Latest news with #WEFAnnualMeetingoftheNewChampions
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Multilateralism will need to evolve to become more ‘flexible', says PM Wong at WEF
PM Lawrence Wong (left) and WEF President Borge Brende attending a session of the WEF Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Tianjin, China on June 25. PHOTO: AFP Multilateralism will need to evolve to become more 'flexible', says PM Wong at WEF TIANJIN – With global rules weakening and economic nationalism on the rise, Singapore is proposing a workaround of getting like-minded countries to cooperate on specific issues, while leaving the door open for others to join in future. 'This is what we would call a flexible multilateralism,' Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said during the question-and-answer segment of a World Economic Forum (WEF) event on June 25 in Tianjin. 'It is not about an ad-hoc array of different rules but starting first laying the building blocks, and eventually others can join, and we can steer progress in the right direction.' PM Wong added: 'Whatever we do, it is open, it is inclusive. Others may not be ready to join, but in time to come, they can join and we can multilateralise these efforts.' He called for countries to find ways to evolve the multilateralism system, rather than abandon it altogether. The American-led post-war global order which had allowed for free trade and prosperity for countries big and small has come under threat with the US imposition of high tariffs on goods from much of the world, especially from China. The United States has imposed a 10 per cent tariff on Singapore, even though it has a Free Trade Agreement and a trade surplus with the Republic. 'For small countries like Singapore, we are worried because we have limited options, we have limited bargaining power, and we risk being marginalised,' said Mr Wong in his opening remarks during the dialogue. He said bigger countries will also find it hard to deal and operate in the new environment, because it will be harder for the world to address common threats, such as pandemics, climate change or financial shocks. In response, Singapore will still strive to bring people together, promote integration, bring down barriers and strengthen multilateralism, he said. Mr Wong said he hoped to see a kind of 'multilateralism that is more resilient, more inclusive and better suited to the realities of our time', adding that Singapore will do its part in this endeavour. 'The efforts may seem small and incremental, but if like-minded countries everywhere were to do our part, then collectively, I think we can make a difference, and then step by step, hopefully we can lay the groundwork for a new and more stable global order in time to come,' he said. During the question-and-answer segment with WEF president Borge Brende, Mr Wong cited an example of what Singapore has done to this end. During the question-and-answer segment with WEF president Borge Brende, Mr Wong cited an example of what Singapore has done to this end. PHOTO: AFP Singapore, together with Japan and Australia, had pushed for a joint initiative at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on e-commerce. After five years of negotiations, more than 70 countries have joined this initiative, which serves as the building block for the first set of global rules on digital trade. 'It is painstaking work, but there is no alternative. A new system does not just appear by magic. You have to work at it and with creative, pragmatic solutions, bringing along like-minded countries,' he said. When asked to comment on how Singapore balances its ties between the US and China, Mr Wong said Singapore has 'broad and substantial' ties with both of them. 'I know everyone monitors and tracks what we say and what we do very closely. Trying to parse every hidden meaning behind every word, behind every action, whether we are moving closer to one or the other. But that is not how we look at things,' he said. Singapore's starting point, Mr Wong explained, is to look at how it advances its own national interest. 'Our interests are to have close, good relations on substance with both America and China, and we will continue to do whatever we need to do to promote and advance Singapore's interest ,' Mr Wong said. 'It is not about balancing between the two superpowers, but it is about being consistent and principled in advancing and promoting Singapore's interests, and that is what we will continue to do.' Yew Lun Tian is a senior foreign correspondent who covers China for The Straits Times. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
World Economic Forum Awards RoboForce as a 2025 Technology Pioneer
RoboForce Joins Alumni of WEF Pioneers Including Google, Twitter and Airbnb MILPITAS, Calif., June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- RoboForce, the world's most advanced "Robo-Labor" provider, announced today its selection as a 2025 Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum (WEF). Celebrating its 2-year anniversary as a company just last week, RoboForce is now joining the WEF Innovators Community, a global cohort of organizations at the forefront of breakthrough solutions in their respective industries. Each year, the World Economic Forum selects 100 Technology Pioneers, honoring startups whose breakthrough innovations are transforming Advanced Manufacturing, Supply Chains, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and more. RoboForce is honored to be the only U.S. AI robotics company among this year's cohort, advancing Robo-Labor solutions that push the boundaries of AI robotics for demanding environments such as solar, mining, construction, manufacturing, space, and more, with a company ethos of "Robotics for Humanity." "We're honored to be named a Technology Pioneer for our world-leading Robo-Labor solution," said Leo Ma, founder and CEO of RoboForce. "Being selected to join a community of such impactful organizations is a testament to our world-class team of AI robotics experts at RoboForce. We look forward to future opportunities and collaboration with other changemakers through the World Economic Forum." As a member of the 2025 Innovator Community, CEO Leo Ma is attending the WEF Annual Meeting of the New Champions June 24-26. RoboForce and other Technology Pioneers will engage with leaders across public and private sectors to contribute ideas, share insights, and shape the global agenda on emerging technologies. The full list of 2025 Technology Pioneers can be found here. About RoboForceRoboForce is an AI robotics startup pioneering the world's most advanced Robo-Labor systems. Its mission is to elevate humanity by automating dull, dirty, and dangerous work. To learn more about RoboForce, visit About World Economic ForumThe World Economic Forum, committed to improving the state of the world, is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. ( About Technology PioneersLaunched in 2000, the Technology Pioneers community marks its 25th anniversary in 2025 as a leading platform for early-stage companies from around the world that are shaping the future through breakthrough technologies and innovations. These companies are selected for their potential to have a significant impact on business and society and are invited to engage with public and private sector leaders through the World Economic Forum's global platform. The Technology Pioneers community is part of the Innovator Communities within the Forum's Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The Innovator Communities convene the world's leading global start-ups across different growth stages from early-stage Technology Pioneers to growth-stage Global Innovators and unicorn companies valued at more than $1 billion. Press Inquiries:Ryleigh BannisterJMG Public Relations212-206-1645ryleigh@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE RoboForce Sign in to access your portfolio
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Singapore's Lawrence Wong heads to China for first official visit as PM
This will be Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's first trip to China since taking office in May 2024. - Photo: ST file BEIJING: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will make a five-day official visit to China from Sunday (June 22), where he will seek to chart the strategic direction of bilateral ties with Chinese leaders. This will be his first trip to China since taking office in May 2024. In Beijing, he is scheduled to meet the country's top three leaders — President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and National People's Congress chairman Zhao Leji. The trip will allow both sides to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening ties and is 'an opportunity for leaders to discuss bilateral issues as well as regional and global developments', the Prime Minister's Office said on June 22. The visit comes as Singapore and China mark the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations. In 2023, they upgraded ties to an 'All Round High Quality Future Oriented Partnership'. PM Wong will also travel to Tianjin – a port city about 1.5 hours south-east of Beijing by car – to attend an event commonly known as 'Summer Davos'. He will take part in a dialogue with World Economic Forum (WEF) president Børge Brende. The official name for 'Summer Davos' is the WEF Annual Meeting of the New Champions. Although this is PM Wong's introductory visit to China in his new capacity as head of Singapore's fourth-generation leadership, he is returning to familiar ground. Since entering politics in 2011, he has visited China almost every year except during the Covid-19 pandemic. His previous China-related roles included co-chairing the Singapore-Sichuan Trade and Investment Committee and overseeing the Tianjin Eco-City when he was Minister for National Development. He last visited China in December 2023, when as Deputy Prime Minister he co-chaired the Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation with Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang. Following his appointment as Prime Minister in 2024, DPM Gan Kim Yong took over that role. Singapore has prioritised keeping ties with China warm through regular high-level engagements. Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong visited China in November 2024 and met President Xi. Economic links between the two countries remain strong and mutually beneficial. China has been Singapore's largest goods trading partner for over a decade, accounting for about 13 per cent of the Republic's global goods trade in 2024. Singapore is China's largest foreign investor. For this trip to China, PM Wong will be joined by a new member of his Cabinet – Acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance Jeffrey Siow – who entered politics in the May 2025 General Election. Another new face is Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi, a former Nominated Member of Parliament who contested the 2025 GE as a People's Action Party candidate. He was appointed in May as Senior Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of National Development, and will be sworn in later in 2025. Other members of PM Wong's delegation include Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations Grace Fu, and Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs Sim Ann. After the official visit, PM Wong will be on leave on June 27, his office said. While he is away, DPM Gan, who is also Minister for Trade and Industry, will serve as Acting Prime Minister from June 22 to 25. Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam will take over from June 26 to 27. - The Straits Times/ANN
AsiaOne
6 days ago
- Business
- AsiaOne
Lawrence Wong heads to China for first official visit as PM, Singapore News
BEIJING — Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will make a five-day official visit from June 22 to China, where he will seek to chart the strategic direction of bilateral ties with Chinese leaders. This will be his first trip to China since taking office in May 2024. In Beijing, he is scheduled to meet the country's top three leaders — President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and National People's Congress chairman Zhao Leji. The trip will allow both sides to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening ties and is 'an opportunity for leaders to discuss bilateral issues as well as regional and global developments', the Prime Minister's Office said on June 22. The visit comes as Singapore and China mark the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations. In 2023, they upgraded ties to an 'All Round High Quality Future Oriented Partnership'. PM Wong will also travel to Tianjin – a port city about 1.5 hours south-east of Beijing by car — to attend an event commonly known as Summer Davos. He will take part in a dialogue with World Economic Forum (WEF) president Borge Brende. The official name for Summer Davos is the WEF Annual Meeting of the New Champions. Although this is PM Wong's introductory visit to China in his new capacity as head of Singapore's fourth-generation leadership, he is returning to familiar ground. Since entering politics in 2011, he has visited China almost every year except during the Covid-19 pandemic. His previous China-related roles included co-chairing the Singapore-Sichuan Trade and Investment Committee and overseeing the Tianjin Eco-City when he was Minister for National Development. He last visited China in December 2023, when as Deputy Prime Minister he co-chaired the Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation with Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang. Following his appointment as Prime Minister in 2024, DPM Gan Kim Yong took over that role. Singapore has prioritised keeping ties with China warm through regular high-level engagements. Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong visited China in November 2024 and met President Xi. Economic links between the two countries remain strong and mutually beneficial. China has been Singapore's largest goods trading partner for over a decade, accounting for about 13 per cent of the Republic's global goods trade in 2024. Singapore is China's largest foreign investor. For this trip to China, PM Wong will be joined by a new member of his Cabinet — Acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance Jeffrey Siow — who entered politics in the May 2025 General Election. Another new face is Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi, a former Nominated Member of Parliament who contested the 2025 GE as a People's Action Party candidate. He was appointed in May as Senior Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of National Development, and will be sworn in later in 2025. Other members of PM Wong's delegation include Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations Grace Fu, and Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs Sim Ann. After the official visit, PM Wong will be on leave on June 27, his office said. While he is away, DPM Gan, who is also Minister for Trade and Industry, will serve as Acting Prime Minister from June 22 to 25. Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam will take over from June 26 to 27. ALSO READ: French President Macron and PM Wong sample local fare at Lau Pa Sat; sign deals on defence, AI at summit This article was first published in The Straits Times . Permission required for reproduction.
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Lawrence Wong heads to China for first official visit as PM
This will be Prime Minister Lawrence Wong'sfirst trip to China since taking office in May 2024. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG Lawrence Wong heads to China for first official visit as PM BEIJING – Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will make a five-day official visit to China from June 22, where he will seek to chart the strategic direction of bilateral ties with Chinese leaders. This will be his first trip to China since taking office in May 2024. In Beijing, he is scheduled to meet the country's top three leaders — President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and National People's Congress chairman Zhao Leji. The trip will allow both sides to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening ties and is 'an opportunity for leaders to discuss bilateral issues as well as regional and global developments', the Prime Minister's Office said on June 22. The visit comes as Singapore and China mark the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations. In 2023, they upgraded ties to an 'All Round High Quality Future Oriented Partnership'. PM Wong will also travel to Tianjin – a port city about 1.5 hours south-east of Beijing by car – to attend an event commonly known as 'Summer Davos'. He will take part in a dialogue with World Economic Forum (WEF) president Børge Brende. The official name for 'Summer Davos' is the WEF Annual Meeting of the New Champions. Although this is PM Wong's introductory visit to China in his new capacity as head of Singapore's fourth-generation leadership, he is returning to familiar ground. Since entering politics in 2011, he has visited China almost every year except during the Covid-19 pandemic. His previous China-related roles included co-chairing the Singapore-Sichuan Trade and Investment Committee and overseeing the Tianjin Eco-City when he was Minister for National Development. He last visited China in December 2023, when as Deputy Prime Minister he co-chaired the Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation with Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang. Following his appointment as Prime Minister in 2024, DPM Gan Kim Yong took over that role. Singapore has prioritised keeping ties with China warm through regular high-level engagements . Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong visited China in November 2024 and met President Xi. Economic links between the two countries remain strong and mutually beneficial. China has been Singapore's largest goods trading partner for over a decade, accounting for about 13 per cent of the Republic's global goods trade in 2024. Singapore is China's largest foreign investor. For this trip to China, PM Wong will be joined by a new member of his Cabinet – Acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance Jeffrey Siow – who entered politics in the May 2025 General Election. Another new face is Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi, a former Nominated Member of Parliament who contested the 2025 GE as a People's Action Party candidate. He was appointed in May as Senior Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of National Development, and will be sworn in later in 2025. Other members of PM Wong's delegation include Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations Grace Fu, and Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs Sim Ann. After the official visit, PM Wong will be on leave on June 27, his office said. While he is away, DPM Gan, who is also Minister for Trade and Industry, will serve as Acting Prime Minister from June 22 to 25. Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam will take over from June 26 to 27. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
