AsiaAscendant

The continuing conflict in the Middle East continues to weigh down the global economy. Meanwhile, trade is being reshaped by security concerns, industrial policy, and regional blocs. Are we headed for an economic crisis? How should Asian economies respond to the slowdown, reconfigured supply chains and rising protectionism?

Digital technology played a key role in the growth of Asia’s startups and unicorns, some of whom have become regional and global leaders. How do business leaders see advances in AI shaping their industries, and the wider ecosystem? Where does Asia sit in the global AI and advanced manufacturing race? Will open source or closed models prevail? Can the region balance innovation with governance, ethics, and social trust?

Rising geopolitical competition has heightened the likelihood of miscalculation between major powers like the US and China. At the same time, global norms, alliances, and institutions are fraying and rules are contested. Middle powers are under pressure to act collectively or be “on the menu”. How should Asian countries manage strategic uncertainty when multilateral guardrails are weakening? Can hedging, diversification, and non-alignment remain viable strategies? What does regional stability mean when deterrence, rather than trust, is the organising principle?