Tesla chief executive Elon Musk is coming to Singapore to attend the Bloomberg New Economy Forum to be held here from Nov. 16 to 19, 2021.
The forum will see top businessmen and government leaders in Singapore to discuss global challenges and solutions.
The conference became a virtual one in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Singapore hosted the inaugural forum three years ago in 2018 after It was launched by media mogul Michael Bloomberg.
It was relocated from Beijing that year amid the fallout from the United States-China trade war.
China hosted the forum in 2019.
Stringent health protocols
Bloomberg Media's global CEO Justin Smith told The Straits Times it was an easy decision to hold the event in Singapore again due to the good experience with Singapore and stringent health protocols.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong also gave his assurances and said Singapore would work to keep the forum safe.
"I am pleased that Singapore has been chosen to host the 2021 Bloomberg New Economy Forum, where business leaders will convene to discuss pertinent global issues," PM Lee said.
"Health and safety remains Singapore's top priority, and we will work closely with the Bloomberg team to create a safe and conducive environment to welcome all delegates here in November."
Talks on globalisation and trade
Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing told ST that Singapore is favoured as a host venue due to three factors: Its ability to conduct the event safely and efficiently; to contribute intellectual capital to the discussions; and to command trust among participants.
Many see Singapore as a neutral venue and one which takes a principled position on issues, Chan added.
The forum's five key pillars are climate, cities, finance, trade and public health.
The pullback from globalisation recently will make the forum a place for discussion about how to move forward.
Chan said: "As a small country which relies so much on trade and the world as our hinterland, it is important for us to advance the discussion on how we can collectively reap the benefits of trade, yet at the same time, manage the domestic challenges which various countries, including Singapore, will have to grapple with."
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