Not everyone is able to attend the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue. That is why, as a member of IISS, the Chamber was very pleased to host Mr. James Crabtree, Executive Director, International Institute of Strategic Studies, Singapore this morning to provide members with key highlights and messages from the recently concluded 20th Shangri-La Dialogue.

True to IISS’s values of providing a neutral platform, James gave us a debrief which was measured and fair to all delegates. Following James’ presentation, he was joined by Ms. Angela Mancini, Partner of Control Risks in a panel conversation moderated by Mr. Victor Mills, Chief Executive, SICC.

Clearly, the big picture is not good. While there is hope the leaders of China and USA will meet this year, the risks for both countries, and for the rest of the world, of sleepwalking into armed conflict are real. The parallels with Europe in 1914 are a stark reminder of the dangers of inadequate and infrequent communication and the resultant accidents, misunderstandings and missteps which can occur.

With great power comes great responsibility. The world needs the current great powers to rise above a zero-sum game trajectory and engage, collaborate and compete with eyes wide open.

From a business perspective, levels of uncertainty and complexity have only increased. Boards everywhere are evaluating what their strategies should be and where they should invest.

The Chamber thanks both its guest speakers and the audience for a lively and thought-provoking session.