Future of Trade Forum 2026 also highlights new partnerships in trade training, AI adoption and paperless trade

• SBF has made its Trade AI Advisor (TAIA) - the world's first generative AI-powered trade advisory platform – fully available to businesses in Singapore. It combines authoritative trade data, AI assistance, and expert human advisory into a single end-to-end solution. TAIA provides practical guidance on tariffs, Free Trade Agreements, Rules of Origin, and trade compliance.
• Three new partnerships with Amazon Web Services, the International Chamber of Commerce Academy and the Centre for Trade Excellence were presented to help businesses strengthen trade capability, advance paperless trade and adopt AI.

Trade Capability Building:

• With the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Academy — to give Singapore businesses greater access to internationally recognised trade training and certification.
• With the Centre for Trade Excellence (TE) — to help businesses build practical knowledge in areas such as trade compliance and the use of FTAs. Digital Transformation and Advancing Paperless Trade:
• With Amazon Web Services (AWS) — to launch a programme to help SMEs move their AI projects beyond experimentation into practical use. Participating companies will receive access to cloud credits, workshops, training and support from AWS partners and IMDA. AWS will also support capability building and pilot projects for paperless trade under the SBF-led APEC Centre of Excellence for Paperless Trade (ACCEPT). 

At the luncheon fireside chat, Mr Teo Chee Hean, Chairman of Temasek Holdings, shared his perspectives on navigating a more fragmented global landscape marked by shifting geopolitical relationships, changing patterns of trade and investment, and heightened uncertainty. Moderated by Ms Lee Sze Yeng, Managing Partner, KPMG in Singapore, the fireside chat explored how businesses can rethink their strategies for resilience and growth amid global fragmentation, and how ASEAN can reinforce its position as a trusted and connected region for trade and investment.

Building the Infrastructure for Digital Trade

A panel on Digitalising Trade Flows explored how paperless trade, electronic documentation and interoperable cross-border payments are streamlining the movement of goods, data and capital, while addressing emerging interoperability and cybersecurity risks. Moderated by Mr Gordon Lawson, Partner, Head of International Tax, KPMG in Singapore, the discussion featured senior leaders from the Ministry of Digital Development and Information of Singapore, DHL Express Singapore, Bangkok Bank, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Singapore Management University.

Turning Trade Compliance into Competitive Advantage 

The afternoon featured three concurrent breakout tracks featuring senior leaders from DBS Bank, PwC Singapore, Pacific International Lines (PIL), DHL Express Singapore, Rajah & Tann Singapore, Centre for Trade Excellence, the EU Delegation to Singapore and more:

• Sustainable Trade in a Fragmented World examined how companies can decarbonise supply chains and meet ESG expectations without compromising competitiveness.
• Navigating Trade Compliance & Maximising FTAs addressed how businesses can identify compliance risks and unlock opportunities for market expansion and cost savings amid rising scrutiny over supply chains.
• Dealing with Emerging Non-Trade Regulations covered forced labour import bans, security export controls and due diligence laws.