The Straits Times Education Forum 2025 held in partnership with SMU focused on Southeast Asia’s shared future, with panellists discussing the importance of talent mobility, collaboration, and integration. Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, who was guest of honour at the event, sat on the panel with SMU Chairman Piyush Gupta, who is also DBS Chief Executive, Indonesian investor and entrepreneur Aldi Haryopratomo, and online car marketplace Carro’s CEO Aaron Tan. The panel discussion was moderated by SMU’s Provost-designate, Professor Alan Chan. Nearly 600 people attended the event. Mr Gupta believes Southeast Asia's future hinges on its people and businesses, not just institutional arrangements, infrastructure and geolocation. He advocates for stronger education, people-to-people connectivity, and developing local research capabilities to empower the young talents and foster thought leadership.