Event Details

DATE AND TIME (Asia/Singapore)

06 May 2025, 14:00 - 17:00

This event is jointly organised with:    

 

Supporting Partner:

 

By Invitation Only

The international trade landscape is undergoing a seismic shift as global markets grapple with renewed protectionist policies and intensifying geopolitical tensions. The recent revival of US President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff stance has once again ignited fears of a global trade war—with China at the epicentre. What does this mean for the world’s second-largest economy? And how should businesses, investors, and policymakers prepare for the turbulence ahead? 

Join us for an incisive and timely seminar that delves into China’s evolving role in the global economy against the backdrop of escalating US-China trade tensions. We will unpack the strategic responses from Beijing, explore the ripple effects on global supply chains, and assess the potential long-term implications for economic stability, innovation, and global governance. 

 

Event Details:

Event2025 China Economic Briefing – Navigating Trade Tensions in a Shifting Global Economy
Date and Time6 May 2025, Tuesday, 2pm - 5pm
LocationStephen Riady Auditorium @NTUC, 1 Marina Boulevard, Level 7, Singapore 018989

 

Key Takeaways: 

  • Insights into the latest US tariff strategies and China’s countermeasures
  • Analysis of trade realignment, decoupling risks, and regional power shifts
  • Opportunities and threats for global businesses operating in or with China
  • Predictions for future economic diplomacy and multilateral trade frameworks 

     

Outline

Panel 1: “Decoding China’s Response – Resilience, Retaliation, or Reinvention?” 

  • China's responses to US tariffs and their global business implications.
  • US tariffs and the supply chain shift from China to Southeast Asia - how businesses need to reinvent
  • Insights into China's domestic economic policy and global positioning. 

Mary Elizabeth Chelliah, Trade Consultant, Centre for the Future of Trade and Investment, Singapore Business Federation

Professor Cindy Deng Xin, Assistant Dean for ASEAN and China Programmes, Nanyang Business School, Nanyang Technological University

Heng Koon How, Executive Director, Head of Markets Strategy, United Overseas Bank

Yang Danxu, China News Editor, Lianhe Zaobao, SPH Media

Tay Woon Teck, Senior Advisor, RSM Singapore (Moderator) 

Panel 2: “Opportunities and Threats Facing Global Businesses Operating in or with China” 

Chen Xi, Partner (Foreign Lawyer) in the Capital Markets and Mergers & Acquisitions Practice Group of Rajah & Tann

Michael B., Chief Executive Officer, PS. Gourmet Group

Tonnie Lim, Chief Trade Officer, Pacific International Lines (PTE) Ltd

Tan Lee Lee, Partner, China Practice Group, RSM Singapore (Moderator)

Closing Session: “The Path Ahead – Building Agility in a Fractured Global Economy” 

  • Summary of key takeaways
  • Policy watchlist and risk radar for the next 12 months
  • Final thoughts on business resilience in a volatile geo-political era

By Tay Woon Teck, Senior Advisor, RSM Singapore 

Speaker Profiles:

Wei-Chieh leads SBF’s International Business Division team overseeing Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, Oceania, and Latin America, supporting Singapore companies in their global expansion through market insights, strategic partnerships, and on-ground facilitation. With prior experience in financial services, M&A advisory, and leadership roles across diverse industries, he brings a strong foundation in strategy execution and international growth.

Elizabeth Chelliah is equipped with nearly three decades of experience in trade negotiations, WTO dispute panels, and FTA policymaking, including key roles in RCEP and JSEPA. A seasoned trainer and speaker, she now focuses on building expertise in trade rules, advising public and private sectors, and contributing to global trade dialogues on digital economy and climate issues.

Cindy Deng Xin is an Associate Professor (Practice) at Nanyang Business School, NTU, specialising in empirical corporate finance and FinTech. Her research is published in top-tier journals such as the Journal of Financial Economics and Strategic Management Journal, and she teaches a wide range of finance courses across undergraduate, MBA, and doctoral levels.

Koon How is Head of Markets Strategy at UOB, where he leads economic research and advises key clients across ASEAN on FX, commodities, and interest rates, drawing on over 25 years of financial markets experience. A frequent media commentator and adjunct lecturer at SMU, he holds multiple advanced certifications spanning wealth management, ESG, blockchain, and carbon markets.

Yang Danxu is the China News Editor at Lianhe Zaobao, overseeing political, economic, and social coverage across the Greater China Region. With over 15 years of journalism experience, she previously served as Shanghai Correspondent and Beijing Bureau Chief. 

Confirmation: 

Due to limited capacity, please watch for follow-up emails confirming your registration status. 

 

Enquiries: 

 

[Notice]

Registrations are subject to confirmations; priority will be given to invited guests/clients.

The organisers reserve the right to change the venue, date and programme due to circumstances beyond our control.

 

Personal Data Protection Act

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Photography, Videography and Audio Recording

Please be informed that RSM or others on behalf of the firm and third parties may be taking photographs and videos during this seminar. The organisers may use such photos in their marketing materials, publications or media.

By attending the event, you consent to the use of your photographs, voice, likeness, and image in any broadcasts of this event and in subsequent productions drawn from video or audio recordings of this event. The photographs and recordings may be published or broadcasted in RSM and affiliates’ publications and in publicity materials, including websites and social media. All recordings, articles, quotes, photographs, films, audio or video and/or any reproductions of same in any form, are the property of RSM.

RSM, its affiliates, employees, representatives and agents are released from any and all claims, demands, costs and liability that may arise from the use of these interviews, recordings, photographs, videotapes or films, and/or any reproductions of same in any form, as described above, arising out of being interviewed, recorded, photographed, videotaped or filmed.

It is the responsibility of event participants to remove themselves from group and candid shots/recordings that the photographers/videographers intend to capture, if they do not wish to have their photos/audio-visual recordings taken at the event.

 

Water

Kindly note that bottled water will no longer be issued as part of our green efforts. Coffee/tea/cold drinks are however available during the tea break.


For further enquiries, please email us at [email protected].