9th ASEAN Connectivity Symposium – Towards Effective Implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025, Thursday, 6 September 2018, Mandarin Orchard Hotel Singapore - Closing Remarks

Closing Remarks by Ambassador Tan Hung Seng Singapore’s Permanent Representative to ASEAN and Chairman of the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee

9th ASEAN Connectivity Symposium – Towards Effective Implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025, Thursday, 6 September 2018, Mandarin Orchard Hotel Singapore

Good Afternoon Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

1      You must be relieved that we have reached the last segment of today’s Symposium and so I will keep my closing remarks short since it has been a long day.  I think you will all agree with me that we have had substantive, rich and fruitful discussions today. And for this, we are indebted to the moderators and speakers of all the four sessions. Can we give them another round of applause?

2      Indeed, our panellists come from a wide spectrum of backgrounds, and bring with them a huge range of knowledge, experience and expertise. So, instead of repeating what the panellists have discussed about the implementation of the MAPC 2025, allow me to just distil the key take-aways. 

3      Essentially, I wish to highlight three key take-aways, which represent some common threads that run throughout today’s symposium.

4      The first take-away is that ASEAN Connectivity is still very much a “work-in-progress”. We have made some progress, but there is still abundant room for ASEAN to do better in advancing our Connectivity agenda. ASEAN is still far from being a seamlessly integrated region. Serious challenges remain, as you heard during the first panel discussion as highlighted by Tan Sri Rebecca and Ambassador Ong Keng Yong on visa and immigration issues. Chris Humphrey from the business sector highlighted customs hindrances. And then there is the inadequately-connected physical infrastructure and lack of open skies, which hamper seamless logistics.  In short, it is a work-in-progress. The pessimist would say this is a glass half-empty; an optimist would say this is a glass-half full. A thankful person will say thank God we have a glass.

5      The second take-away is the recognition that implementing ASEAN Connectivity is a highly complex and long-term challenge. Why? Because Connectivity is of a cross-sectoral, cross-pillar nature. What this means is that ASEAN must enhance coordination among the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (ACCC), the various Lead Implementing Bodies and of course, the sectoral bodies and all stake-holders.

6      This point cannot be emphasised enough.  There has to be communication and collaboration across all these sectoral bodies so that the projects can be developed in a holistic manner, and to secure support for effective implementation. 

7      Equally important for the successful implementation of MPAC 2025 is the necessity to nurture collaboration with the private sector and multilateral development institutions. This is the only way to access the funds that are available to finance infrastructure development. 

8      As the speakers on the 2nd panel had highlighted, there is no shortage of funds. The challenge is for ASEAN to enhance its capacity for project preparation and development to develop an appropriate PPP framework and eco-system. As Isabella from the IFC put it so succinctly, we must take the “village” approach. Similarly, Max of Ernst & Young has highlighted that we must develop “partnerships and connections” with all the stakeholders.

9      Then of course, there are extraneous factors/derailers that are really beyond the control of the ACCC.  As highlighted by Mark Rathbone of PWC and also by Ambassador Ong Keng Yong, the pace of implementation can be affected by lack of political will or the lack of bureaucratic continuity.  But these turnovers and changes are often inevitable. We need to put in place structures and processes so that our Connectivity agenda will not be derailed, or delayed.  

10      The third and final takeaway is that ASEAN Connectivity must be people-centered and oriented. This is a theme that has emerged across all the panels, but came across especially strongly in the last two sessions on smart cities and empowering MSMEs in the digital economy.

11      As Myanmar technopreneur Zaw Zaw had highlighted, there are some people in Myanmar who do not even know what a smart city is. We also heard some very inspiring accounts from Jeannie from Echostore and GreatWomen ASEAN. What these convey is that ASEAN Connectivity must engage in more bottom-up consultations. But the challenge is, how do we do that? How do we devise processes and mechanisms that can help us transmit grassroot feedback and more importantly, translate feedback into action? In this context, I am pleased to emphasise that MPAC 2025 is a living document. It will be reviewed; it will be adapted according to the evolving needs and circumstances. 

12      The challenge for us after this long day is to take back the various recommendations and challenges that have been highlighted, and to think through them, and see how they can help us to more effectively implement MPAC 2025.

13      On this note, I would like to reiterate my appreciation once again to the speakers and moderators for their invaluable contributions to the very rich discussions that we have had, and I also want to thank all of you for your stamina in staying throughout the Symposium and for participating actively. Finally, I would like to once again thank Professor Nishimura and ERIA for their steadfast support for the Symposium. I thank you, and I wish you a very pleasant evening in Singapore.  And for those who are travelling later, safe flight.

Thank you.