ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute’s Regional Outlook Forum 2026 convened policymakers, scholars and industry leaders to assess rising global disorder and its implications for Southeast Asia
The 29th edition of the Regional Outlook Forum (ROF) 2026, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute’s annual flagship event, concluded successfully on 8 January 2026 at the Sands Expo & Exhibition Centre in Singapore. The one-day forum, themed “Confronting Chaos: The Future of International Order in Southeast Asia”, brought together 12 distinguished speakers to exchange views on regional and global developments, as well as domestic political trends across several ASEAN member states. Approximately 650 participants from academia, government, the private sector and the student community attended the forum both in person and online.
Senior Minister of Singapore, Mr Lee Hsien Loong, attended the forum as Guest-of-Honour and participated in a dialogue session moderated by ISEAS Chairman Professor Chan Heng Chee. During the discussion, Mr Lee emphasised the importance of collaboration and partnerships in navigating a complex international environment. He stated that countries should “work together with our regional neighbours, cooperating amongst ourselves to the extent that we can, and also using it as a platform to partner other economies and other centres of prosperity in the world. Whether it is India, whether it is China, whether it is EU, ASEAN-EU, ASEAN-India – these are all ties which we can cultivate,” highlighting opportunities to strengthen ties through frameworks such as ASEAN, ASEAN–EU and ASEAN–India cooperation.
Mr Lee also highlighted the need for adaptability and long-term preparedness as Southeast Asia continues to evolve within a changing global landscape. Reflecting on Singapore’s approach, he noted that “our challenge is to make Singaporeans understand that it is possible for us to prosper in such a world. But you have to work harder, and you have to be much more alive to what is happening around you. And this is going to be for a long time, but we are better prepared for this than many other countries, because we are not the only ones in this boat,” adding that sustained effort, awareness and resilience would be essential to achieving continued progress and shared prosperity.
ROF 2026 reaffirmed its role as a key platform for constructive and forward-looking dialogue on Southeast Asia’s immediate and medium-term priorities. Since its inception in 1998, the forum has consistently offered valuable insights into regional and global trends, reinforcing ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute’s position as a leading convenor of policy-relevant discussions that promote cooperation, confidence and long-term regional resilience.
Source: ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute’s
