The past half century has witnessed a phenomenal economic and social transformation of Asia, which would have been difficult to imagine, let alone predict, in 1970. Asia was, then, the poorest continent in the world, marginal except for its large population. Since then, it has been transformed beyond recognition, in the development of nations and living standards of people. This transformation, which has led to a dramatic increase in Asia's share in world income, manufacturing, and trade, has been uneven across countries and unequal among people. Yet, Asia’s economic progress in this short timespan has been remarkable and almost unprecedented in history. It is beginning to shift the balance of economic power in the world. At this juncture, however, the world is also confronted with mounting economic problems and political challenges, so that the uncertain future is a challenge. Prof. Nayyar will focus on the learning and lessons from these five decades of development. In the discussion, he will also share his thoughts on how the future might unfold for Asia over the next 25 years.
The session will be held over the Zoom teleconferencing platform, with IPS arranging for a specially curated meal to be delivered to each participant. It will be moderated by Mr Manu Bhaskaran, IPS Adjunct Senior Research Fellow and Founding Director and CEO, Centennial Asia Advisors Pte Ltd.