On 17 April 2025, SICC partnered with the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI) to co-host a timely and thought-provoking forum on President Trump’s renewed “America First” agenda and its sweeping global tariff implications.

Our expert panel delivered deep, analytical perspectives on what this means for businesses in Singapore and the region — and how we can collectively navigate the uncertainty ahead.

🔹 Mr. Chia Kim Huat, Regional Head, Corporate & Transactional Practice, Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP, opened the session by framing the growing complexity of today’s geopolitical landscape and Singapore’s proactive response through a national Resilience Taskforce.

💡 Dr. Deborah Elms, Head of Trade Policy, Hinrich Foundation, spoke on the unpredictability of US trade moves and encouraged businesses to rethink supply chains and adopt more agile strategies.

📊 Mr. Suan Teck Kin, Head of Research, UOB, presented hard data on the economic impact of tariffs and inflation, underscoring the critical need for diversification and risk management.

🔍 Ms. Angela Mancini, Partner, Control Risks, highlighted escalating concerns around national security and global supply chain risks faced by businesses across Asia.

🌎 Dr. Li Mingjiang, Associate Professor, RSIS, NTU, offered a compelling take on the evolving US–China dynamic, emphasizing China’s firm stance and long-term strategic posture.

💬 A dynamic panel discussion, moderated by Mr. Chia, explored practical business concerns — from reshoring challenges and diversifying markets to the prospects of a US–China trade resolution.

Mr. Chia closed with a powerful reminder:
“So long as we stay united, resilient, and nimble, we can overcome these global challenges together.”

👏 Heartfelt thanks to SCCCI for the meaningful partnership, and to all our speakers and attendees for making this a rich and relevant dialogue.

In collaboration with: