Participants at the Stanford Asia Economic Forum, held at Capella Hotel in Singapore on January 14, 2023, explored the role that Asian countries and the U.S. can play in creating new ideas, sustainable practices, sound policies that spur global growth and economic development.

The forum was held by Stanford Graduate School of Business, Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, Stanford Center on China’s Economy and Institutions (SCCEI), and the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI).

Nearly 400 people from around the world attended the event, including Stanford University President Marc Tessier-Lavigne, Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Stanford alumni and faculty, and industry leaders. The forum was hosted by Stanford University alumni Liqian Ma and Forrest Li, Chairman and Group CEO, Sea Ltd.

Stanford GSB Dean Jonathan Levin noted that Stanford began the forum in Beijing five years ago with the goal of building bridges and fostering open exchange of ideas. One of the key roles that great educational institutions can play, he said, is to promote greater mutual understanding across countries.

“Today, it is appropriate that we convene in Singapore, which is fast becoming a new center of gravity in Asia due to its openness to trade, immigration, ideas, and serves as a jumping off point for much of Southeast Asia,” Levin said. “Our hope is that the dialogue today will spark ideas that grow into new collaborations and solutions.”

Stanford professors Hongbin Li and Joseph Piotroski served as faculty directors for the forum, which featured panels addressing: Sustainability; Innovation Ecosystem of Southeast Asia; Productivity and Creativity in the Digital Era; Future of Life Sciences and Engineering for Humanity; Importance of Southeast Asia in the Global Economy and Geopolitics.