MTI Internship: Shaping Singapore’s APEC 2030 Vision: Theme, Priorities

International Trade Division (ITD) - Shaping Singapore’s APEC 2030 Vision: Theme, Priorities, and Roadmap

As Singapore prepares to host APEC in 2030, MTI will be working with relevant APEC economies and SinGov agencies to prepare the strategic policy direction as part of the planning process. This project will kickstart internal and external consultations on two key issues: (i) Artificial Intelligence for Trade and (ii) Supply Chain Connectivity, and prepare to integrate these priorities into Singapore’s APEC 2030 workplan. How can Singapore leverage its position as host to address regional challenges in AI for trade and supply chain connectivity in light of geopolitical fragmentation and growing protectionism? Contributing to MTI’s preparations to host APEC 2030, you will: (i) conduct research on AI for trade and supply chain connectivity trends in the Asia-Pacific Region; (ii) create and execute a plan for internal and external consultations with relevant stakeholders. Your final project should consider regional and global economic trends, and Singapore's unique strengths in digital innovation and supply chain connectivity. Your work must be anchored by a thorough analysis of these issues in the Asia-Pacific region, and Singapore's key strategies in these areas at home and abroad. You will also support MTI's ongoing work to conclude the APEC Supply Chain Connectivity Action Plan Framework III and plans to launch phase IV. These projects offer unique opportunities to delve into topics such as AI, digital trade, sustainability, connectivity, and supply chain resilience, and obtain invaluable experience in policy research, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement across various APEC workstreams. Problem Statement(s) 1. How can MTI develop a workstream for APEC 2030 that considers our priorities in supply chain connectivity and AI for trade? 2. Who are the key stakeholders MTI should engage with to gain a better understanding of Singapore’s needs in supply chain connectivity and AI for trade? These include SinGov agencies, international organisations, and APEC economies . 3. Which of Singapore’s current priorities in supply chain connectivity and AI for trade in the Asia-Pacific region are likely to remain relevant in 2030 and how can MTI use APEC as a forum to support them? Technical and Desk Work 1. Assessment of regional trends in supply chain connectivity and what it might look like in five years. 2. Comprehensive review and understanding of MTI’s work at APEC with regard to supply chain connectivity and AI for trade. 3. Development and execution of a stakeholder engagement plan, including communication with other MTI divisions, SinGov agencies, and external stakeholders (international organisations and APEC economies). 4. Analysis of consultation outcomes and synthesis of findings into a comprehensive report. Exposure and Platforms 1. [When available/appropriate] Attend relevant APEC-related meetings or webinars 2. Support the implementation of Singapore’s two APEC projects in 2025 that relate to these topics 3. Contribute to the broader planning for Singapore’s hosting of APEC 2030 with regard to these topics Planned Deliverables 1. Develop a report and/or concept note that includes: a. Research findings on regional priorities in AI for trade and supply chain connectivity, which are likely to remain relevant in 2030. b. Stakeholder consultation summary that documents consultations conducted and key insights and findings from each stakeholder group. c. Proposed respective roadmap plans under each topic area that outlines initiatives to bring forward and timelines to do so, and SinGov agencies that may lead relevant areas in the roadmap. 2. Help out with MTI’s ongoing APEC initiatives that relate to the topics of AI for trade and supply chain connectivity: (i) APEC Centre of Excellence for Paperless Trade and (ii) Supply Chain Connectivity Framework Action Plan. 3. [When needed] Other APEC-related work as assigned. Main Project: To research and provide a report of findings and roadmap of recommendations on two topics: (i) Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Trade; and (ii) Supply Chain Connectivity. These two topics will be relevant to APEC 2026 and in preparation of Singapore’s APEC Chairmanship in 2030. In the run-up to 2030, MTI will work with relevant SinGov agencies, international organisations, and APEC economies to prepare and steer the strategic policy direction and deliverables on these topics. For this, we would need to know the following, which the intern’s work will help pull together: (i) what are the regional trends for these two topics; (ii) who are the stakeholders in Singapore and among the APEC economies and what are their interests; and (iii) what specific initiatives can we bring forward and who could be the lead agencies. The intern will also be involved in MTI's ongoing work on two APEC initiatives that relate to these topics: (i) APEC Supply Chain Connectivity Action Plan Framework III and IV; and (ii) APEC Centre for Paperless Trade. Overall, this project offers the intern the opportunity to: (a) delve into current and future issues that are crucial to Singapore, such as AI, digital trade, sustainability, connectivity, and supply chain resilience; and (b) obtain invaluable experience in policy research, strategic planning, and domestic and international stakeholder engagement.

• Applicants should be in their penultimate year of undergraduate studies and have a strong interest in global trade, international relations, policy work and more importantly, ASEAN. • Applicants should be meticulous, and possess good research, critical thinking and writing skills. It will be a bonus if applicants are inquisitive and willing to undertake new technical disciplines/tasks on the job. • Prior internship experience in a related field is not necessary, but a plus. • Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills with the ability to synthesise information from various sources, and an interest in international economic cooperation. • You should be creative, adaptable, and able to juggle multiple tasks effectively. • Excellent communication skills, both written are verbal are required. • Suitable for a graduate or advanced undergraduate in economics, international relations, public policy, or a related field. • Familiarity with APEC is a plus, but not required