The Business Times

Simon Tay

THE WRITER IS CHAIRMAN OF THE SINGAPORE INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (SIIA). THE SIIA ORGANISES THE ASEAN THINK TANK SUMMIT WITH A NETWORK OF POLICY INSTITUTES AND THE SUPPORT OF THE ASEAN SECRETARIAT.

emailbtnews@sph.com.sg
Thai Prime Minister and prime ministerial candidate of Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) Anutin Charnvirakul (C) walks past the crowd of media members following a press conference after the polls closed in the general election at the party's headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, 08 February 2026. According to the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT), 52.9 million Thais are registered to vote in the 08 February general election to elect members of the House of Representatives, and participate in a national referendum on constitutional amendments. EPA/NARONG SANGNAK
POLITICS THAT MATTER

Moving Thailand forward: Between stability and reform

After 3 prime ministers and past incidents of street protests and violence, the economy – stuck at a 1-2% growth rate –...

An America undergoing its own revolution is not an easy partner. But Asians remain unprepared to go ahead alone, says the writer.
NEW GLOBAL ORDER

Revolutionary America and ‘Asia Alone’

There is a sense that the old and reliable US is gone. But is Asia ready to go solo?

Minus-two strategies resist a binary choice between the US and China, and emphasise multipolarity and the agency of even small states, such as Singapore..
POLITICS THAT MATTER

New initiatives for a ‘minus-two’ world

The mindset to take initiative and forge new paths with rules for cooperation is part of Singapore’s DNA

Sino-American tensions and US President Donald Trump’s actions are critically important, yet not everything should hinge on the US and China.
POLITICS THAT MATTER

A long year that is not over

Growth has been resilient and fundamentals remain positive, but problems have grown

During his Asia tour, Trump hogged the headlines from that first jig when he arrived at Kuala Lumpur airport. When Trump chooses to turn up, it is his agenda for America that is not only first but perhaps the only item on the agenda.
POLITICS THAT MATTER

Asean in a ‘Minus One’ world

When America First means the US chooses when to show up, the region must find its way to live and prosper

As nations react to a multipolar and shifting world, Asean must step up to differentiate itself and deliver benefits to its members, says the writer.

Asean centrality is more than its summit guest list

Amid global turmoil, the bloc’s real work continues for regional integration and peace

The PAP largely avoided speechifying, canvassing broader issues at rallies and TV, and mainly by PM Wong speaking at centralised, national platforms.
THE POLITICS THAT MATTERS TO BUSINESS

Not insular politics but glocal

The global turmoil and connections to local and national issues in Singapore are standout factors that made a difference in the general...

Cargo ships are loaded with containers while docked at the port of Bangkok, in Bangkok, Thailand, April 3, 2025. Thailand, with a tariff rate of 37 per cent imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, is one of the six countries in the Southeast Asian region slapped with much higher-than-expected traffis by the U.S. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha
THE POLITICS THAT MATTERS TO BUSINESS

Trump tariffs and Asean’s Plan B

THE world is reeling from the tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump on Apr 2. What was dubbed “Liberation Day” sent...

(FILES) A general shows the city skyline seen from the Chinatown district in Singapore on January 7, 2025. A high-stakes father-and-son feud has plunged Singapore property giant City Developments Ltd into turmoil, with a private boardroom dispute for one of the city-state's wealthiest families erupting into public view this week. (Photo by Roslan RAHMAN and ROSLAN RAHMAN / AFP) / To go with 'SINGAPORE-CONSTRUCTION-FAMILY,FOCUS' by Martin ABBUGAO
THE POLITICS THAT MATTERS TO BUSINESS

Why invest in Singapore

There are investments of many different kinds that show confidence in the Republic, and the stakes taken are deliberate, long-term and well-funded

Pixgeneric / Generic picture of the Singapore flag flying atop National Gallery, juxtaposed against Singapore's skyline, CBD, photographed on Sept 29, 2023.
THE POLITICS THAT MATTER TO BUSINESS

Building – and navigating – ties with China

There is scope to further enhance Singapore’s relationship with the great Asian power, but the Republic seeks ultimately to be ‘omnidirectional’

Latest T-bills Treasury Bills Results & Interest NewsLatest SSB Singapore Savings Bonds NewsLatest COE Certificate of Entitlement News
Latest Johor-Singapore SEZ NewsLatest BTO Build To Order & Sales of Balance NewsLatest STI Straits Times Index NewsLatest SGX Dividends, Share Price NewsLatest Bonds Market NewsLatest Singapore Stocks To Buy NewsLatest Singapore Economy News
View More