Marking its 25th anniversary, the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) continues to draw regional leaders including Singapore’s prime minister, though this year’s forum was notable for the absence of top-tier Chinese leadership. Discussions centred on growth in a more uncertain world, deeper regional integration, and China’s Hainan Free Trade Port, alongside supply chains and South China Sea tensions. So after 25 years, does the BFA still matter and what signals should Asia be paying attention to?



Image Credit: Shutterstock. 

Marking its 25th anniversary, the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) continues to draw regional leaders including Singapore’s prime minister, though this year’s forum was notable for the absence of top-tier Chinese leadership. Discussions centred on growth in a more uncertain world, deeper regional integration, and China’s Hainan Free Trade Port, alongside supply chains and South China Sea tensions. So after 25 years, does the BFA still matter and what signals should Asia be paying attention to?Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Opinion and analysis of today’s international and local news that matter to Malaysians. Everything you need to know to start and plan your work.

Opinion and analysis of today&rsquo;s international and local news that matter to Malaysians. Everything you need to know to start and plan your work.