PROGRAMME

12th Singapore Dialogue on Sustainable World Resources (SWR):
Sustaining Sustainability: Reinventing Commodity Industries

Date: Wednesday, 28 May 2025
Time: 9:00am – 2:15pm (Registration begins at 8:30am)
Venue: Grand Ballroom, One Farrer Hotel

08:30-09:00

Registration

09:00-09:10

Welcome Remarks

09:10-09:25

Sustaining Sustainability Amidst Global Uncertainty

Keynote Speaker:

09:25-09:45

Reinventing Commodities – Malaysia’s Competitiveness in Global Trade

Keynote Speaker:

09:45-11:00

Navigating Shifts in Global Trade and Markets

Global trade and consumption patterns are changing, in response to uncertainty over US trade tariffs, European rules like the EU Regulation on Deforestation-free Products set to take effect in 2025, and other shifts. While sales to developed Western markets remain important, businesses and traders are increasingly looking at demand in Asian markets, including the region’s major economies like China and India, as well as consumption within Southeast Asia. This panel will explore the changing trade and market trends affecting the global agricultural commodities sector – and the implications of these shifts for businesses operating in ASEAN, including companies in Singapore. 

  • How is the global trade in sustainable commodities evolving? 
  • How are businesses in ASEAN pivoting in response to changing demand patterns? 
  • How are trade regulations and policies affecting the business and supply chain decisions of companies operating in ASEAN?

Panel Keynote:

Panellists:

Moderator:

11:00-11:30

Coffee/Tea Break

11:30-12:00

The Future of Food and Agribusiness amidst Economic and Climate Challenges

12:00-13:00

Balancing Growth with Sustainability – The Future of Production in ASEAN

ASEAN’s agricultural commodities sector is a key driver of economic growth for the region. However, the sector must contend with changing pressures. ASEAN countries are trying to produce more commodities, food, and biofuels in line with both export demand and their own domestic needs, including the increasing push towards the downstreaming of industries. At the same time, even as the region seeks to increase output and profitability, businesses must also respect sustainability commitments and the need to conserve ecosystems. This panel examines the future for sustainable production in ASEAN, and the potential role of businesses and investors in Singapore to work with partners across the region in transforming commodity industries.

  • What policies are needed to support higher output in the commodities industry while simultaneously promoting sustainable land use?
  • What are the challenges faced by producers in their operations, and how can these be addressed?
  • What new business opportunities are emerging, ranging from the downstreaming of industries to the sale of carbon credits and ecosystem services?

Panellists:

Moderator:

13:00-13:10

Closing Remarks

13:10-14:15

Lunch

14:15

End of Programme
Note: This programme is subject to change.
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