(17 Mar) Managing Tech and Trade Disruptions: Building Resilience in a Shifting Int'l Landscape

We are entering a new era of global trade (dis)order, shaped by powerful waves of technological and economic disruption. From generative AI transforming production and services, to tariff escalations redrawing trade routes, these shifts are reconfiguring the foundations of international commerce. They bring real opportunities—efficiency gains from emerging technologies, new markets, and innovative business models—but also serious challenges, including fragmentation, heightened uncertainty, and systemic complexity. Together, these dynamics underscore the urgent need for resilience.

Bringing together diverse perspectives, this event will explore how businesses and other actors in the region can adapt to and navigate this fast-changing landscape. Key questions include: How can we better understand and prepare for emerging trends? Do these disruptions challenge our long-held assumptions? And how can actors remain resilient and agile in the face of volatility? Join us to exchange insights, build partnerships, and shape resilient strategies for a more inclusive and adaptive global economy. Joint efforts among businesses, policymakers, innovators, consumers, NGOs, and the broader community are essential to build resilience and drive sustained and inclusive growth.

Chair and Panellists

Prof Pasha L. Hsieh

Pasha is LKC Professor of Law and Jean Monnet Chair at SMU’s Yong Pung How School of Law. He has held visiting faculty and fellowship positions at the University of Melbourne, Seoul National University, and the United Nations University Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies

Mr Chris Humphrey

Chris is Executive Director at EU-ASEAN Business Council. He is an accomplished Business Development and Government Relations professional with over 20 years of experience leading business operations across Asia and over 30 years of engagement with governments and regulatory authorities worldwide.

Dr Sarah Chan

Sarah is Senior Research Fellow at East Asian Institute. Previously, she was senior economist at the MAS and ADB consultant at the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office. Her book Geopolitics, China and Global Supply Chain: Issues and Implications will be published by Routledge

Prof Heng Wang

Heng is Professor of Law at SMU’s Yong Pung How School of Law. He is recognized as Australia’s research leader in international law. His work is often cited by intergovernmental organisations and engages with the UN, IMF, World Bank and WTO as advisor or speaker.

Ms Maha El Dimachki

Maha is CEO for the Solutions arm of The Global Finance and Technology Network. She served as Centre Head of the BIS Innovation Hub Singapore, leading the development of tech public goods to support central banks in a digital economy. She focuses on safe, responsible fintech innovation.