PROGRAMME

11th Singapore Dialogue on Sustainable World Resources (SWR):
Next Economy and the Future of Resources

Date: Thursday, 9 May 2024
Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm (Registration begins at 8:30am)
Venue: Fullerton Hotel, Singapore

08:30-09:00

Guest Registration

09:00-09:10

Welcome Remarks

09:10-09:40

The Future of Green Growth for Singapore and ASEAN
  • Why and how must ASEAN decarbonise and transition to a green economy? 
  • What are Singapore’s roles and initiatives to facilitate the green transition in ASEAN? 
  • How can ASEAN countries work together as one for a green transition that benefits everyone in the region? 

Keynote Speaker:

Moderator:

09:40-10:10

Indonesia’s Future Economy and the Role of Resource Sectors

Keynote Speaker:

Moderator:

10:10-11:10

The Road Ahead for Resource Sector – Policy and Market Directions

ASEAN’s resource sector has made progress on sustainability in the past decade. However, critical questions are emerging about the road ahead, as new governments take office in key ASEAN economies. Will these administrations maintain a focus on ecosystem conservation and restoration, or will economic pressures result in the opening up of more land for farms and plantations? This panel will explore the delicate balance between sustainable growth and other needs such as energy and food security, especially in light of the evolving international and domestic demand for resources.

  • What directions are government policy and national politics taking on sustainability? What are the implications for businesses? 
  • Where is supply and demand for resources heading in the next 10 years? What does this mean for international trade flows? 
  • What enabling conditions are needed to strengthen both sustainability and resilience in the resource sector? 

Panellists:

Moderator:

11:10-11:40

Coffee/Tea Break

11:40-12:10

Fostering Sustainability for Malaysia's Exports and Global Green Demand
  • What is Malaysia’s vision for its trade and export growth in a greener future economy, especially in its key industries and target markets? 
  • Given the continued role of agri commodities in Malaysia’s economy, how does Malaysia ensure its agri exports are seen as sustainable at the global level, in the context of environmental requirements from the EU and other markets? 
  • What can the public and corporate stakeholders do to work together to ensure synergy in achieving sustainable exports? 

Keynote Speaker:

Moderator:

12:10-13:10

Trade Regulations and Sustainability Standards – Challenge or Opportunity?

Around the world, markets are becoming more sensitive to issues such as carbon emissions and deforestation. A new wave of regulations is on the horizon – the European Union has implemented a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, and its Deforestation Regulation is set to take effect by the end of 2024. Other major economies like the United States are considering similar moves. This panel will delve into the future of global trade in forest and agricultural commodities, exploring whether regulatory compliance will be felt as an additional cost for ASEAN businesses, or if there are untapped synergies with ASEAN’s own sustainability initiatives and potential upsides.   

  • What impact will the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and other rules being introduced by major markets have on trade with ASEAN? 
  • How are companies and smallholders navigating different sustainability standards, including both trade rules and product certifications? 
  • Are these requirements a burden or do they present opportunities, such as granting market access and giving financiers more confidence to invest in ASEAN’s resource sectors? 

Panellists:

Moderator:

13:10-13:20

Closing Remarks

13:20-14:15

Lunch

14:30-16:00

Reinventing Sustainable Financing for Smallholders and Future Generations

ASEAN’s agribusiness sector is rapidly evolving, and with it there is a greater need for green and transition financing – as well as new avenues to connect financial institutions and businesses with smallholders. This workshop will explore the evolving landscape of green and transition financing, with a focus on perspectives from the emerging generation of ESG-savvy leaders taking the helm at agribusiness firms and a new digitally literate generation of smallholders who are educated and eager to embrace sustainable practices. 

  • How do agribusinesses see their relationships with suppliers and local communities? Is this perception changing as a new generation of leaders and management come to the fore? 
  • What do smallholders want from the buyers they work with? How is the emerging generation of tech-savvy and educated farmers interacting with the market? 
  • What role can philanthropic organisations, impact investors, and other financiers play in supporting sustainable development for rural communities in ASEAN? 

Key Discussants:

Moderator:

Note: This programme is subject to change.
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