Singapore – – September 30, 2026 -- More than 300 policymakers, entrepreneurs and experts convened in Singapore on September 29 for the opening of the Asia New Vision Forum (ANVF) Innovation 2026, the fourth edition of an event launched by Caixin Global with backing from the Singapore government.
Forum rebrands with new sub-brand targeting industry-level solutions
Since its 2023 launch, ANVF has held three prior editions focused on macro geopolitical dialogue. The 2026 edition introduces the "Innovation Forum" sub-brand, marking a shift toward practical business applications and sector-specific implementation under the theme "Disruption Meets Resilience."
Opening remarks address AI disruption and global order breakdown
Wang Shuo, Editor-in-Chief of Caixin Media, opened the forum by framing current transformations around two simultaneous forces: the unraveling of the existing global order and artificial intelligence reshaping business structures. Heng Swee Keat, ANVF Co-Chair and former Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore, delivered the keynote address, calling on countries to build economic stability while expanding cooperative capabilities amid supply-chain realignment and energy transition pressures.
Two-day agenda covers AI deployment, cybersecurity and ASEAN capital flows
The program includes keynote addresses, panel discussions, an ASEAN Business Forum, fireside chats and closed-door meetings. Amiram Appelbaum, Chairman of Ofir SouthUp Ventures and former Chairman of the Israel Innovation Authority, delivered a keynote on bridging national innovation strategy with global venture creation.
An opening panel titled "Asia as a Stable Force: Navigating Through Geopolitical Disruptions" featured Yu Tiejun of Peking University's Institute of International and Strategic Studies, Joseph Liow Chinyong of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, and Yasuto Watanabe, CEO of the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office. Day-one sessions on investment trends and China's growth outlook included Patrick Lee, CEO of Standard Chartered's Singapore and ASEAN/South Asia operations, and Jin Jianhua, General Manager of China Securities Co., Ltd.
AI panels examine computing constraints and enterprise deployment
Speakers including Chen Feng, CEO of Arm Technology (China), Allen Zhang, Founder and CEO of MATRIX Robotics, and Xie Shuo, GM of Momenta Robotaxi, discussed computing infrastructure constraints and real-world AI deployment in industry. A separate session, "The Invisible Battlefield," addressed cybersecurity risks tied to AI and geopolitical fragmentation, featuring Gaurav Keerthi of StrongKeep Cybersecurity and Gene Yu of Blackpanda Group.
ASEAN Business Forum targets RMB internationalization and connectivity
The afternoon ASEAN Business Forum on "The Future of Capital & Connectivity" featured keynotes from Cao Zhongming, Chinese Ambassador to Singapore, and Sim Tze Tzin, Malaysia's Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry. Panelists included Andy Lee, VP of International Business at Alibaba Cloud Intelligence Group, and Jean Lu, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank (China).
Day two shifts focus to critical minerals, sustainability and national AI strategy
The second day will address secure energy flows, medical innovation, critical-mineral supply chains and sustainable development. Grace Fu Hai Yien, Singapore's Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, is scheduled for a fireside chat on regional sustainability strategy, while Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State for Digital Development, will present Singapore's National AI Strategy. Dominic Barton, Chair of Rio Tinto and LeapFrog Investments, is also confirmed to speak.
The forum concludes with an invitation-only gala dinner featuring Yao Ming, International Advisory Board Member of Caixin Global Forum, and Gita Wirjawan, former Indonesian Minister of Trade, in a dialogue on developing resilient future generations.