The Institute of Policy Studies presented annual flagship Singapore Perspectives Conference on Monday, 28 January 2019. The theme of SP2019 is «Singapore. World». It considered recent geopolitical developments, their trajectory for the coming years and implications for Singapore South-Asia region.
The US has strong alliances with many of these countries and has demonstrated its interest in the South China Sea dispute but its other moves like withdrawing from the TPP have raised concerns about prospects for long-term US influence in the region. China has sought to deepen its political and economic ties with countries in the region, proposing historic and far-reaching initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. US-China competition for dominance and influence is likely to grow in the coming years
Southeast Asian states are witnessing significant political flux domestically, particularly as their economies mature and undergo re-structuring; all are eager for foreign investment and trade with external partners. While there are shades of differences in their interests and relations with the major powers, ASEAN member states share the common goal of security and prosperity, and have generally managed to forge a common position, in the past five decades. However, their continued ability to do so as a united and key player in regional affairs has been brought into question in recent years. Governments and non-government organisations and groups will also need to assess current efforts to promote a sense of community and shared interests among the citizens of ASEAN, and to make a real push towards this goal.
What are the potential flashpoints that will have serious security and economic implications for Southeast Asia? What would be the likely alignment of interests and outcomes? How can Singapore and its ASEAN brethren forge unity to protect their continued security, prosperity, and freedom and independence of action?

Dialogue with Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Chairperson Mr Janadas Devan
Director Institute of Policy Studies

Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IPSLKYSPP
Twitter: https://twitter.com/IPS_sg
IPS Website: https://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/ips/events/details/singapore-perspectives-2019-singapore-world
Photos: www.flickr.com/photos/ipslkyspp
Twitter: @IPS_sg
For General feedback, please contact: Ms Kerynn Lee
Telephone: +6516-8389
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Please credit the Institute of Policy Studies when publishing the photos, video, or links.

This material been used for Educational purpose only.
The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) © 2019