On November 21, 2023, Singaporean diplomatic legend Bilahari Kausikan delivered Asia Society Switzerland's second annual State of Asia Address in front of a full house in the prestigious Aula of the University of Zurich.
He set himself up to answer the question: Will this – can this – be the ‘Asian century’, in a highly original speech filled with fundamental insights in the big issues facing Asia and the world.

Bilahari is former Ambassador and Permanent Secretary of Singapore. He has spent his entire career in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During his 37 years in the Ministry, he served in a variety of appointments at home and abroad, including as Ambassador to the Russian Federation and to the UN in New York. Among others, he is a Member of the Advisory Council of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). He studied at Raffles Institution, the University of Singapore and Columbia University in New York.

The full text of his speech is available as a download on our website. A video of Bilahari delivering the State of Asia Address is here.

STATE OF ASIA brings you engaging conversations with leading minds on the issues that shape Asia and affect us all.


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STATE OF ASIA is a podcast from Asia Society Switzerland. 
Season 5, episode 6 - Published: November 23, 2023
Host/Editor: Remko Tanis, Programs and Editorial Manager, Asia Society Switzerland