Zurich Meets Singapore
“Zurich meets Singapore” took place from 6-12 September, with ZHAW represented by the School of Management and Law (SML) and the School of Engineering (SoE). This is yet another example of how ZHAW is helping position Zurich internationally as a hub for innovation and science. The SML organized two events.
“Zurich meets Singapore” was held from 6-12 September – a week in which ZHAW helped position Zurich as an international hub for innovation and science. Together with partners in Singapore, the week created a space to exchange ideas, knowledge, and perspectives on key issues for the future. The SML was responsible for two events.
Small countries with huge innovative strengths
Singapore and Switzerland are both regarded as small, highly successful, open economies that have achieved global significance thanks to strong institutions, innovative strength, and strategic international networking. Against this backdrop, the SML, together with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, organized the event, “Small States’ Success: Singapore and Switzerland Navigating Through Turbulent Times.” The event took place on 8 September and reflected a shared interest between the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and the SML – supporting organizations in successfully navigating a changing and increasingly challenging global environment. Geopolitical tensions, technological upheavals, and economic fragmentation are increasingly testing the economic success of small states.
Opportunities and challenges for Swiss companies
Southeast Asia is one of the world’s most dynamic economic regions. At the same time, the challenges mentioned above are increasingly shaping the economic environment for businesses. In this context, the SML, in collaboration with SwissCham Singapore, organized the event “Opportunities and Challenges for Swiss Companies in Singapore and Southeast Asia in Times of Global Shake-ups” on 10 September. Prof. Reto Steiner, Dean of the SML, addressed opportunities and challenges for Swiss companies in Singapore and Southeast Asia in his keynote speech. He noted: “Beyond fostering talent, it is innovation, open markets, and strong ecosystems that determine who succeeds in times of global upheaval.” For Prof. Steiner, it is clear that Singapore remains a strategic gateway to one of the world’s fastest-growing regions. Resilience and agility, he says, are just as important today as efficiency.
Collaboration creates new opportunities
To achieve long-term success in these challenging times, companies must also systematically prepare their talent. “In an economy with high costs and near-full employment, people thrive where innovation, open markets, and dynamic ecosystems converge,” noted Prof. Steiner. Partnerships between business, politics, and academia are needed. This is precisely what the SML is doing together with its partner universities, Nanyang Technological University Singapore and Singapore Management University – fostering talent. Zurich and Singapore both have small, open economies with a shared global orientation and are, therefore, natural partners.
