The 16th FutureChina Global Forum Returns to Navigate Challenges and Opportunities Amid a World in Flux

Singapore, 9 September 2025 — The FutureChina Global Forum (FCGF) 2025 returns for its 16th edition on 19 September 2025 at the Singapore Sands Expo & Convention Centre. Bringing together leaders and decision makers, FCGF will feature dialogues on geopolitics, economic and trade relations, China policies and transformation, as well as technological innovation. Running in parallel on the same day is the Business China Youth Forum (BCYF), a platform curated by youth, for youth. The day will culminate in the prestigious Business China Awards (BCA) ceremony, recognising individuals and organisations who have made outstanding contributions to Singapore-China relations.

FutureChina Global Forum

Themed “The World in Flux: Challenges and Opportunities”, FCGF will bring together over 600 delegates on-site, including distinguished officials, academics and business leaders, from more than 20 countries. The Guest-of-Honour, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr Gan Kim Yong, will deliver the opening keynote speech. Other highlights include a fireside chat with Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and an in-conversation session featuring Mr Ray Dalio, Founder of Bridgewater Associates, and Mr Ng Kok Song, Founding Partner & Chairman of Avanda Investment Management.

This year’s FCGF will feature high-level discussions across four panel topics. The opening plenary will examine how global geopolitical shifts are reshaping Southeast Asia and what strategies businesses can adopt to remain resilient and competitive. Panel 2 will explore ASEAN–China economic ties, focusing on new opportunities and risks arising from deepening regional integration and cross-border activities. Panel 3 will discuss China’s evolving policies, their implications for long-term growth, private sector development, and technological advancement, and how the country is navigating global uncertainties. Finally, Panel 4 will explore latest developments in AI, its transformative impact on businesses and society, and the risks that come with AI.

Business China Youth Forum: Youth Navigating in an Age of Uncertainty

The 6th edition of BCYF will run concurrently to spotlight the role of young leaders operating in an uncertain world. With discussions ranging from AI companions and humanoid robots to digital entrepreneurship, BCYF hopes to inspire youth to be agents of change, equipping them with the cross-cultural fluency to strengthen ties between Singapore, China and the region and shape future collaboration.

At BCYF, our Guest-of-Honour, Mr Goh Pei Ming, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Social and Family Development, will witness the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the five polytechnics in Singapore. The MOUs aim to deepen collaboration between Business China and the polytechnics through initiatives such as internships and China knowledge programmes, to strengthen the understanding of Singapore-China developments among youth and faculty members.

Business China Awards

The 12th edition of BCA, co-presented with OCBC, aims to honour outstanding individuals and organisations who demonstrate exceptional vision, leadership, and success in advancing sustained growth in Singapore-China relations across business, economic, social, and/or cultural domains.

“The uncertainties and tensions we face today are borderless and complex, and no one has all the answers. In a world in flux, where challenges and opportunities emerge side by side, it is especially important to bring together business leaders, experts, decision makers and even youths – whose perspectives and energy are vital to navigating change and shaping the future together. We are grateful to our steadfast partners and stakeholders, whose support has enabled the FutureChina Global Forum to grow into a meaningful and open space for dialogue and collaboration, and the Business China Awards to continue to shine a spotlight on individuals and organisations that have made great contributions to advance Singapore-China relations,” said Ms Kwek Poh Heok, Chief Executive Officer of Business China.

“In a time of macroeconomic recalibration and evolving international dynamics, the role of the FutureChina Global Forum as a platform for dialogue, collaboration and visionary leadership is more vital than ever. OCBC’s longstanding support for the FCGF and the Business China Awards reflects our strategic commitment to enabling ASEAN-Greater China connectivity and empowering businesses to pursue their cross-border trade and investment goals,” said Mr Tan Teck Long, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of OCBC.

For more information about FCGF, please visit the FutureChina Global Forum 2025 website.