Written by: PBEC’s Chau Ching Tang (Sam) In the rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape of the Arctic, Greenland emerges as a pivotal player, not merely due to its vast reserves of natural resources but also because of its strategic maritime location. As climate change accelerates Arctic ice melt, Greenland finds itself at the center of a complex web of international interests, encompassing economic ambitions, strategic military considerations, and environmental conservation efforts. This analysis seeks to unpack the multifaceted role Greenland plays…
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Sam is deeply passionate about understanding the world and creating meaningful change. His academic journey reflects this commitment, with qualifications in Legal Studies, Mass Communication, and Policy Analysis, alongside studies in classic literature and Sinology. These diverse experiences have given him a multidisciplinary perspective and a strong foundation for addressing complex global challenges. Currently, he is preparing to pursue a PhD, where his focus will be on geopolitics and its connection to sustainable development and peacebuilding. This next step will…
Theme: Financial Inclusion & Digitalisation When: Mon 24th Mar Feb 2025 1600-1730L (HKG/PEK/SIN/KUL) Local Time Where: Hybrid Event – KPMG, 8/F Princes Building, Central, HK Bauhinia Meeting Room All attendees are asked to kindly register here whether planning to attend online or in person: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/LNPKFEk0TQqfcePR62rxDw Please email michael.walsh@pbec.org or whatsapp +8532 6014 9899 if you plan to attend physically. Available seats will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.
Theme: Building a Sustainable Tomorrow When: Tue 11th Feb 2025 1600-1730L (HKG/PEK/SIN/KUL) Local Time Where: Hybrid Event – KPMG, 8/F Princes Building, Central, HK Bauhinia Meeting Room All attendees are asked to kindly register here whether planning to attend online or in person: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/2myrpM7mTGqp2Kp8njJuaw Please email michael.walsh@pbec.org or whatsapp +8532 6014 9899 if you plan to attend physically. Available seats will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.
Authors: Mega Valentina, Angelica Ortega, Logan Carnicelli Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) Agreement Establishes Key Investment Gateway for Southeast Asia On January 7, the governments of Malaysia and Singapore announced the signing of a bilateral agreement to establish a special economic zone (SEZ) in the southern Malaysian state of Johor. Plans on the Johor-Singapore SEZ were first unveiled in 2023 at the 10th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat and are expected to begin roll out in 2025. Through the JS-SEZ, Malaysia and Singapore will promote and…
PBEC Opinion Piece South Korea 2025Executive Summary This PBEC opinion piece on South Korea’s economic forecast for 2025 highlights the challenges posed by political instability, which may dampen growth prospects unless stability is restored. Key sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, technology, and renewable energy present significant opportunities for Korean businesses, particularly in international markets like China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand. The investment climate is influenced by the need for reform and stability to attract both domestic and foreign…
In 2024, APEC embarked on a journey to Peru under the theme of “Empower, Include, Grow”. Under this theme, we shared ideas on inclusive and interconnected growth, digitalization and innovation to promote formal and global economy, and sustainable growth for resilient development. These discussions culminated in the Leaders’ declaration in Lima in late November 2024. Now, the roadshow moves across the Pacific to Korea. Korea is holding APEC for the first time in 20 years. Last time was when the APEC Economic…
Executive Summary: Regional Economic Integration Building the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific. The Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) is the best way to unlock the full potential of the region, by countering fragmentation and creating new opportunities for all. ABAC calls on APEC to build FTAAP from the top down through high-quality trade agreements and innovative recent sectoral initiatives on digital trade, sustainability and inclusion. In parallel, APEC should build FTAAP incrementally from the bottom up through…
The Asia-Pacific region faces a complex economic landscape characterized by growth potential tempered by significant risks. Forecasts project a GDP growth rate of 3.4% in 2024, with inflation expected to moderate to around 2.3%, but challenges such as geopolitical tensions, climate change, global supply chain vulnerabilities, and ageing populations present substantial risks. These risks are exacerbated by factors such as protectionism, trade conflicts, and the increased frequency of natural disasters affecting economic stability and productivity. Survey insights reveal a region…
Abstract: The State of Southeast Asia 2024 Survey conducted by the ASEAN Studies Centre at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute reveals that Southeast Asia’s top preoccupations are with unemployment, climate change, and intensifying economic tensions between major powers. The Israel-Hamas conflict is the region’s top geopolitical concern, while China has edged past the US to become the prevailing choice if the region were forced to align itself in the ongoing US-China rivalry. Click here to download the PDF file of…