Singapore Economic Policy Forum is now in its 12th year, and it has established a reputation as a leading platform for economic policy discussion in Singapore.

Opening Remarks by Professor David Lee, ESS Vice President
Keynote Speech by Mr Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of Education
Session 1: Singapore in Global Value Chain by Professor Chang Pao-Li, Associate Professor, School of Economics, Singapore Management University

Prof Chang’s presentation focuses on the position of Singapore in global value chains. The paper traces  how the position of Singapore in global value chains has changed in the past two decades: whether it has moved upstream or downstream, how involved it is in global value chains, how its trend compares with other major Asian exporting countries (China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan), and which key sectors of Singapore play a major role in these global trade networks.

Session 2: Changing Structures of International Competitiveness by Professor Tan Kong Yam, Professor, Nanyang Technological University & Co-director Asia Competitiveness Institute, National University of Singapore

Prof Tan’s presentation focuses on the one belt one road and the US China trade and tech war as well as their implications for Singapore and ASEAN international competitiveness and their next stage of growth. It highlights the importance of Singapore and ASEAN unity amidst US China rivalry. It concludes by examining the implications for Singapore’s future challenges.

Session 3: Funding Societies: Myths and Realities of SME Debt Crowdfunding in Singapore by Mr Kelvin Teo, Co-Founder, Funding Societies

Mr Teo’s presentation is a Peer-to-Peer Lending, or debt crowdfunding, was introduced in Singapore in 2013 after its success in the UK, USA and Europe. Mr Teo shares the misconceptions of the SME financing industry in Singapore, and the role debt crowdfunding plays in our economy.

Session 4: Fintech Credit: Development, Key Drivers and Implications by Professor Tan Swee Liang, Practice Associate Professor, School of Economics and
By Ms Toke Yoke Wang, Senior Economist, IMF Singapore, Regional Training

Singapore’s crowdfunding volumes have grown rapidly to make Singapore the top crowdfunding hub in Southeast Asia. Prof Tan and Ms Tok presentation discussed the key drivers of fintech credit for the top ten fintech credit markets in the world, including Singapore using a panel data approach, and if crowdfunding has contributed to improving SMEs’ cashflow in Singapore. They discuss the implications of crowdfunding on banks and Singapore’s approach to regulating crowdfunders.

Panel Discussion A: Singapore’s Responses to Economic Nationalism & Increased Competition with Chairperson Associate Professor Chia Ngee Choon, National University of Singapore (Middle photo). Panellists were Associate Professor Chang Pao-Li (left photo) and Professor Tan Kong Yam (right photo)
Panel Discussion B: Technology Disruptions: Impact on Startups and SMEs with Chairperson Professor David Lee, Singapore University of Social Sciences and Vice President, ESS . Panellists were Mr Kelvin Teo, Assoc Prof Tan Swee Liang and Ms Tok Yoke Wang
Panel Discussion C: Possible Responses to External Challenges to the Singapore Economy with Chairperson Professor Chow Hwee Kwan, Practice Professor, School of Economics, Singapore Management University. Panellists were Ms Selena Ling, Head of Treasury Research and Strategy, OCBC and Council Member, ESS, Council Member and Dr. Prakash Kannan, Chief Economist, GIC and Council Member, ESS