Boston Consulting Group (BCG)’s Post

At the 44th ASEAN Summit, themed "Connectivity and Resilience," SMU President Professor Lily Kong explores ASEAN’s efforts to enhance regional connectivity across economic growth, cultural exchanges, and digital transformation. Despite notable progress, particularly in digitalisation, ASEAN still faces challenges in establishing a unified regional identity. Professor Kong emphasises that ASEAN’s success depends on the active involvement of both leaders and citizens, making it a work in progress. Read her full analysis on ASEAN’s evolving mission here. https://brnw.ch/21wNKqn

Insightful and informative content from Lily Kong. ASEAN has come a long way and what is concluded in the last para is the mirror for reflection to take it further. Couple of thoughts: A. For such initiatives to work, ethical approaches have to be the leading guide as also proposed for sustainability which is often described as a 'wicked problem'. But with sustainability, what we notice is increasing and intensifying geopolitical conflicts and wars, for right and wrong reasons. This is concerning especially looking at the timebound commitments made towards sustainability and emission targets. Isn't it time for peace and stability to demonstrate to the intra and intergenerational stakeholders that we are rational and more eco-centric than ego-centric? There are reasons for conflicts all the time. It is not for lack of justification as there are always reasons but in the interest of our eco-system will humanity think otherwise to refocus global efforts. For the regional blocks to work in a win-win way, the right mirror could be to reflect on John Rawal's theory of Justice 1. Equal Basic Liberties: Each person should have an equal right to the most extensive basic liberties compatible with similar liberties for others. 2. Difference Principle: Social and economic inequalities should be arranged so that they are to the greatest benefit of the least advantaged members of society, and offices and positions must be open to everyone under conditions of fair equality of opportunity. This maturity needs time and requires development. A higher level of consciousness is certainly possibly with right values, education and role models. Great responsibility for all of us and especially for education to transform through knowledge transfer and empowerment. B. To bring positive economic and social benefits to society, regional cooperation needs a critical mass and e.g. is EU's regulation on, sustainable consumption viz right to repair and all new portable devices, and light means of transport put on the market, will now have to be designed with replaceable batteries. With a critical mass, some of these regional regulations and initiatives can bring about a positive global change with collaborative and effective governance. In the absence of a unified global platform, collaborative regional blocks are great steps.

As the 44th ASEAN Summit takes center stage, the world is watching how Southeast Asia navigates its evolving role in the global arena. In my latest op-ed, "𝐀 𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐧? 𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐍’𝐬 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭", I unpack the unique identity of ASEAN and its critical role in fostering regional connectivity, resilience, and unity. Here are some key points: 𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐍'𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: The bloc has made good progress in promoting peace, stability, and economic growth in the region. Initiatives like the ASEAN Economic Community, ASEAN-China Dialogue, and various cultural exchange programmes have bolstered intra-ASEAN trade and strengthened people-to-people connections. 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐤𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐟𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐧 𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐟𝐭: Once defined by closely-knit communities and social cohesion - "gemeinschaft", Southeast Asia is now grappling with the impact of urbanisation, resulting in less personal, more transactional interactions - "gesellschaft". This transition presents challenges in maintaining communal bonds that once thrived in the region. 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲: ASEAN's efforts in building technical and infrastructural connections through projects like the ASEAN Power Grid and the ASEAN Highway Network are commendable. However, the challenge remains: how do we foster a genuine sense of identity among Southeast Asians? 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐍: ASEAN's conflict management approach, response to the Rohingya crisis, and handling of the South China Sea disputes, reveals significant limitations. The geopolitical rivalry between major powers further complicates ASEAN's ability to act independently and effectively. 𝐈𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬: Political scientist Benedict Anderson’s concept of “imagined communities” suggests that nations are constructed through shared narratives and collective identities, even among people who may never meet. Cyber communities provide possible avenues for forging regional identity and communities, transcending geographical boundaries. ASEAN is indeed a work in progress, and its future depends on collective efforts to create a more connected, resilient, and inclusive region. Read my op-ed in full here: https://lnkd.in/gydTGBMW

Evolving Dynamics of East and West For centuries, the perception of Western superiority in governance, education, and economic models has shaped global dynamics. But as the East rises, with nations like China, India, Indonesia and Singapore building innovative ecosystems, this narrative is being redefined. Our latest report, "The Evolving Dynamics of East and West," dives deep into the psychological, cultural, and economic shifts challenging long-standing Western dominance. From educational trends to governance models, we explore how global power is becoming increasingly decentralized, offering fresh opportunities and perspectives for the future. #GlobalPolitics #EastWestRelations #GeopoliticalTrends #GlobalEconomy #AsianCentury #GlobalLeadership #EmergingMarkets #GlobalizationTrends #CulturalDynamics #PowerShift #EconomicTransformation #GlobalGovernance #AsianInnovation #MultipolarWorld #GlobalPerspectives #GlobalShift #EastVsWest #CulturalDynamics #EconomicGrowth #Geopolitics #EmergingMarkets #Innovation #Leadership

"The Truth about Ascending Asia," an important study delving deeply into the attitudes and beliefs of this dynamic and diverse region conducted by our global intelligence unit McCann Worldgroup Truth Central, a powerful vision for the future is revealed: - 92% believe Asian brands will become more influential globally. - 92% believe cultural diversity is Asia's greatest wealth and should be celebrated more. - 85% believe that everyday life will be better for them in Asia in 10 years. - 86% believe it is important for brands to have a voice on social issues. This research underscores the opportunity for brands to play a role in realizing the Asian Dream. Through enduring values, timely cultural trends, and universal resonance, brands have the power to create a brighter future not only for Asia but for global communities as well.   This isn't just a call to action, it's an invitation to join us on a transformative journey. Read the full study here: https://lnkd.in/erK2PaqT   #TruthWellTold #McCannWorldgroup

Evolving Dynamics of East and West For centuries, the perception of Western superiority in governance, education, and economic models has shaped global dynamics. But as the East rises, with nations like China, India, Indonesia and Singapore building innovative ecosystems, this narrative is being redefined. Our latest report, "The Evolving Dynamics of East and West," dives deep into the psychological, cultural, and economic shifts challenging long-standing Western dominance. From educational trends to governance models, we explore how global power is becoming increasingly decentralized, offering fresh opportunities and perspectives for the future. #GlobalPolitics #EastWestRelations #GeopoliticalTrends #GlobalEconomy #AsianCentury #GlobalLeadership #EmergingMarkets #GlobalizationTrends #CulturalDynamics #PowerShift #EconomicTransformation #GlobalGovernance #AsianInnovation #MultipolarWorld #GlobalPerspectives #GlobalShift #EastVsWest #CulturalDynamics #EconomicGrowth #Geopolitics #EmergingMarkets #Innovation #Leadership

Asia and the Pacific has been the main beneficiary of globalization by rapidly becoming part of global value chains in the past decades.      Deeper global integration has helped the region grow, expand markets, and improve living standards. So, it is extremely important we understand the nature and progress of globalization, its impact, and future evolution.     In a conference on “Rethinking Globalization and Fragmentation: From Regional to Global Linkages”, we discussed challenges we face and also the opportunities that economic fragmentation might offer to the region. READ ⬇️  https://lnkd.in/gCrCP2W8

Vietnam’s growth story is nothing short of remarkable. 🇻🇳 📈 Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most resilient economies, growing at an average rate of 6% annually in the recent years. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) forecasts that Vietnam could be among the top 20 economies in the world by 2050. 💪 The future is bright for Vietnam, and innovation is at the heart of this journey. I had the privilege of joining a Ministerial delegation from the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) at Aalto University, where Vietnam's commitment to innovation and digital transformation was more evident than ever. Seeing this incredible momentum firsthand, you can’t help but want to be part of it! That's why I'm thrilled to share that Aalto University Executive Education and Professional Development has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology — a national public university within the Vietnam Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) for collaboration in their forthcoming projects and programs. When you see an incredible growth story unfolding in front of you ,the question should not be if you should get involved, but how and when. 🇻🇳 🇫🇮 Hannu Seristö Mervi Rantanen Jonni Junkkari Laura Sivula Minh Tu Pham Vu Hanh Hoang Ida H. Rayshmar Janani #Innovation #DigitalTransformation #Vietnam #Finland #GlobalEconomy #TechGrowth #Partnerships #AaltoUniversity #PTIT #MIC

Vietnam-China Business and Investment Opportunities Conference | November 28-29, 2024, Ho Chi Minh City In the context of rapidly changing global economic conditions, seizing opportunities and addressing the challenges between the economies of Vietnam and China has become a critical factor for businesses to maintain and enhance their competitiveness. The Vietnam-China Business and Investment Opportunities Conference, organized by HKU Vietnam and HKU Beijing, with the special participation of senior leaders from Vietnam, creates a prestigious platform for interaction. Here, top business leaders from both countries will have the opportunity to engage in discussions, share experiences, and explore development strategies within the framework of bilateral cooperation. With in-depth sessions led by leading experts, this event will provide a comprehensive overview of Vietnam-China trade cooperation, policies supporting businesses, and potential investment opportunities in Vietnam. It is a unique opportunity for leaders to gain deeper insights into the business environment, strengthen strategic partnerships, enhance competitiveness, and optimize development opportunities in the region. As a pioneering institution in research and community impact in the region, HKU Vietnam places great emphasis on connecting experts, leaders, and businesses through academic and research platforms. This conference is a clear demonstration of our commitment to advancing research and providing practical solutions that contribute to improving the investment environment and promoting sustainable development in Vietnam. To stay updated with the latest information about the event, please follow us on social media. #HKU #HKUVietnam #HKUBeijingCentre

Restructuring the international order is long overdue. Emerging economies hope to help shape the rules. This is why many see BRICS as an attractive alternative – even if they have to learn to balance a multitude of interests. A new age of international relations is dawning. With the West accounting for a declining share of global GDP, and the world becoming increasingly multipolar, countries are jostling to establish their positions in the emerging order. This includes both the emerging economies – represented by the recently expanded BRICS grouping – that seek a leading role in writing the rules of the new order, and the smaller countries attempting to cultivate relationships that can safeguard their interests.