Regional leaders explore how responsible AI adoption, ASEAN’s evolving role and
China’s next growth model will shape business and policy choices
Singapore, 25 September 2026 — The 17th FutureChina Global Forum (FCGF) concluded today after almost two days of dialogue on how governments and businesses can navigate accelerating AI adoption, China’s economic transition and intensifying competition in an increasingly multipolar landscape.
Organised by Business China under the theme “Strengthening Resilience, Rebuilding Trust”, the flagship bilingual forum brought together over 1,400 participants and more than 1,000 organisations from public, business, and technology sectors at Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore.
Across the AI Track on 24 September and the Main Forum on 25 September, speakers moved beyond broad assessments of disruption brought about by AI and geopolitical uncertainty to focus on what leaders at all levels must do next. Several core themes emerged: (a) protecting rules-based international order amidst a fragmented world, (b) building organisational capability to deploy AI safely and responsibly, (c) identifying where China’s industrial and consumer shifts are generating long-lasting value, (d) safeguarding ASEAN’s openness as regional competition intensifies, and (e) increasing supply chain resilience against regional and international shocks.
The Main Forum on 25 September was opened by Mr Gan Kim Yong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (Trade), as Guest of Honour.
“As Singapore assumes ASEAN chairmanship in 2027, we will work together with our fellow member states to deepen integration and strengthen ASEAN’s capacity to respond to change. We want an ASEAN that remains open to the world with the capabilities, connections, and agencies to be able to shape our own future,” said Mr Gan.
“We are navigating a fundamentally changed world, with major-power rivalry, geopolitical conflict and technological competition reshaping the global landscape. Singapore, China and the rest of Asia should proactively create new opportunities for cooperation and growth. This is why FutureChina Global Forum remains closely attuned to the shifting dynamics of our era. By focusing on international affairs, economic developments, and emerging industry trends, the Forum serves as an annual gathering here in Singapore for global leaders and experts from diverse backgrounds.”, said Mr Lee Yi Shyan, Chairman of Business China.
AI advantage will depend on how leadership builds trust
The Forum opened on 24 September with a dedicated AI Track graced by Mr Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information & Ministry of Health. In his opening remarks, Mr Tan emphasised that Singapore’s AI advantage will come from being effective at turning AI into outcomes, rather than trying to outspend larger economies on compute, chips or frontier models. Firms need to retrain workers and rethink decision-making around AI capabilities rather than simply adding AI to existing workflows.
Discussions examined how China is advancing AI adoption through policy, capital, infrastructure and organisational change. Speakers pointed to China’s manufacturing and deployment base as an advantage for embodied AI, while stressing that scaling safely will depend on real-world data. They also noted that AI’s value for enterprises will come from redesigning workflows around specific operational needs. There are also opportunities for more Singapore-China collaboration, with the combined advantages of China’s engineering depth and Singapore’s trusted, well-governed environment.
The AI Track concluded with a focus on safety and accountability as systems take on more autonomous roles. Panellists called for ongoing testing, clear human oversight and stronger international cooperation on standards to support responsible deployment in high-stakes sectors.
Resilience requires cooperation even when strategic interests diverge
At the opening plenary of the main forum, speakers examined how a more contested world can avoid sliding into outright division. The global order is being reshaped as China, the United States and a wider group of Global South and middle powers play more prominent roles. While major powers will continue to pursue their national interests, competition need not become zero-sum if countries better understand each other’s concerns and preserve channels for dialogue.
ASEAN’s experience was highlighted as a practical model for building trust amid diversity. Trust is built through sustained engagement, restraint, compromise and a commitment to settle differences peacefully. This will be increasingly important as businesses and governments navigate fragmented supply chains, external shocks and competing AI ecosystems, where cooperation is still needed to manage shared risks.
China’s next growth phase will reprioritise industries and strengthen domestic consumer market
With China now into its 15th Five-Year Plan period, economists, investors and business leaders examined where the next engines of growth may emerge. Attention turned to higher-value sectors including Electric Vehicles (EVs), batteries, AI and advanced manufacturing, as well as the importance of predictable regulation, market access and reliable infrastructure in sustaining investment. But while these sectors are gaining momentum, stronger consumer demand will be needed to sustain broader growth.
China’s evolving relationship with ASEAN is also shaping its domestic economy. As high-tech manufacturing expands faster than domestic consumption, Chinese companies are looking overseas for new markets and building supply, production, and consumer networks across Southeast Asia. At the same time, efforts are going into managing the real estate market, social and job security, and durable income growth are key to boosting consumer confidence.
Technology and consumption must translate into gains for people
In concurrent sessions, speakers examined how technological progress and changing consumption patterns are reshaping corporate strategy. The discussion on making technology count for people stressed that AI will only deliver broad-based benefits if people have the confidence and judgement to use it well, and if businesses remain accountable for its impact. This will be critical as agentic AI, embodied AI and other emerging technologies become more widely used.
The consumer panel highlighted a shift towards more value-conscious spending, alongside demand for products and services that offer greater convenience, health benefits and a stronger overall consumer experience. Speakers also pointed to the growing role of China’s brand-building, manufacturing depth, and operational efficiency in enabling Chinese companies to compete and expand across the region.
The forum reached another high point with the fireside chat featuring Minister Mr Chan Chun Sing, Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence, who emphasised that Singapore must remain relevant in the globally fragmented economy by recognising diverse perspectives within society. For ASEAN, businesses can operate more freely, with closer connections across the financial systems, data infrastructure, and energy systems for the entire region to remain competitive.
FCGF was launched in 2010 and has grown into one of Singapore’s significant platforms for high-level exchange on China’s development and its engagement with the region and the world. This year’s Forum continued its role in bringing together perspectives from Singapore, China, ASEAN and beyond to deepen understanding and identify opportunities for cooperation.