers also reflected on U.S.-China trade tensions, especially post-2016 developments such as the Trump-era tariffs, and how these have catalysed a regional reconfiguration of supply chains.

The dialogue also addressed the growing flow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Southeast Asia, particularly in digital infrastructure, electric vehicles, and high-tech industries. Experts noted a shift in investment patterns and discussed how ASEAN can maximise its appeal to global investors by improving interoperability, strengthening institutions, and cultivating a skilled, future-ready workforce. Speakers discussed the displacement of low- and mid-skilled workers and layoffs in big tech, raising questions about livelihood security, education and training, and the prospects for inclusive development in the face of accelerated AI adoption.

Through thoughtful discussion and insightful perspectives, the dialogue 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.

The SSD ended with a welcome dinner, attended by speakers, participants, as well as Mr Lim Chee Oon, Chairman of the Lien Fellowship Council, Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed, Lien Fellowship Council member and NTU Board of Trustee member, Prof Liu Hong, Executive Director of Lien Fellowship, and some Lien Fellows.