Will haze, sustainability, be on Singapore’s agenda as incoming ASEAN chair?

Can Singapore balance economic survival & climate action as ASEAN chair in 2027?

Published Oct 27, 2026, 06:00 PM

Updated Oct 27, 2026, 06:00 PM

As Singapore prepares to take over the ASEAN chairmanship in 2027, the region faces a delicate balancing act between economic uncertainties and climate action.

According to recent regional survey data from the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, many in Southeast Asia are prioritising economic survival, inflation, and recession fears over climate action. But with pressing issues like transboundary haze, coal phase-outs, and rising energy costs, how can Singapore use its leadership to align economic resilience with green initiatives?

In this episode, Green Pulse host Audrey Tan sits down with veteran diplomat and climate researcher Sharon Seah. They explore the real power and limits of the ASEAN chair, how the long-awaited ASEAN Power Grid could unlock regional energy security, and why framing climate solutions around economic survival, such as carbon credits and peatland restoration, is the key to uniting the region.

Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):

01:03 The power and limits of the ASEAN chair

02:55 When cutting emissions becomes crossing a red line

04:05 How can Singapore as ASEAN chair balance economy and climate change issues

06:21 Singapore as a technocratic chair vs consensus builder

08:13 Can ASEAN cooperate on haze issues?

12:17 Unlocking carbon credits through peatland conservation

15:59 Economy and climate change - can ASEAN 2027 balance both?

17:36 ASEAN Power Grid, microgrid and financing hurdles

22:43 Plans to adapt to climate change

26:02 Impacts of Iran war and Trump at ASEAN in Nov 2026

31:40 Could ASEAN negotiate as a unified voice at COP?

33:10 Why everyday citizens should care about ASEAN Summits

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Host: Audrey Tan ( audreyt@sph.com.sg )

Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Executive producer: Lynda Hong

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新加坡能否在2027年担任东盟轮值主席国期间，兼顾经济生存与气候行动？

发布于2026年10月27日下午6:00

更新于2026年10月27日下午6:00

新加坡即将于 2027 年接任东盟轮值主席国，该地区正面临着经济不确定性和气候行动之间微妙的平衡。

根据东南亚研究所（ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute）近期发布的区域调查数据，东南亚许多国家将经济生存、通货膨胀和经济衰退的担忧置于气候行动之上。然而，面对跨境雾霾、煤炭淘汰和能源成本上涨等紧迫问题，新加坡如何才能发挥其领导作用，将经济韧性与绿色环保举措相结合？

在本期节目中，《绿色脉动》主持人奥黛丽·谭与资深外交官兼气候研究员莎伦·西进行了对话。她们探讨了东盟轮值主席国的真正权力和局限性，期待已久的东盟电网如何能够保障区域能源安全，以及为什么围绕经济生存来构建气候解决方案（例如碳信用额度和泥炭地修复）是团结该地区的关键。

对话要点（点击/轻触上方）：

01:03 东盟主席的权力和局限性

02:55 当减排变成越过红线

04:05 新加坡作为东盟轮值主席国，如何平衡经济发展和气候变化问题

06:21 新加坡：技术官僚主导型主席还是共识构建者

08:13 东盟能否在雾霾问题上开展合作？

12:17 通过泥炭地保护释放碳信用额度

15:59 经济与气候变化——东盟2027能否兼顾两者？

17:36 东盟电网、微电网及融资障碍

22:43 应对气候变化的计划

26:02 伊朗战争和特朗普在2026年11月东盟峰会上的影响

31:40 东盟能否在缔约方大会上以统一的声音进行谈判？

33:10 为什么普通民众应该关注东盟峰会

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主持人：Audrey Tan ( audreyt@sph.com.sg )

制作及剪辑：哈迪尤·拉希姆

执行制片人：琳达·洪

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