Southeast Asia is ready for remarkable growth, but its ascent hinges on strategic choices that foster regional unity and collaboration. These critical moves were the focus of the Straits Times Education Forum 2025 held on 11 March 2025, in partnership with Singapore Management University (SMU). The question is how the region can unlock its full potential.

After the 2008 financial meltdown, which led to widespread bank collapses, hefty bailouts, and deep economic slumps, countries around the globe scrambled to ensure such a disaster would not strike again. The United Kingdom (UK) responded by introducing the Shareholder Stewardship Code in 2010, aimed at rectifying the passive stance of institutional investors — who then constituted a substantial 70% of the London Stock Exchange.

Amid the global struggle to preserve biodiversity, a glimmer of hope emerges from the shores of Singapore's East Coast Beach. Recently, the National Parks Board celebrated a milestone as critically endangered hawksbill turtle eggs hatched, signifying a small yet significant victory in the battle against biodiversity loss. This is but one small example of how a nation can safeguard its delicate ecosystems.