Does the Boao Forum Still Matter?

·23 min·2 clips

After 25 years, does the Boao Forum still matter as it draws regional leaders to discuss growth and South China Sea tensions?

The episode begins by introducing the Boao Forum for Asia, marking its 25th anniversary and questioning its current significance. Hosts Rich Bradbury, Sherad Kutan, and Shazana Mokhtar set the stage for a discussion on regional policy forums. Dr. Peter Chang, former Deputy Director of the Institute of China Studies at University of Malaya, is interviewed to unpack the forum's role. He describes the Boao Forum as increasingly influential as the global economic center shifts toward Asia, led by China. Chang explains that the forum has an informal link to Beijing, serving as a platform to explain Chinese government decisions, such as the five-year plan, to the international community. He highlights two reports issued at the forum: the Asian Economic Outlook and Integration Progress Annual Report and the Sustainable Development Report, noting their significance for policymakers in Southeast Asia. Chang shares his firsthand experience attending the forum, mentioning the presence of leaders like Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and the emphasis on ASEAN-China cooperation amid global crises. He addresses the absence of senior Chinese leaders, noting that legislative member Zhao Leji and scholars like Zheng Yongyan represented China. The discussion turns to the South China Sea, where Chang reports that Chinese officials believe a code of conduct could be concluded by 2026, aiming to transform the area into a shared home for blue and green economies. He also touches on the Middle East conflict's impact, noting cautious optimism in Asia and a joint oil exploration agreement between China and the Philippines. The episode then transitions to Malaysia's economic outlook, with an interview of Julia Goh, senior economist at UOB. She analyzes Bank Negara Malaysia's 2025 annual report, which projects 4-5% growth for 2026 amid global tensions. Goh discusses how the Middle East conflict drives oil prices above $100 per barrel, affecting Malaysia's subsidy bill, which has risen to RM4 billion monthly. She explains that Malaysia is a net exporter of gas but a net importer of oil, with high dependence on imports through the Strait of Hormuz. Goh addresses fiscal headroom for subsidies, warning that sustained high oil prices may necessitate adjustments. She also examines private consumption risks, including demographics and wage growth, and highlights Malaysia's E&E sector's insulation from US-China trade tensions, though noting risks like tariff pass-through and transshipment scrutiny. The episode concludes with a brief on upcoming segments and event promotions.

As heard by us

Boao's 25th anniversary becomes a brisk read on Asia's policy mood.

This Morning Run segment treats the Boao Forum's 25th anniversary as a useful test of whether it still belongs in Asia's policy calendar. It moves through the presence of the Prime Minister of Singapore and South Korea, senior Chinese officials, policymakers, and business…

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Boao's 25th, before the opening bell.

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