The Straits Times Education Forum 2025, held in partnership with SMU, will explore how Singapore can leverage South-east Asia’s growth while preparing its workforce for the future. It will also look at Singapore’s ability to contribute to the region in areas such as education, waste, water and urban management. The forum, titled Southeast Asia And Our Shared Future, will be held on 11 March at SMU’s Yong Pung How School of Law, and will bring together experts to discuss the evolving landscape and the opportunities ahead. SMU Provost-Designate Professor Alan Chan will moderate a panel discussion, while panellists include DBS Chief Executive and SMU Chairman Piyush Gupta, Indonesian investor and entrepreneur Aldi Haryopratomo, and online car marketplace Carro’s Chief Executive Officer Aaron Tan. SMU President Professor Lily Kong pointed out that universities play a critical role in cultivating talent with cultural intelligence, resilience, adaptability and a spirit of innovation as South-east Asia is a region of immense dynamism that presents both extraordinary opportunities and complex challenges.