Singapore's proximity to China, Japan, and India, paired with world-class trade infrastructure and a stable political and regulatory landscape, cements its status as a premier business hub in the region. With English as an official language, communication, and navigation are furthermore effortless—Singapore can be regarded as the West's gateway to Asia.
That is Benzinga's take after attending Milken Institute's Asia Summit and TOKEN2049, held alongside the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix. The events were a big draw, attracting tens of thousands and jamming the city-state country with traffic. Global leaders from the public and private sectors seized the opportunity to share how they navigate multipolarity and transformation; here are some key takeaways from Singapore.
Takeaway 1: Invest In China
At the Milken Institute's Asia Summit, Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, warned of looming economic challenges, describing it as a "hundred-year storm." While U.S. assets may be fairly valued, they carry more risk to the downside. Accordingly, Dalio advised diversifying into Asia, with China offering significant potential for growth.
Lim Chow Kiat, CEO of GIC, the firm managing Singapore's foreign reserves, and Stephanie Hui, head of Private and Growth Equity in Asia Pacific, head of Asia Pacific Private Investing, and global co-head and co-chief investment officer of Growth Equity within Goldman Sachs Asset Management, echoed Dalio's sentiment.
"You need to diversify into Asia," Hui said. "That's where the growth is."
Takeaway 2: Global Trade Order Disrupted
Peter Mandelson, the co-founder and president of Global Counsel ...
