Are We Ready for a New World? | Reflections from the 7th Annual GEX Conference 2026 #167

Are We Ready for a New World? | Reflections from the 7th Annual GEX Conference 2026 #167

It was a privilege to attend Dr Patrick Liew’s 7th Annual GEX Conference 2026, where diplomats, economists and business leaders shared their perspectives on navigating an increasingly uncertain world.

A key takeaway was that today’s geopolitical landscape bears some resemblance to the environment faced by Singapore and Southeast Asia in the 1960s—a period marked by uncertainty, yet one that ultimately became the foundation for decades of remarkable growth. Disruption, when managed well, can create new opportunities.

One memorable insight came from Mr. Bilahari Kausikan, who cautioned against confusing opinions with facts and reminded us not to assume that other nations share our values. When asked what Singapore’s greatest internal challenge is, his answer was immediate: social cohesion. In a rapidly changing world, trust within society remains one of our greatest strategic strengths.

Discussions also highlighted the continued resilience of the US economy. Despite global discomfort over tariffs, many countries continue adapting because access to the US market remains strategically important. Meanwhile, evolving Middle East conflicts are reshaping regional trade and energy routes, even as oil prices have remained relatively stable around the USD 80–90 range.

Beyond geopolitics, the conference also showcased the inspiring work of Humanity Matters, whose humanitarian efforts continue to make a meaningful impact. Through generous donations and an art auction, close to S$30,000 was raised during the event to support ongoing relief initiatives.

My appreciation to Dr. Patrick Liew and the organising team for bringing together such distinguished speakers and thought-provoking discussions. Conferences like these remind us that while the world is becoming more complex, opportunities remain for those who stay informed, adaptable and committed to making a positive difference.

#GEX2026 #Leadership #Geopolitics #Singapore #SoutheastAsia #Innovation #HumanityMatters #FutureReady #BusinessStrategy

This post is also published LinkedIn, Facebook, Tiktok, Xiaohongshu, Instagram and more.