What Asia must do better in 2025

THIS year is going to be disruptive – a roller coaster of challenges and opportunities. As the global landscape grows increasingly complex, Asia finds itself navigating higher tariffs, weaker global demand and growing policy uncertainty. These pressures are testing the region’s resilience, but also creating space for bold solutions and collaboration.

Singapore’s vibrant energy has become an integral part of my daily life. The bustling streets, where diverse cultures converge over shared meals, and the lively music spilling from street corners and cafes, reflect the richness that this region has to offer. Yet, beneath this vibrancy lies a more urgent rhythm – the race to address an energy crisis that mirrors the planet’s own struggles.

Asia’s rising energy demand underscores its rapid economic growth, but also brings the pressures of climate change into sharp focus. While Singapore relies heavily on natural gas for its energy needs, many other countries in Asia remain dependent on coal. The region’s trajectory will depend on how we respond to macroeconomic trends, regulatory changes and geopolitical developments.