Upcoming Events

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), in collaboration with the Economic Society of Singapore (ESS), invites eligible participants to take part in the MAS–ESS Essay Competition. The competition is open to students from Polytechnics, Centralised Institutes, International Schools, and Junior Colleges, full-time National Servicemen who have completed their pre-university education and are serving during the competition period and all Singaporean pre-university students studying abroad. Submissions on behalf of institutions or organisations are not permitted. Members of the judging committee and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate. The competition seeks to encourage informed discussion and original thinking on issues relevant to Singapore’s future economic development.

ASEAN is navigating an increasingly complex global environment, shaped by rising fragmentation, geopolitical volatility, and persistent external headwinds. While the region has demonstrated resilience, supported by strong macroeconomic fundamentals, the outlook ahead remains challenging.

The conflict in the Middle East is testing the resilience of developing Asia and the Pacific. Uncertainty remains exceptionally high, with impacts already evident through higher energy and commodity prices, disrupted shipping routes, and tighter financial conditions. This event will present insights from ADB’s latest Asian Development Outlook (April 2026) and examine the transmission channels of the conflict and their implications for the region’s growth prospects. It will also discuss policy responses to address these ongoing challenges.