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FROM THE EDITOR
Governments often treat social media as a liability in crises, a source of misinformation to be managed. Indonesia’s disaster mapping platform flips that logic. It treats the public as sensors, partners, and first responders. By harnessing citizens’ flood reports and layering them with government and sensor data, it has built a live, trusted map that communities and agencies can rely on when seconds matter. What governments can learn from this project is on page 10.
A similar principle drives Vietnam’s push to bridge its $90b trade finance gap with a national registry. The challenge is not a shortage of capital but the opacity of transactions. By digitising and centralising records, Vietnam is making SMEs visible and, therefore, bankable. If this succeeds, the lesson is that financial inclusion begins with infrastructure, not subsidies. Read more on page 12.
In the Philippines, ideas abound but scaling them remains a challenge. Despite the Innovative Startup Act of 2019, startups continue to struggle with funding shortages, talent gaps, and weak infrastructure outside Metro Manila. Turn to page 14 for the full report.
Meanwhile, in Asia’s boardrooms, shareholder activism is reshaping corporate behaviour and influencing government policy. What began as pressure for capital efficiency is evolving into broader governance reform, making investors an unexpected accountability mechanism for states. Details on page 8.
Across these stories, one lesson stands out. Systems that build trust and integrate feedback loops, from citizens, from markets, from shareholders, are the ones that adapt, scale, and endure. The GovMedia Conference & Awards 2025 carried this same thread forward, spotlighting initiatives across Asia Pacific that are reshaping governance and service delivery with measurable, lasting impact. See the winners on pages 16 to 19.
Read on and enjoy.
Tim Charlton
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MOST READ
Can eased taxi regulations reverse Singapore’s market decline?
A decade ago, Singapore’s taxi fleet was double its current size. To curb their shrinking numbers, its government eased regulations, extending the statutory lifespan of vehicles from eight years to 10 and reducing mandatory inspections to once a year. However, an expert said these changes are insufficient.
Gender gap inches forward, but progress remains slow
The gender gap for 143 countries has improved to 68.6% from 68.5% in 2024, according to the World Economic Forum. However, the minuscule +0.1 percentage point increase also shows slow progress, which means current policies and efforts are not enough, delaying achieving equality amongst men.
Hong Kong regulators collaborate on IPO misconduct crackdown
The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (HKEX) and the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) are intensifying collaboration to target initial public offering (IPO)-related misconduct, suspicious financial arrangements, and ramp-and-dump scams that have been plaguing the city’s financial markets.
How affective computing can transform public services
Affective computing uses sensors and machine learning to interpret emotions from facial expressions, voice, and body language, enhancing human centred design by capturing emotional insights whilst reducing direct human interaction. If utilised, it can help governments understand their citizens’ emotional needs.
Malaysia’s new social media licensing sparks compliance challenges
Malaysia’s new rule requiring social media services with over 8 million users to obtain a licence by August 1 is set to create huge compliance challenges for firms operating in the country.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission announced the regulation to strengthen its fight against cyber offences.
Korea’s wind energy stalled by lack of zoning rules
South Korea has a significant opportunity for offshore wind energy, but its developer-led approach creates uncertainty. Unlike in the US and other European markets where authorities designate wind development zones, South Korean developers must find their own project sites and conduct their own surveys.
GOVERNMENTS RISK MISSING OUT ON $944B SPACE BOOM
Governments that delay investment in space risk losing their share of a market forecast to grow from $596b to $944b by 2033, according to Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Novaspace report titled “Governments in space: A universe of opportunities.”
The global space market was worth $224b in 2024, dominated by satellite communications at $159b, followed by Earth observation at $21b, security at $16b, satellite navigation at $14b, and other uses at $14b.
Geographically, North America leads at $88b, ahead of Asia and Oceania $46b and Europe $39b. The other regions are Latin America and Caribbean ($19b), Middle East and Africa ($18b), Russia and Commonwealth of Independent States ($10b), and Oceans ($4b).
Commercial race intensifies BCG and Novaspace say space technologies can deliver measurable returns through broadband access, 5G backhaul, climate and agriculture data, secure diplomatic channels, and compliance monitoring. Examples include the use of Starlink satellites to extend internet coverage in the US and low-Earth orbit constellations to connect remote regions.
Over 90 countries are active in space, a number growing as entry costs fall. The report warns that as space becomes more crowded, first-mover advantages will define industry leaders over the next decade.
The sector is shifting from government-led exploration to commercial services, space-based resources, and in-orbit activities.
Private capital, from venture funds to angel investors, is now a major driver, expanding participation beyond traditional space powers.
The authors conclude that integration of space and digital policies can multiply economic impact, but only if governments commit investment and policy support now.
What leadership looks like in the public sector
Public sector leaders operate under intense external scrutiny and face significant limits on their ability to influence resources, according to a McKinsey report. Highprofile failures can have lasting personal consequences, whilst even successful, efficient programs often trigger budget cuts rather than recognition.
McKinsey’s analysis found that leaders who deliver transformational outcomes despite these constraints are deliberate about six core practices.
#1 Set a clear direction
This is the primary hallmark of leadership success, regardless of department size, tenure, or jurisdiction. The best leaders root their direction in long-term planning and an understanding of the appropriations cycle. One service organisation restructured its budget around four key missions, identifying $400m in contract savings to redirect to top priorities.
#2 Build the right team
Leaders must assemble strong teams despite restrictions like lower pay, talent shortages, and limited options for addressing poor performance.
#3 Prioritise organisational health
The most effective leaders treat culture and engagement with the same discipline as operational and financial management. “They know that organisational health is the critical enabler of performance, as the healthiest organisations outperform the least healthy by setting the culture, designing for success, and matching talent to impact,” McKinsey said.
#4 Manage the external environment
Excellent leaders understand the rules, networks, and decision-making processes across departments. Whilst most government programs involve public consultation, McKinsey notes that great leaders maximise their use. “Great leaders use coordination in a fundamentally different way—they bring a level of curiosity and openness to both the problem and the solution and actively develop support for new policies and services along the design journey.”
#5 Engage strategically with media
Outstanding leaders focus on longterm positioning. Many still use traditional media, but the best invest in communications teams, monitor public sentiment, and embrace longform, nontraditional channels to engage citizens and shape narratives that advance the organisation.
#6 Upgrade the operating system
Exceptional leaders continuously improve their systems to meet public service demands. Yet fewer than half of surveyed leaders felt strong in self-management.
Leaders
underestimate challenges on emotional and mental wellbeing until it hits directly
One leader said, “Most leaders tend to underestimate their challenges on the emotional and mental well-being front until it hits them directly. It is a blind spot that leaders have because they think they are handling these things well—until they realise it is not that straightforward.”
McKinsey’s findings suggest that public sector leadership success depends less on structural advantages and more on deliberate, disciplined execution of these practices in the face of persistent constraints.
Great leaders actively develop support for new policies
How to cut red tape before it delays vital projects
Reducing red tape is essential for enabling government agencies to deliver services more efficiently, responsively, and effectively, according to a report published by Deloitte.
Excessive bureaucracy can undermine mission outcomes, delay project execution, and erode public trust, the report noted; however, key challenges remain, hindering initiatives to streamline bureaucracy.
One major barrier is outdated laws and regulations, occasionally adapted through one-off changes over decades, that can impede progress.
Leaders have cited organisational and data silos, along with
An overly cautious and complianceheavy culture has also slowed innovation streamlining efforts. On top of regulatory requirements spread across different agencies and levels of government in areas such as permitting, which can delay projects.
Accumulated technical debt in government systems can also complicate progress when adopting or transitioning to new technologies. These challenges often lead to the accumulation of regulatory complexity over time. To respond, many governments are revisiting these frameworks, looking for a balance
An overly cautious and complianceheavy culture has also slowed innovation streamlining efforts.
between accelerating processes and guarding public interests by improving the overall experience of government interactions.
By focusing on key outcome metrics, including time savings and broader societal impacts, the report emphasised that government agencies can streamline requirements and simplify compliance.
Digital tools
By leveraging technology, business tools, and strategies, governments can create a more efficient, transparent, and responsive regulatory environment, reduce red tape, and enhance service delivery.
Amongst these are artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI, which can automate repetitive tasks and processes and speed up administrative workflows.
Norm engineering standardises and simplifies regulatory frameworks, making compliance easier and straightforward for both citizens and businesses.
Enhanced data sharing facilitates seamless information exchange between departments, reducing the need for redundant data collection, processing, and storage.
Red tape reduction audits identify and eliminate unnecessary frictions in government, streamlining operations and improving efficiency.
Furthermore, organisational flattening reduces hierarchy, enabling faster decision-making and more direct communication channels.
THE CHARTIST: GOVERNMENT-RELATED ENTITIES IN ASIA ENJOY HIGH LEVELS OF STATE SUPPORT
State support for government-related entities (GREs) in Asia is “virtually certain,” according to Fitch Ratings analysis.
“The share of government-related entities benefitting from the three highest categories of support – meaning that support is virtually certain, or extremely or very likely – is higher in Asia than in other parts of the world,” said Fitch Ratings, which assigns support categories based on its assessments of a government’s responsibility and incentives to provide funding support for GREs.
“The proportion of our rated GRE portfolio in Asia, assessed as being within the top-three categories for support, stood at 93% as of endfirst quarter, significantly higher than the 76% for the global GRE portfolio.
This high level of support for GREs suggests that many governments in Asia have
historically favoured state-led development, giving state-linked firms key social and economic policy roles, it added.
According to the rating agency, GREs typically hold strategic importance to governments as part of their significant parent-subsidiary relationships. Fitch Ratings uses a matrix of assessment scores to assign an overall support score to these rated entities, which are concentrated in greater China and in developed markets (DMs) in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region.
“Almost all Asian GREs were assessed as ‘strong’ or ‘very strong’ with regard to the degree of decision-making control and oversight that supporting governments exercise over them. Around 69% were scored at ‘very strong’, compared with 45% for GREs in other parts of the world,” the Fitch report stated.
Accumulated technical debt can add to red tape
GRE support categories in Q1 2025, by region
Source: Fitch Ratings
ADMINISTRATION
Rising shareholder activism in Asia acts as ‘feedback loop’ for governments
Government decisions are mirroring the themes that shareholder activists are raising.
Regulatory changes in AsiaPacific are making activism more attractive to investors, according to the “Shareholder Activism in Asia 2025” report published by Diligent Market Intelligence.
The report found that Asia remains to be a “growing hotbed for activism,” with over 200 firms in the region targeted with demands yearly. In Japan, 108 campaigns were advanced by shareholder activists in 2024; in South Korea, 78; in Hong Kong, 16; and in Singapore, 15.
Leading activists
Based on Diligent’s Activism dataset as of the end of the first quarter of 2025, the top activist in Asia over the past 15 months is Tokyo-based Strategic Capital. Leading the ranking – which also looked at the success rate for resolved public demands – the hedge fund targeted 12 companies.
Other impactful activists include South Korea’s Align Partners Capital Management; Oasis Management Company in Hong Kong; and Dalton Investments, a US-headquartered firm with offices in East Asia.
Diligent Market Intelligence editor-in-chief Josh Black noted, “Over 200 Asia-based companies a year have found themselves subject to activist demands in recent times, a trend that continues to be fuelled by governments prioritising corporate
governance reform and activists bolstering their teams to capitalise on emerging opportunities.”
High on the agenda for shareholder activists — who Black pointed out are increasingly using a combination of private and public channels to exert pressure on organisations — are governance reforms.
“Shareholder activism has gained significant traction across Asian markets in recent years, particularly in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan,” Alliance Advisors Managing Directors Julie Rhee and Celine Feng said in their report.
“Government-backed reforms aimed at fostering shareholderfriendly corporate governance, coupled with persistent valuation gaps, have contributed to this growing trend,” they added.
“The longstanding assumption that domestic institutional and retail investors will align their votes with management is being challenged, making it more essential than ever for companies to understand shareholder sentiment,” said the directors.
Alliance Advisors highlighted that changes in the regulatory landscape in the Asia-Pacific region have given shareholder activism a further boost.
“In South Korea, for instance, the Korean Stewardship Code now makes it much harder for asset managers to
vote against proposals that promote shareholder value. That is echoed by other transparency pushes, from sharper fiduciary policies to online voting,” Rhee and Feng said.
Broader change
Additionally, according to the managing directors, activism has also been growing amongst retail investors. An example of this trend is the office worker who led a successful campaign to change the voting system at a large discount store chain in South Korea.
“Taiwan has witnessed similar shifts, and the region’s regulators are ever-more involved in making shareholder activism easier,” they said.
“Beyond electronic voting and the like, firms are increasingly expected to appoint independent directors and offer training to executives, they added.
“The Taiwan Stock Exchange, too, is making it simpler for retail investors to get involved, in January removing restrictions on qualified investors.”
For Black, the growth of shareholder activism in Asia indicates a broader change in the way organisations and shareholders engage with each other, as well as the improved sophistication of activist investors. He said shareholders are now more adept at navigating the complex regulatory environments and cultural nuances of Asian markets.
The message to Asia’s governments
So, what are these trends telling governments in the region?
“Overall, we’re seeing investor expectations rise across the region, with activist demands placing an increased emphasis on governance standards, capital efficiency, and board accountability. That may indicate to Asian governments that their reforms are succeeding and encourage them to go further in the pursuit of higher growth and economic returns,” Black told GovMedia magazine.
The top activist in Asia over the past 15 months is Tokyo-based Strategic Capital
APAC
Josh Black
Julie Rhee
Celine Feng
ANALYSIS: DISASTER MAPPING
What governments can learn from Indonesia’s disaster maps
Data sharing is a key element of community-led disaster information platforms.
In times of catastrophes, the lack of reliable information can prove just as disastrous as the events themselves.
Yayasan Peta Bencana (Disaster Map Foundation), the coordinating body of one of the biggest opensource climate adaptation softwares, knows just how crucial it is for residents to have equal access to verified data and has been working with government agencies, frontline communities, and other experts to drive its mission forward.
Indonesia-headquartered Yayasan Peta Bencana — which came to life in 2017, a few years after the launch of the PetaBencana.id platform — was recently featured in a case study by Texas Tech University assistrant professor Wendy D. Chen, as part of the IBM Center for The Business of Government’s “Drought, deluge, and data” report.
In the case study, Chen pointed to the “enormous” challenge of putting together disaster information from various sources. “Integrating social
These efforts gain community trust and empower residents to contribute vital data during disaster events
media reports, government data, and sensor information into a cohesive platform was a complex undertaking, along with verifying crowdsourced data and scaling the platform for high traffic during disaster events,” she noted.
“By aggregating, filtering, and visualising updates from many sources into a single platform, the website provides a comprehensive overview of disaster events, enabling residents, government agencies, and humanitarian organisations to make informed decisions during emergencies, Chen continued.
Enabling “collective resilience”
Wendy D. Chen
According to Chen, the initiative was born following the growth of social media in the late 2000s and early 2010s, which saw many residents in Jakarta sharing flood updates on microblogging services and messaging apps. With Yayasan Peta Bencana’s technology, the goal is to enable what the assistant professor called “real-time situational
awareness” during floods.
In Chen’s view, PetaBencana.id bridges critical information gaps and has revolutionised disaster communication and response in flood-prone communities by ushering in “a new era of collective resilience” through the power of real-time, crowdsourced data.
“These efforts gain community trust and empower residents to contribute vital data during disaster events,” she stated. “A communitydriven approach fosters resilience and showcases the usefulness of collective intelligence in addressing complex urban challenges.”
Chen added that valuable insights have since emerged, guiding other regions in adopting the same solution. In 2020, MapaKalamidad.ph — an emergency response and disaster management platform powered by Yayasan Peta Bencana’s software — was launched in the Philippines.
“MapaKalamidad.ph adds a new dimension to data and information collection by empowering citizens to directly report hazards, critical lifelines, and damages in their neighbourhoods via social media apps and mobile apps.”
Lessons for other regions
As for the learnings, Chen cited important lessons that densely populated megacities in South and Southeast Asia can leverage when it comes to emergency response and disaster management.
“Community engagement is crucial,” the case study author declared. “It underscores the platform’s relevance and effectiveness, while enabling communities to adapt to dynamic environments and stay ahead of emerging challenges.
“Leveraging collective intelligence is instrumental to success. Social media data collection generates accurate and timely information and surpasses traditional data collection methods in terms of speed, volume of data, and cost-effectiveness.”
Chen went on to say that data integration is fundamental and essential. “Incorporating data from social media, government reports, and sensor data creates a more comprehensive and reliable disaster response system,” she pointed out, adding that these public-private partnerships also optimise impact.
The platform turns social media reports into live disaster updates
INDONESIA
COUNTRY REPORT: VIETNAM
Vietnam plans $90b trade finance registry
It is expected to boost small importers and exporters’ access to bank credit.
UK’s fintechs will help Vietnam plug a $90b trade finance gap through a national trade finance registry, which could improve credit access amongst small and medium enterprises (SME).
The registry could “increase transparency, improve data flows, provide better risk management, and reduce the documentation required” for small importers and exporters, British Consul General Alexandra Smith told the Asian Banking and Finance and Insurance Asia Summit in Ho Chi Minh City on 13 May.
Five of Vietnam’s largest banks account for 60% of trade financing in the country, but they still rely on manual documentation and traditional verification, she pointed out to the attendees.
Smith said British fintechs are working with Vietnamese banks with digital solutions to boost fraud detection in trade finance and gain the trust of SMEs.
Challenges for SMEs
Many Vietnamese SMEs also are unaware that they could secure funding for their international trade transactions, she said.
Many SMEs, particularly importers and exporters, are deterred by excessive collateral requirements and complex application processes when seeking financial loans from local banks, according to an International Finance Corp. and World Trade Organisation report.
Vietnamese banks reject an average of 12% of trade finance applications, mostly from SMEs, they said. Improving access to trade finance could lift Vietnam’s imports and exports by as much as 9%, potentially unlocking $55b in annual merchandise trade.
Vietnam had more than 940,000 active businesses last year, with SMEs accounting for 98% of the total, according to data from the Ministry of Planning and Investment.
Vietnam alone accounts for more than a quarter of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) $350b to $400b trade finance gap,
Enabling regulation is central to a thriving fintech scene
according to the envoy.
Aside from the registry push, the UK is also helping pilot a sandbox for fintech solutions that will focus on scoring tools to improve credit access for the underbanked, secure and standardised data sharing between banks and vendors, and peer-to-peer lending platforms.
“Enabling regulation is central to a thriving fintech scene,” Smith said in the summit, adding that the sandbox would ensure that innovation aligns with regulations.
Vietnam’s financial service sector accounts for 4.9% of economic output, and for growth to continue, that share must expand, Smith said.
The envoy also said the UK is providing direct development assistance through a $33.7m (£25m) ASEAN economic
integration programme that seeks to boost financial access and resilience across member states, including Vietnam.
Bilateral trade between the UK and Vietnam has doubled in the past decade, surpassing $8.1b (£6b) last year, Smith said.
Smith said the UK Export Finance, the country’s credit agency, is supporting cross-border transactions, particularly for infrastructure and large-scale procurement.
“UK Export Finance’s timely assistance is crucial to navigating global trade disruptions,” she added.
“We remain committed to free, open, and fair trade,” she told the attendees, adding that Vietnam is a “trusted partner in both prosperous and challenging times.”
I n o v a s i P e r d a n a M e n t e r i ” ) 2017
T G P a s M O H
I n t e l l e c t u a l P r o p e r t y
F i r s t T G P
I n s p i r a t i o n a l
L e a d e r s h i p
S y m p o s i u m 2019
T G P
R e s t r u c t u r i n g 2021 9 2024
t h
1 0 T G P
A n n i v e r s a r y
“ M i l e s t o n e s Th a t M a t t e r . L e a d e r s h i p Th a t L a s t s . ”
Government shortfalls stall Philippine startup growth
Experts call for funding, policy reforms, and infrastructure to boost innovation.
Despite the passage of the Innovative Startup Act in 2019, Philippine startups still face major hurdles such as funding gaps, skill shortages, and weak infrastructure beyond Metro Manila.
“One of the big, biggest barriers or challenges that Filipino startups face today is the lack of access to capital and investment,” said Engr. Edward Paul Apigo, senior science research specialist at DOST-PCIEERD. “Even if we have the Innovative Startup Act or the RA 11337, there’s still limited funding that the government is able to provide,” he continued.
Subho Pati Sanyal, co-founder and COO of the Nistula Group of Companies, argued that the country’s startup ecosystem is rich with potential but hamstrung by execution gaps. “The Philippines is sitting on a startup gold mine, and the excavation tools are yet to reach,” Sanyal said.
“Infrastructure dysfunction, policy paralysis, and funding concentration in Metro Manila are the biggest issues,” he added.
He also warned of a “talent drain,” where 62% of startups struggle to hire top tech talent due to migration or clustering into fintech. “Seventy
percent of Filipinos still prefer job security. Entrepreneur is not a career yet,” he told GovMedia.
David Bonifacio, managing partner and head of Philippines at regional venture capital firm TNB Aura, echoed these concerns.
“The Philippines can improve in execution. There has to be infrastructure, a very top-down approach to studying the landscape,” he said. “Then the intention has teeth. Because people know, ‘If I invest in the Philippines, I benefit this way.’”
‘First customer’ Sanyal emphasised the need for ecosystem mapping, streamlined grants, and digitised compliance processes. “Let the government be the first customer. Why doesn’t the government mandate 10% of innovation procurement to earlystage Filipino startups?” he asked.
Apigo acknowledged that the government has made progress, such as forming a steering committee under the Startup Act. However, he also stressed the need to harmonise and communicate these programmes more effectively.
“There should be decentralisation
of innovation zones,” said Sanyal, who emphasised that the current concentration in Metro Manila leaves startups elsewhere struggling.
“It should come as a policy from the government for educational institutions that at that level, entrepreneurship should be given the face of being a career,” Sanyal added, advocating for early exposure and mindset shift amongst students.
Case study: Iloilo
While Iloilo has emerged as a standout in fostering startup growth, many local governments across the Philippines are falling behind due to a lack of policy awareness and shifting political leadership, according to QBO Innovation Hub’s 2024 Startup Ecosystem Mapping Report.
“For cities like Iloilo, it is very forward thinking,” said Karla Legaspi, Head of Community and Engagement at QBO Innovation.
“I believe a big advantage that they have is that the public sector, specifically the local government unit, is driving this movement, partnering with their private sector partners, private partnering with community groups and also hearing from the entrepreneurs themselves what they need, and incorporating this in local policy,” she added.
Iloilo’s local ordinance supporting startup and innovation growth is cited as a key enabler for founders. The city’s collaborative and policy-driven approach is providing entrepreneurs with both structural support and a platform for long-term scaling.
But this isn’t the case everywhere.
“For other localities, we see that there might be a lack of awareness for other cities or municipalities and the government units that’s driving their policies around business, they might not be more aware of tech ready or scalable startup business policies that may be implemented in their locality,” Legaspi told GovMedia
She also pointed to a second major challenge: “Maybe it is a matter of the changing administrations... changing priorities between administrations.”
These two factors—limited awareness of startup-enabling policies and political turnover—are stalling progress in other regions, despite growing entrepreneurial activity.
Legaspi emphasised the broader potential of supporting local startups.
Six in ten startups struggle to hire top tech talent due to migration or clustering into fintech
PHILIPPINES
Subho Pati Sanyal
Karla Legaspi
Edward Paul Apigo
EVENT: GOVMEDIA AWARDS
Top government initiatives, projects lauded at GovMedia Conference & Awards 2025
Organisations and leaders continue to play a pivotal role in addressing society’s evolving needs through transformative governance, policies, technologies, and innovative solutions. The GovMedia Conference & Awards 2025 took centre stage to once again spotlight outstanding initiatives and bring together forwardthinking leaders who are shaping more resilient, inclusive, and efficient public services across the Asia Pacific.
Hosted by GovMedia on 19 June 2025 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore, the conference offered unparalleled insights from engaging panel discussions and case study presentations, talking about best practices to enhance local
GOVMEDIA CONFERENCE &AWARDS 2025 WINNERS
Abu Dhabi Customs
• United Arab Emirates Cybersecurity Initiative of the Year - Customs
• United Arab Emirates Digital Initiative of the Year - Customs
Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority
• United Arab Emirates Digital Transformation of the Year - Social Services
Airport Authority Hong Kong
• Hong Kong Digital Initiative of the Year - Aviation
• Hong Kong Digital Transformation of the Year - Aviation
Ajman University
• United Arab Emirates Campaign of the Year - Education
City Government of Isabela de Basilan
• Philippines Digital Initiative of the Year - Local Government
City Government of Malabon
• Philippines Public Sector Initiative of the Year - Local Government City
City University of Hong Kong
• Hong Kong Digital Initiative of the Year - Education
• Hong Kong Digital Transformation of the Year - Education
DA-SAAD
• Philippines Social Equity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year - Agriculture
Defence Technology Institute, Thailand
• Thailand Disaster Management of the Year - Science and Technology
Department of Agriculture-Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division
• Philippines Campaign of the Year - Agriculture
Department of Energy
• Philippines Campaign of the Year - Energy
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
• Philippines Campaign of the Year - Environment
• Philippines Stakeholder Engagement of the Year - Environment
Department of Information and Communications Technology
• Philippines Digital Transformation of the Year - Info-Comms
• Philippines E-Governance Project of the Year - Info-Comms
Department of Migrant Workers
• Philippines Campaign of the Year - Labor
• Philippines Public Facility of the Year - Health
governance and shape global standards.
Meanwhile, the awards programme recognised exemplary government projects and initiatives that have demonstrated meaningful outcomes and change in governance, service delivery, community impact, and long-term value for the public.
The esteemed panel of judges consisted of Guillaume Sachet, Partner, Advisory, KPMG; Edwina Chin, Global Government and Public Sector, Sustainability Lead and International Development Leader, South East Asia Consulting, PwC Singapore; and Vincent Tay, Partner, Government & Public Sector, EY.
Congratulations to all the winners!
Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak
• Malaysia Sustainability Initiative of the Year - Agriculture
Development Bank of the Philippines
• Philippines Infrastructure Project of the Year - Energy
Dubai Courts
• United Arab Emirates Campaign of the Year - Justice
• United Arab Emirates Social Equity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year - Justice
• United Arab Emirates Stakeholder Engagement of the Year - Justice
Dubai Culture & Arts Authority
• United Arab Emirates Public Sector Initiative of the Year - Culture and the Arts
• United Arab Emirates Public-Private Partnership of the Year - Culture and the Arts
Dubai Future Foundation
• United Arab Emirates Campaign of the Year - Culture and the Arts
Dubai Media Incorporated
• United Arab Emirates Campaign of the Year - Media
• United Arab Emirates E-Governance Project of the Year - Media
ECA and FCA
• United Arab Emirates Public Facility of the Year - Social Services
Expo City Dubai
• United Arab Emirates Social Equity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year - Urban Development
• United Arab Emirates Sustainability Initiative of the Year - Urban Development
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security
• United Arab Emirates Campaign of the Year - Immigration
Forest Products Research and Development Institute
• Philippines Research & Development of the Year - Education
FORESTRY DEPARTMENT OF PENINSULAR MALAYSIA
• Malaysia Campaign of the Year - Forestry
• Malaysia Training Program of the Year - Forestry
General Civil Aviation Authority
• United Arab Emirates Cybersecurity Initiative of the Year - Aviation
• United Arab Emirates Campaign of the Year - Aviation
• United Arab Emirates Training Program of the Year - Aviation
GEOSA
• Saudi Arabia Infrastructure Project of the Year - Maritime & Ports
• Saudi Arabia Research & Development of the Year - Maritime & Ports
Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)
• Philippines Social Equity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year - Pension
• Philippines Public Sector Initiative of the Year - Housing
Hong Kong Housing Authority
• Hong Kong Public Sector Initiative of the Year - Youth
• Hong Kong Public-Private Partnership of the Year - Housing
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
• Singapore Digital Initiative of the Year - Immigration
IT Unit - Industrial Development Board of Ceylon
• Sri Lanka Digital Initiative of the Year - Trade and Industry
Institut for Health Behavioral Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia
• Malaysia Research & Development of the Year - Health
Institute for Health Management (IHM), National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• Malaysia Human Resource Development of the Year - Health
Institute of Mental Health
• Singapore Outreach Project of the Year - Health
• Singapore Outreach Project of the Year - Medical
Istana Budaya, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture
• Malaysia Public Facility of the Year - Culture and the Arts
JABATAN AKAUNTAN NEGARA MALAYSIA
• Malaysia Public Sector Initiative of the Year - Finance
JABATAN PENGANGKUTAN JALAN MALAYSIA
• Malaysia Digital Transformation of the Year - Transportation
Krungthai Bank PCL
• Thailand E-Governance Project of the Year - Finance
• Thailand Public Sector Initiative of the Year - Finance
Laguna Lake Development Authority
• Philippines Sustainability Initiative of the Year - Environment
LPS and Hong Kong Fire Services Department
• Hong Kong Digital Initiative of the Year - Emergency Services
LUMUT NAVAL SHIPYARD SDN BHD (LUNAS)
• Malaysia Public-Private Partnership of the Year - Maritime & Ports
Lung Center of the Philippines
• Philippines Process Optimization of the Year - Health
MALAYSIAN RUBBER BOARD
• Malaysia Digital Transformation of the Year - Agriculture
• Malaysia Sustainability Initiative of the Year - Social Services
Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO)
• Malaysia Public-Private Partnership of the Year - Environment
MAYNILAD WATER SERVICES, INC.
• Philippines Outreach Project of the Year - Utilities
• Philippines Stakeholder Engagement of the Year - Utilities
Medical Device Authority (MDA), Ministry of Health, Malaysia
• Malaysia Digital Initiative of the Year - Health
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority
• Philippines Outreach Project of the Year - Community
• Philippines Smart City Initiative of the Year - Transportation
Ministry of Economy
• United Arab Emirates Administrative Reform Program of the Year - Trade and Industry
• United Arab Emirates Digital Initiative of the Year - Trade and Industry
• United Arab Emirates Public Sector Initiative of the Year - Trade and Industry
MINISTRY OF FINANCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA
• Indonesia Stakeholder Engagement of the Year - Finance
Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia
• Saudi Arabia Campaign of the Year - Health
• Saudi Arabia Digital Initiative of the Year - Health
Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation
• Thailand Social Equity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year - Human Services
Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment
• United Arab Emirates Digital Initiative of the Year - Housing
• United Arab Emirates Public-Private Partnership of the Year - Housing
National Power Corporation - Mindanao Generation
• Philippines Public Sector Initiative of the Year - Energy
National Research and Innovation Agency
• Indonesia Administrative Reform Program of the Year - Science and Technology
National Technology & Innovation Sandbox (NTIS)
• Malaysia Stakeholder Engagement of the Year - Science and Technology
National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM)
• Malaysia Research & Development of the Year - Science and Technology
• Malaysia Sustainability Initiative of the Year - Environment
NocNoc
• Thailand Stakeholder Engagement of the Year - Commerce
Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, Hong Kong, China
• Hong Kong Public Sector Initiative of the Year - Regulatory
Program Management Unit on Area Based Development (PMU A)
• Thailand Infrastructure Project of the Year - Community
Provincial Local Government Unit of Zamboanga del NorteOffice of the Provincial Agriculturist
• Philippines Outreach Project of the Year - Local Government
PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero), Tbk.
• Indonesia Digital Transformation of the Year - Finance
• Indonesia Public Sector Initiative of the Year - Finance
Singapore Civil Defence Force
• Singapore Digital Initiative of the Year - Emergency Services
Tadweer Group
• United Arab Emirates Campaign of the Year - Environment
EVENT: GOVMEDIA AWARDS
Awards Dinner
Airport Authority Hong Kong
Airport Authority Hong Kong
City Government of Malabon
City University of Hong Kong
Ajman University
Expo City Dubai Dubai Media Incorporated
Dubai Courts
Institute for Health Management (IHM)
Hong Kong Housing Authority
Government Service Insurance System
General Civil Aviation Authority
Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation
Ministry of Economy
Medical Device Authority (MDA), Ministry of Health, Malaysia
Lung Center of the Philippines
LUMUT NAVAL SHIPYARD SDN BHD (LUNAS)
JABATAN AKAUNTAN NEGARA MALAYSIA
Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ)
PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero), Tbk.
Program Management Unit on Area Based Development (PMU A)
National Technology & Innovation Sandbox (NTIS)
Dubai Future Foundation wins accolade for immersive art installation ‘OurFuture(s)’
The installation turned abstract questions about the future into an interactive experience.
The Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), won the United Arab Emirates Campaign of the Year - Culture and the Arts category at the GovMedia Conference & Awards 2025 for its immersive art installation “Our Future(s)” that engaged audiences through questions exploring the hopes and uncertainties of tomorrow.
The experience bridged the gap between abstract future concepts and public engagement by making visionary ideas more tangible and relevant to everyday life. This capability comes as DFF aims to address the issues in one of its key projects, the Global 50 Report, which shares the foundation’s annual view of the future and 50 opportunities for future growth, prosperity and wellbeing.
“This award is a reflection of our belief that the future must be experienced to be understood,” said Abdulla AlNuaimi, who serves as Chief of Marketing & Communication at Dubai Future Foundation.
“With Our Future(s), we created a space for people to feel the future, respond to it, and shape their own perspectives. This kind of emotional engagement is essential if we are to build futures that are truly inclusive and human-centred,” he added.
An immersive future experience
Conducted over eight days and attended by 2,161 visitors across 163 sessions, the installation gathered a significant amount of data on public sentiment. Each session posed five key questions related to the future, technology, and societal evolution. Participants’ responses were captured and
Our Future(s) worked towards building a society better prepared to make informed decisions about the future
categorised as either positive or negative, allowing for precise analysis of outlook trends across various themes.
Instead of simply presenting information, the installation encouraged active participation. Interactive displays pose thought-provoking questions such as, “In the future, will we learn whilst we sleep?”
Advanced motion tracking mapped participants’ movements, revealing their openness to future concepts based on how they navigated the space. Visitors could engage physically with the questions — moving closer together if they believed in a concept’s likelihood and stepping apart if they disagreed. Light and sound were integrated to evoke emotion and imagination, transforming the space into a sci-fi-inspired environment where the future feels tangible.
On average, 66% of responses were positive, reflecting a generally optimistic outlook across sessions. The most hopeful responses related to resource sufficiency (82%) and Earth’s habitability (78%). In contrast, the question about whether humans will learn whilst they sleep was met with greater scepticism, receiving only 31% positive responses – the lowest across the
dataset. The experience consisted of three themed sessions, each probing different future-facing topics. Participants expressed 64%–68% positivity per session. Session topics ranged from space tourism and AI to pollution, future food, and the changing nature of ownership.
The results highlighted diversity in thought and often reflected generational differences, cultural values, and social dynamics at play during group discussions.
Engaging minds for future insights
The Our Future(s) installation also featured programming curated by the Museum of the Future, allowing visitors to participate in sessions such as sound healing, creative writing, and more.
By combining interactive design with foresight research, the project not only immersed people in futuristic scenarios but also generated a rich dataset to support policy and innovation decisions. It offered a rare glimpse into how people relate to the future – emotionally, intellectually, and socially. Through this reflective space, DFF aimed to better understand public sentiment, helping to shape informed strategies and innovative solutions for a more resilient and sustainable world.
The power of storytelling
The initiative has successfully turned passive engagement into active conversation. It contributed to a 42% increase in Global 50 Report downloads, with social media buzz on attendee reflections and shared moments. Many visitors have also expressed that it was the first time they had considered the future in such a way.
“By transforming abstract ideas into experiential, sensorial, and relatable moments, Our Future(s) worked towards building a society better prepared to make informed decisions about the future, across all our research pillars. The project demonstrated the power of storytelling and interactive design in shaping a future that feels real, not just theoretical,” DFF said.
The GovMedia Conference & Awards celebrates the achievements of government projects and initiatives from both government organisations and private sector companies that are transforming Asia Pacific and making a significant impact across the globe.
Our Future(s) by Dubai Future Foundation
Transforming Sarawak’s pig farming industry
The government-backed facility combines advanced technology, strict biosecurity, and sustainable practices to transform the region’s livestock sector.
Sarawak’s pig farming industry is undergoing a significant transformation with the establishment of the Pig Farming Area (PFA) in Pasir Puteh, Simunjan. Covering 804 hectares, this modern facility integrates advanced technology, sustainable agriculture, and economic development to elevate the region’s livestock sector.
Situated 104 kilometres from Kuching, the PFA benefits from government support, including land allocation, infrastructure, and economic incentives. The farming area implements cutting-edge solutions such as automated feeding, artificial insemination, and ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis, ensuring efficient and sustainable pig production.
The PFA has recorded impressive growth, with over 130,000 pigs in 2024 and a strong export performance, particularly to Singapore. It operates under a closedhouse system, prioritising animal health and environmental sustainability. Additionally, Sarawak aims to expand its pig farming sector with new investments and proposed
large-scale facilities in Selangau.
With strict biosecurity measures, international certifications, and government backing, the Pasir Puteh PFA is set to position Sarawak as a leading exporter of high-quality pork products, driving economic prosperity and agricultural innovation for the state.
This modern facility integrates advanced technology, sustainable agriculture, and economic development
Driving economic growth through advanced pig farming
The Pasir Puteh Pig Farming Area (PFA) in Simunjan, Sarawak stands as a testament to modern, sustainable agriculture. Supported by the government through land allocation and infrastructure development, the
804-hectare facility is strategically located near key transport routes, ensuring efficient operations and market access.
Beyond traditional farming, PFA embraces technology-driven solutions, including production apps, automated feeding systems, and ultrasound pregnancy diagnostics. Artificial insemination further enhances breeding efficiency, reinforcing Sarawak’s commitment to innovation in livestock management.
Economic benefits extend to job creation and business opportunities from pork processing and export. With Sarawak free from Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and African Swine Fever (ASF), the PFA maintains a strong foothold in international markets, notably Singapore.
The PFA integrates sustainable practices with buffer zones, closed-house systems, and herd health programmes, ensuring optimal biosecurity and environmental responsibility. As pig farming evolves, Sarawak’s PFA exemplifies how modern technology and government support can drive agricultural transformation, positioning the state as a leader in sustainable livestock farming.
This structured, innovative approach aligns with Sarawak’s ambition to establish a competitive livestock industry by 2030.
PFA at Pasir Puteh, Sarawak
The 804-hectare PFA facility in Sarawak
Pasir Puteh Pig Farming Area (PFA) in Simunjan, Sarawak
National Technology & Innovation Sandbox
746 Complete Applications Received
43 Regulatory Cases Facilitated with 18 Ministries Collaborations
15 National Sandbox
42 Cohorts
60 Innovation Acceleration Network (IAN) Partners
• Agriculture Sandbox with FELDA
• Robotics & Automation Sandbox with Drone &
• Robotics Zone (DRZ)
• Logistics Sandbox with AirAsia
• DroneTech Sandbox with AREA57 MRANTI
• SportsTech Sandbox with Institut Sukan
• Negara (ISN)
• Smart Highway Sandbox with PLUS
• Sustainable Smart Cities Sandbox with
• Sunway iLabs
From July 2020 - June 2025
195
Approved Applications
RM 81,117,800 mil.
Funding Approved
• Digital IoT Sandbox with Kementerian Sains
• Teknologi dan Inovasi Sabah (KSTI)
• HealthTech Hub with Ministry of Health (MOH)
• Construction Sandbox with Construction
• Research Institute of Malaysia (CREAM)
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Sandbox with
• MRANTI & NVIDIA
• Sarawak Technology Innovation (STI) Sand
• box with SDEC, TEGAS and SIGHT Digital
• Innovation Hub
• Property Technology Sandbox with S P Setia
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Lung Center of the Philippines scores win for public healthcare innovation
The Thoracic Hybrid Operating Room streamlines lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, especially for patients delayed by fragmented and multi-step care pathways.
Government tertiary hospital Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP) clinched the Philippines Process Optimization of the Year - Health category win at the GovMedia Conference & Awards 2025 for the Thoracic Hybrid Operating Room (THOR), its pioneering public healthcare innovation that provides high-quality, accessible, and affordable thoracic care to all Filipinos.
One-stop solution for thoracic oncology
THOR is the first and only hybrid operating room in the Philippines dedicated to thoracic oncology. Its unique one-stop strategy integrates real-time cone-beam CT imaging, percutaneous or bronchoscopic biopsy, rapid onsite cytology, as well as minimally invasive surgery or ablation — within a single facility and session.
It aims to reduce diagnosis-to-treatment time for lung cancer, improve surgical precision and patient outcomes, and democratise access to cutting-edge thoracic care for all socioeconomic classes. These objectives have been met through infrastructure development, specialised training of LCP’s clinical staff, and the launch of the hospital’s multidisciplinary framework
for lung cancer management.
The facility has transformed LCP’s clinical operations by enhancing collaboration amongst thoracic surgery, interventional pulmonology, radiology, pathology, and anaesthesia teams.
It has enabled public-sector patients to receive advanced care that is typically accessible only in high-end private centres.
Going
beyond surgeries
Beyond its surgical capabilities, THOR supports continuous education, research, and training. With the future integration of telemedicine and artificial intelligence diagnostics, it is positioned for long-term adaptability. LCP has ongoing collaborations with the National Taiwan University Hospital – Hsin Chu Branch to ensure continuous benchmarking, and its training programmes equip partner hospitals in the country with the skills needed to replicate this innovation.
“The THOR programme exemplifies how public healthcare can achieve world-
class innovation through cross-sector collaboration, visionary leadership, and patient-centred design. More than a facility, it is a transformative strategy that puts the Filipino patient at the centre of progress — delivering on the promise of better service, better outcomes, and better lives,” LCP said.
GovMedia Conference & Awards 2025 celebrates the achievements of government projects and initiatives from both government organisations and private sector companies that are not only transforming Asia Pacific, but are also making a significant impact across the globe.
This year’s awards programme was held on 19 June 2025 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore.
The esteemed panel of judges consisted of Guillaume Sachet, Partner, Advisory, KPMG; Edwina Chin, Global Government and Public Sector, Sustainability Lead and International Development Leader, South East Asia Consulting, PwC Singapore; and Vincent Tay, Partner, Government & Public Sector, EY.
More than a facility, it is a transformative strategy that puts the Filipino patient at the centre of progress
Dr Jubert P. Benedicto (Deputy Executive Director for Medical Services),Dr Treah May S. Sayo (Department Manager, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine), Dr Guia Elena Imelda R. Ladrera (Department Manager, Thoracic Oncology), and Dr Edmund E. Villaroman (Department Manager, Thoracic Surgery and Anesthesia) of the Lung Center of the Philippines received the hospital’s trophy at the GovMedia Conference and Awards 2025
Philippine Department of Agriculture takes home accolade for communication initiative
DA Information Caravan shares insights on its agricultural programmes, services, and accomplishments.
The Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division of the Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) clinched Philippines Campaign of the Year - Agriculture at the GovMedia Conference and Awards 2025 with its interpersonal communication strategy, DA Information Caravan.
DA Information Caravan
The Caravan offers engaging lectures, presentations, and discussions on the Department’s programmes and projects to
‘This initiative reinforces national efforts to uplift the agriculture and fishery sector’
farmers, fishers, and local government units, serving as an avenue for knowledge sharing and empowering participants in their daily agricultural endeavours.
It has since been a part of the DA’s annual information campaign activities that embrace modern innovations, reduce food costs, ensure food security, and attract private investment.
Technical experts serve as resource speakers and equip participants with the latest trends and information, with an open forum encouraging knowledge sharing. Information kiosks are also available at the venue. During “clinic-quing” sessions, participants can engage with experts to discuss their specific issues, receiving immediate answers to their
concerns. Information materials such as techno-guides, brochures, pamphlets, and promotional items are distributed.
Empowering through media outreach
During its latest stint in 2024, a live stream of the event was also conducted to reach more farmers, fisherfolk, and other interested individuals. For broader coverage, print, radio, and television broadcast partners were also invited. The Department also distributed agricultural assistance of farm implements, planting materials, and even farm animals through the campaign.
Since its conception, the DA Information Caravan has catered to 11,000 households as well as over 6,000 students in 21 provinces in the Philippines. “This initiative reinforces national efforts to uplift the agriculture and fishery sector and enhances Filipino farmers’ livelihoods,” the agency said.
Department of Agriculture at the GovMedia Conference and Awards 2025
MUNIZA ASKARI OPINION
Why Singapore’s future rests on equipping youth for economic disruption
When global leaders debate tariffs and trade realignment, the conversation typically centres on cost competitiveness and strategic decoupling. But for a region as youthful and trade-dependent as Southeast Asia, the true cost may be generational. The young—who form the spine of future growth—are increasingly the silent shock absorbers of global disruption.
These shocks, though economic in origin, often take a social and psychological toll. Young workers face rising uncertainty not only in job prospects but also in identity formation and long-term planning, compounding the hidden costs of global macro volatility.
Nowhere is this dual exposure more acute than in Singapore. As a globally connected hub, the city-state is sensitive to dollar fluctuations, geopolitical fractures, and capital flow volatility.
At the same time, its next generation of workers and entrepreneurs — though relatively protected by strong institutions—remains vulnerable to wage compression, cost-of-living pressures, and risk aversion in times of macro uncertainty. These effects ripple well beyond borders, shaping how the region’s youth respond to disruption: by retreating, deferring, or disengaging.
The dollar and the domino effect
Recent global commentary has outlined a sobering scenario: if confidence in the US dollar erodes due to geopolitical fragmentation or fiscal instability, the world could see capital retreat from emerging markets, currency turbulence, and rising default risks.
For Singapore, where a managed float currency regime and globally exposed portfolio flows intertwine, even the hint of a dollar destabilisation becomes a strategic risk.
But beyond bond yields and FX reserves lies a more underdiscussed vulnerability: the behavioural fallout amongst the young. When currencies wobble and economic signals turn erratic, young people—especially those at the early stages of financial independence—respond by withdrawing from formal systems, delaying major decisions, or underinvesting in their own productivity.
These effects are subtle, hard to track, and often long-lasting. Studies on youth behaviour during financial crises show a pattern of increased pessimism, reduced investment in education or skill-building, and a preference for low-risk, low-return livelihoods. These responses, while rational, can dampen future economic dynamism.
Singapore’s strategic dilemma
Although Singapore’s youth unemployment remains low by regional standards, emerging pressures—from housing affordability to income volatility—are shaping the economic psyche of its younger population. Policymakers have rightly invested in skilling and startup ecosystems, but resilience goes beyond skill acquisition. It requires psychological readiness and institutional trust.
For business leaders and investors, especially those anchored in Singapore but operating regionally, this presents a double imperative. On one hand, they must navigate trade instability and currency
MUNIZA ASKARI Assistant Professor, Economics SP Jain School of Global Management, Singapore
risk. On the other, they must ask: is the next generation economically and psychologically prepared to absorb future shocks? Addressing this question requires a shift from reactive support to preemptive resilience-building—where social protection policies, mentorship structures, and inclusive innovation ecosystems are designed to prevent disengagement before it takes root.
Reframing policy and investment through a generational lens Responding to this challenge requires more than macroeconomic stabilisation or reactive stimulus. It calls for a recalibration of policy makers and industry leaders frame inclusion and resilience.
First, governments—Singapore included—should begin tracking “youth elasticity” in policy analysis. This means assessing how trade reforms, subsidy shifts, or capital market trends affect youth-led sectors, vocational pathways, and early-stage employment.
A tariff adjustment may seem efficient on paper but could erode a fragile rung on the ladder to economic independence. This is particularly critical for gig and platform workers, who often fall through the cracks of traditional policy instruments.
Second, access to capital must move beyond institutional entrepreneurs to include youth-led micro-enterprises. In a risk-averse climate, many potential founders shy away from debt entirely. Here, behavioural safeguards, public guarantees, and low-barrier lending ecosystems—like those piloted in segments of Singapore’s fintech sector—can make a difference. Tailored financial instruments for youth-led climate and tech ventures could unlock high-potential innovation aligned with national priorities.
Third, there is a strong case for integrating behavioural resilience tools into education and employment policy.
Financial literacy alone is not enough; young people need guided, experience-based exposure to volatility and recovery. Nudges that promote saving, structured risk-taking, and longer-term economic thinking are especially valuable in a region often subject to abrupt fiscal and monetary shifts. Embedding resilience education in tertiary curricula—through simulations, policy labs, and structured exposure to market fluctuations—can foster a more adaptable economic mindset that would last them through several global headlines.
Finally, ESG frameworks must evolve to include generational equity. Institutions assessing environmental and governance risks should also consider whether their investments support or sideline youth participation and empowerment.
Singapore’s investors and sovereign wealth entities—many of which lead in ESG innovation—can pioneer this inclusion by building youth indicators into due diligence and impact assessments. This would not only signal commitment to inclusive growth but also strengthen investor alignment with long-term demographic sustainability.
By reframing youth not as passive recipients of policy but as active participants in economic resilience, Singapore can catalyse a generational compact—one that bridges fiscal prudence with futurereadiness, and transforms regional vulnerability into opportunity.
City University of Hong Kong
Organised by Times Higher Education, co-organised by City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) together with CityUHK’s Institute of Digital Medicine (IDM), Digital Health Asia 2025 will be held from 8 to 10 September at CityUHK.
The groundbreaking event is set to redefine the future of healthcare, bringing together leading academic researchers, industry innovators, and forward-thinking policymakers from around the globe.
Since its inception, the IDM has collaborated with renowned universities, medical schools, and clinical and industry partners worldwide to develop innovative
8-10 th Sep Institute of
long-term digital health solutions that benefit doctors and patients.
Speakers of this summit will include Professor Freddy Boey, President and University Distinguished Professor of CityUHK, several top CityUHK scholars and representatives from elite universities and industry leaders.
HK Tech 300, CityUHK’s large-scale flagship innovation and entrepreneurship programme, will also see supported digital health start-ups present their latest innovations.
