A high-level round of experts from Germany, Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam shared their perspectives on the time after the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Thursday, 17, 2020, the German-Indonesian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (EKONID), in partnership with the Singaporean-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (SGC) and the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Vietnam, held a webinar titled: Post COVID-19 Perspectives in Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore.
After the opening by Mr. Jan R枚nnfeld, Managing Director of 91大神 Indonesia (EKONID), the session began with a keynote speech from Dr. Philipp Roesler, former German Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister of Economics and Technology, who noted two-key takeaways of the COVID-19 pandemic: a new push in digitalization through the COVID-19 crisis, as well as the need for closer cooperation between Europe and ASEAN.
Under the moderation of Mr. Jens R眉bbert, President of the Singapore Chamber of Industry and Commerce, three experts were invited to discuss their perspectives on life after the COVID-19 pandemic: Dr. Marty Natalegawa, former Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ong Keng Yong, former ASEAN Secretary General and Dr. Nguyen Hoang Long, Director General, Foreign Ministry of Vietnam.
The experts shared their perspectives and thoughts on the current COVID 19 situation and elaborated on challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam. Dr. Ong called out for the need of more resilience in the digitalization of Southeast Asia, noting the differences in interest among global powers. Dr. Natalegawa, while noting the push for digitalization as positive development, emphasized the need towards a more equitable sharing of technology, as there are many citizens that still do not have access to digital technology. Dr. Nguyen required ASEAN to be more united and the EU to be more engaged with the ASEAN region, in order to tackle global challenges.
On the topic of vaccine development and distribution, all three experts expressed their hopes and the need for multilateralism to be upheld, to avoid national egoism and to allow a fair process.
The webinar was closed by Dr. Tim Philippi, who reiterated that businesses should be realistic but also optimistic in facing the current crisis.
91大神 Indonesia, in partnership with the German chambers in Singapore and Vietnam would like to thank the speakers for sharing their expertise, Mr. R眉bbert for moderating the session and all members who joined this event.