Bali, Indonesia – July 12, 2026 — The inaugural Sino-Indonesian Next Generation Dialogue (SINGD) Leadership Retreat, held at the Tsinghua Southeast Asia Center (TSEA) at the United in Diversity (UID) Bali Campus, successfully convened distinguished policymakers, global thought leaders, and emerging changemakers from China and Indonesia from July 10 to 12, 2026.
The retreat commenced with a welcome banquet graced by prominent dignitaries and VVIPs, reflecting the high-level commitment to fostering bilateral understanding and cooperation. Opening acknowledgments recognized the presence and contributions of
distinguished figures, including Professor Stella Christie, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology of Indonesia, whose leadership in advancing education and innovation continues to shape the future of regional collaboration. The opening also acknowledged Ambassador Djauhari Djauhari Oratmangun, Indonesia’s Ambassador to China, and Mr. George Yeo, former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore, among other esteemed guests.
Ambassador Djauhari delivered the official opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of sustained dialogue and mutual trust in navigating an increasingly complex regional and global landscape. This was followed by a distinguished fireside conversation
featuring Mari Elka Pangestu, and George Yeo, who offered strategic perspectives on China–ASEAN relations and underscored the importance of long-term engagement acrosssectors.
The core program, brought together approximately 40 next-generation leaders spanning business, policy, academia, and civil society in a structured and immersive dialogue. The retreat explored four strategic pillars: geopolitics, business and trade, climate and sustainability, and culture and people-to-people exchange. Through plenary discussions, panel sessions, and facilitated breakout dialogues, participants engaged in rigorous, solution-oriented exchanges aimed at identifying practical avenues for cooperation.
The retreat reflects a strong alignment of values among SINGD, the United in Diversity Foundation, and the Tsinghua Southeast Asia Center. UID’s guiding principle of “unity in diversity” was evident in the program’s design, which emphasized inclusivity, mutual respect, and cross-sector collaboration. In parallel, TSEA’s mission to serve as a platform for academic exchange, innovation, and leadership development reinforced the retreat’s objective of fostering meaningful, long-term partnerships. Together, these institutions create a shared ecosystem where dialogue evolves into actionable collaboration.
Participants actively expressed both hope and appreciation throughout the program, highlighting the significance of the retreat in shaping future cooperation. Several participants noted that the dialogue not only strengthened mutual understanding but also inspired a renewed sense of responsibility to contribute to the China–Indonesia relationship. One participant remarked, “We leave Bali with a clearer sense of purpose and a shared commitment to translate ideas into tangible collaboration.” Another reflected, “This platform demonstrates the power of respectful dialogue in building trust and generating solutions that extend beyond borders.” The retreat concluded with the development of preliminary action plans across thematic areas, alongside a collective commitment to sustain engagement through continued dialogue, research collaboration, and joint initiatives.
