Review: WEF Annual Meeting ASIA
”Collectively I think we can make a difference,” said Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister of Singapore. “We can lay the groundwork for a new and more stable global order,” he said.
Over 1,700 next-generation leaders, entrepreneurs, and political figures gathered in Tianjin, China, for the World Economic Forum’s 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions (AMNC). Held under the theme “Entrepreneurship for a New Era”, the three-day meeting focused on how emerging technologies, shifting geopolitical realities, and innovative business models can foster resilience, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
Delegates included leading innovators from government, academia, civil society, international organizations, and the media. Through high-level dialogues, participants explored how entrepreneurship and innovation can provide solutions to the most pressing global challenges.
Five Pillars of the Forum
The 2025 AMNC centered around five thematic pillars: deciphering the world economy, the outlook on China, industries disrupted, investing in people and planet, and new energy and materials.
Deciphering the World Economy: Against the backdrop of trade tensions, productivity slowdowns, and uncertainty, participants agreed that entrepreneurship, digital platforms, and AI are key drivers of future growth. While AI offers opportunities for job creation and efficiency, leaders also acknowledged risks such as disinformation and destabilization. Cross-regional collaboration was emphasized, particularly between ASEAN and China, as well as with partners from Europe, the U.S., and the Middle East.
Outlook on China: With China expected to contribute nearly 30% of global GDP growth in 2025, its trajectory was a central topic. Delegates examined China’s advances in AI, clean technology, and electric vehicles. The First Movers Coalition was introduced to China’s industrial ecosystem, signaling deeper integration. “Building a thriving new era requires us to embrace the spirit of entrepreneurship to innovate on solutions and nurture a ‘prosper thy neighbour’ culture,” noted Gim Huay Neo, Managing Director, World Economic Forum.
Industries Disrupted: Rapid transformation is reshaping industries, requiring new skills and innovation. The Forum released its Top 10 Emerging Technologies 2025 report, showcasing breakthrough technologies such as quantum solutions, robotics, and AI applications with real-world impact. A report on future value chains highlighted pathways for building resilience and inclusivity. Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, stressed the urgency of reskilling: “What is going to change in the next five years is how we teach, skill and train our people.”
Investing in People and Planet: Leaders addressed challenges around jobs, equity, and sustainability. Discussions drew on insights from the Global Gender Gap Report, focusing on accelerating women’s leadership in technology and preparing for AI-driven disruptions. Delegates also examined financing models to tackle climate risks, with initiatives supporting food-water resilience and sustainable infrastructure. “If there is more inclusion, our economies will be able to move forward faster,” said Rania A. Al-Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of Planning and Co-chair of the meeting.
New Energy and Materials: The forum spotlighted the global energy transition, emphasizing clean energy access, quantum technologies, and blended finance for emerging markets. China’s plan to unify its power market was presented as a landmark step. “The energy transition is a massive national security multiplier,” noted Elizabeth Thurbon, Professor at the University of New South Wales.
A Shared Future
Across all sessions, one theme resonated: collaboration is essential. “In a world marked by increasing fragmentation, only through co-creation and deep collaboration across sectors and regions can we build resilient solutions that benefit all,” said Børge Brende, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum.
The 16th AMNC underscored the transformative potential of entrepreneurship and innovation. By aligning economic resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity, the meeting highlighted a shared commitment to building a more prosperous future for all.
For the full version look here:
