While conflict seems too frightening to contemplate, there is no question that Asia is heading towards a more dangerous place as the United States, Japan and India move to confront a more assertive China.

Many Asean states could potentially be caught in the middle of this competition.

What are the various pressures tugging at the region, and how will states respond individually and collectively?

… The forum is headlined by a keynote speech by Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam and a special address by Ambassador- at-Large Ong Keng Yong, who will draw on his experience as Asean secretary-general as well as Singapore’s envoy to Malaysia and India, aside from his current role.

“Over the past four years, the Global Forum has emerged as a significant event highlighting the challenges of the year to come,” said Straits Times associate editor Ravi Velloor. “This year, we are particularly fortunate to have DPM Tharman as our keynote speaker. Few know the global – and regional – economy better than him. And in Mr Ong Keng Yong, we have a person who knows Asean’s many challenges from the inside.”