Exploring Global Trade and Singapore’s Place as a World Connector
Supply chain management has gained increased prominence in light of disruption caused by COVID-19, the unpredictable US-China trade war, and the Red Sea crisis. Furthermore, discussions surrounding deglobalisation, market bifurcation and supply chain decarbonisation raise questions about their potential impact on global trade.
In this three-part lecture series, former Group CEO of PSA International and 14th S R Nathan Fellow Mr Tan Chong Meng will examine the past, present and future of trade, and assess key drivers and significant outcomes arising from these profound changes, drawing on his perspectives as a business leader in ports, supply chains and energy. The lectures will also delve into the remarkable expansion in global trade, the role of ports and maritime shipping, and importantly, shed light on the anticipated trajectory for Singapore's role as a maritime hub. Amid uncertain environments driven by geopolitical tensions, climate risk and technological disruption, how can we ensure the sustainability and resilience of our supply chains? How can Singapore continue to play a role as a connector of the world through trade?
Lecture I — Global Trade: Attempting Escape Velocity
Economies reach escape velocity when they gain enough momentum to break out of poverty and economic growth becomes self-sustaining. Trade has played a significant role in propelling the economic growth of economies through the flows of physical goods, people, information, and finance. There have also been key technological breakthroughs that have expanded the horizons of commerce and resulted in today’s age, such as the Industrial Revolution that introduced faster and cheaper modes of transport and trade.
In this lecture, we explore the drivers that shaped global trade in the past to gain an appreciation of supply chain activities that are often invisible to the layperson. We also examine how Singapore’s position as a key hub port has intersected with global trade developments, and how the new Tuas Port adopts an ecosystem approach of connecting supply chains.
Mr Patrick Lee, Cluster CEO, Singapore and ASEAN Markets at Standard Chartered Bank, will be moderating the Question-and-Answer session of this lecture.
To find out more about Mr Tan Chong Meng, the 14th S R Nathan Fellow, click here.
Click here to read the event summary.
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• Speech by Mr Janadas Devan at the IPS-Nathan Lectures by Mr Tan Chong Meng — Lecture I
Media Coverage
• 凤凰卫视. 2024. 东南亚港口发展 新加坡未来业务可观. 9 March.