With a rising middle class and a rapidly growing population of internet
users, ASEAN is poised to reap the windfalls of the digital age. Last week,
we hosted a workshop in partnership with Google and the MFA's Singapore
Cooperation Programme (SCP). From implications for MSMEs to the role of
governments, here's a look at what came up at the sessions.

Singapore ranks with China among Myanmar's top investors.
Despite the Rakhine situation, opportunities remain for investors
to engage with a nation eager to accelerate its economic and
social development, noted SIIA Chairman Simon Tay in this commentary
for The Business Times.

The demand for better infrastructure and connectivity is set to rise
as Asean moves towards greater economic integration. In this
commentary for The Straits Times, our chairman and Sustainability
analyst highlight how Singapore as an established financial hub
can contribute towards the transition to sustainable infrastructure
in the region, while acknowledging that this effort is not straightforward,
and will require a long-term commitment from various stakeholders.

In the midst of trade frictions between major economies,
Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat called on countries to
embrace trade pacts and international mechanisms at
our 11th ASEAN and Asia Forum on 30 August 2018.

It's been 100 days since Pakatan Harapan defeated Barisan Nasional in
Malaysia's GE14. What promises have they kept, and what still needs to
be done? On 16 Aug 2018, we heard from Dr Oh Ei Sun, Senior Advisor
on International Affairs at the Asia Strategy and Leadership Institute of
Malaysia, and Ms Khor Yu Leng, Research Director (Southeast Asia),
Segi-Enam Advisors Pte Ltd and Director, Khor Reports Data and Maps.