Opinion | In world of sound bites, leaders need a forum to engage with candour

We must reassess our levels of engagement in a world dominated by sound bites and social media. There is transformative power in genuine dialogue

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People watch US President Donald Trump speak at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on January 23. Most conferences adopt a one-directional format, with speakers on stage addressing a passive audience. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 9:30am, 7 Feb 2025

I was among the 50 attendees from Asia and Europe at the recent Asia Leaders Series annual meeting in Zurich, Switzerland. Created in 2016, it is a high-level platform that brings together global leaders, policymakers, academics and business executives for dialogue on critical geopolitical and economic issues. I am a member of its global advisory board.

This year’s meeting was strategically scheduled on the eve of the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos, making it very convenient for key business leaders to attend both events and avoiding the logistical challenges of assembling such a diverse group.

The US presidential inauguration in Washington also took place a day after the Asia Leaders Series meeting, ensuring a heightened focus on global political and economic transitions. The event’s timing allowed for candid discussions about the implications of the new US administration and the evolving dynamics of a multipolar world.

The Asia Leaders Series is acclaimed for its intimate, closed-door format. It promotes candid discussions and deep engagement while providing unique insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping Asia and the world.

During the event, I had discussions with more than 30 participants, including business leaders, ambassadors, policymakers and experts from both Europe and Asia. Notable attendees included the chairmen of Siemens, Mastercard, Nestlé and IndiGo airline, the CEO of Trip.com Group, former ambassadors from Singapore, Britain and Germany, and a former chief of staff of Nato, the transatlantic security alliance.

The group’s diverse perspectives, representing regions such as Europe, and countries including China, India and Pakistan, significantly enriched the dialogue.