{
  "id": 16841451,
  "title": "Small countries need more cooperation with companies, NGOs in fractured world: Teo Chee Hean",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/28/small-countries-need-more-cooperation-with-companies-ngos-in",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-28T03:45:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "CNA - Singapore",
    "slug": "cna-singapore",
    "url": "https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/polylateral-cooperation-small-countries-business-fractured-world-ai-jobs-6498626"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a fractured and changing world, Singaporean small countries require increased cooperation with both countries and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), according to Temasek Holdings chairman Teo Chee Hean. Speaking at the Steward Leadership Summit, he emphasized the need for polylateral arrangements to support global cooperation, particularly in areas such as AI regulation. In the past, Singapore pursued bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) after the failed WTO Ministerial Conference in Seattle in 1999 due to difficulties in achieving progress through the organization. Teo highlighted that numerous countries, including the European Union, Canada, and India, are currently undertaking similar steps. He stressed that major power and geopolitical competition will persist, necessitating comprehensive, interconnected strategies to address the convergence of geopolitics, technology, energy, and business. For smaller countries and businesses, Teo advocated for proactive creation of options through stewardship guided by purpose, disciplined governance, enlightened self-interest, and consideration for future generations. He urged government and business leaders to prioritize long-term value and sustainable returns, rather than short-term gains that may lead to the loss of friends and partners. Teo also addressed AI guardrails, suggesting that a coalition of governments, major AI companies, NGOs, and unions could help ensure responsible AI adoption and mitigate societal risks. Singapore's higher acceptance of AI compared to global trends is attributed to the confidence in the government's ability to regulate the technology appropriately.",
  "summary": "As multilateral cooperation becomes frayed, polylateral arrangements can help support global cooperation in key areas such as AI guardrails, said Temasek chairman Teo Chee Hean on Wednesday (Oct 28).",
  "key_points": [
    "Singaporean small countries need more cooperation with companies and NGOs.",
    "Polylateral arrangements are essential for global cooperation, especially in AI regulation.",
    "Teo Chee Hean advocates proactive creation of options for smaller countries and businesses."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Small nations must pivot from traditional bilateralism toward complex polylateral partnerships to navigate the intensifying convergence of geopolitical competition, technological disruption, and global energy shifts.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}