Last Friday, SICC convened a Security & Strategy Dialogue, Translating Global Security Shifts into Business Impact. Intentionally held following the Shangri-La Dialogue, the session explored how evolving geopolitical realities are influencing business risks, strategic planning and operating environments across markets.

 

Following welcome remarks by SICC Chairman, Mr Wong Joo Seng, and opening remarks by Mr Lim Him Chuan, Singapore Country Head, DBS Bank, who underscored that security and strategy have become board-level considerations, attendees heard a keynote address by Mr Warren Fernandez, Senior Fellow and Head of the National Security Studies Programme (NSSP) at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

 

Drawing on observations from this year’s Shangri-La Dialogue and broader global developments, Mr Fernandez examined:

🌍The shifting geopolitical landscape

⚖️ The structural drivers behind trade tensions

📈 The growing implications for businesses operating in an increasingly uncertain world

🤖 The challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) – not only as a transformative technology, but also as a force reshaping how knowledge is created, validated and consumed

 

The discussion continued with a panel dialogue featuring Mr Barrett Bingley, Asia Regional Director, Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, and Mr Steve Harbick, Vice President, Cybersecurity Product Management for Asia Pacific, Mastercard, moderated by Mr Fernandez.

 

The conversation highlighted the following themes:

🛡️ How governments and businesses are reassessing resilience amid geopolitical fragmentation

🚢 Supply chain vulnerabilities and emerging security concerns

💰 The costs associated with building resilience

📋 The growing use of force majeure measures

⚙️ The dual role of AI as both a driver of innovation and commerce, and a source of new risks and defence capabilities

 

Collectively, the insights shared during the dialogue reinforced the importance of navigating immediate risks while preparing for longer-term shifts that unfold over decades.

 

As a special finale, attendees had the opportunity to continue the conversation during a book-signing session for Mr Fernandez’s latest publication.

 

Our sincere thanks to our speakers and moderator for sharing their perspectives, and to all participants for their active engagement.

 

SICC remains committed to convene business leaders and subject matter experts to exchange perspectives, deepen understanding and navigate an increasingly complex global landscape.