NBS Knowledge Lab Webinar - AI & the Future of Global Trade

NBS Knowledge Lab Webinar - AI and the Future of Global Trade
29 Sep 2026 12.00 PM - 01.00 PM Alumni, Current Students, Industry/Academic Partners, Public
Organised by:
NBS External Relations

As global trade grows more complex, businesses are grappling with mounting compliance burdens, manual bottlenecks, and the promise—and hype—of AI-driven transformation. This panel brings together practitioners and academics dialling in from across the globe to unpack the real state of trade operations today and where AI genuinely moves the needle.

The conversation opens with an honest look at the operational realities of global trade: the specific friction points in trade compliance, and the on-the-ground complexities of navigating US duty drawback and Free Trade Agreement (FTA) optimisation. From there, panellists turn to AI itself—cutting through hype to assess where it delivers real reliability and value, from large-scale optimisation in heavily regulated environments to how technology builders are using AI internally to accelerate their own product development. The discussion closes by looking ahead: how can businesses in Asia harness these emerging technologies to lead—not just participate—in the next era of global commerce?

​Joined by speakers dialling in from different corners of the world, the session closes with an open floor for audience questions.

Speakers:

  1.  Eric Tan 
     CEO / Founder
     CWH International

  2. Penny Chen
    CEO
    Pax Solutions Inc

Moderator:

  1. Associate Professor Tan Joo Seng
    Division of Strategy, Interntional Business & Entrepreneurship
    Nanyang Business School