Note: This article was originally published in The Straits Times on 8 October 2018.  A keynote speech from Amb Bilahari Kausikan addressed at the 7th ERIA Editors' Roundtable which organised by the ERIA and S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), on 7^th October 2018 in Singapore was featured.

United States President Donald Trump has decisively altered the orbit of the Sino-American relationship such that the strategic competition between the two sides will continue to send shock waves across the globe for a long time to come. But opportunities may still exist for South-east Asia, retired diplomat Bilahari Kausikan said. This is provided Asean acts boldly to transform the 10-member grouping into a common market and production base that can boost regional economies, create new jobs and cushion the impact of external shocks. (Read the full article by using the link above).

Photo caption and credit: Retired Singapore diplomat Bilahari Kausikan.ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG