Posted on 19 Feb 2021
A Year Gone By: A Challenging 2020
2020 is a year most people would want to forget. It is a year where a virus apparently appeared somewhere in Wuhan, China. From there, it started spread all over the world. Global leaders’ reactions ranged from imposing strict lockdowns to trying to balance economic and health impact to pure disregard of the dangers of COVID19.
What is the impact of the pandemic in 2020?
Published numbers as at end of 2021 show:
More than that, millions are pushed into poverty during the accelerated economic downturn. Governments are facing high debt burden while they try to support their affected economies. Businesses and jobs see the impact of low business activities. Families are also affected by school closures, lockdown stress and uncertain future.
Any attempts to open up the economy were met with further outbreak and COVID19 continues to mutate.
Up to today, the origin of the virus remains a mystery and the understanding of it, elusive. One year has passed and would the world be able to understand this better so to prevent another pandemic?
Even at the end of 2020, it appears that hopes
are placed on fast tracked vaccine development, to protect the remaining population against COVID19. Still, the pandemic rages on, relentlessly, into 2021.
What’s Coming Up in 2021
ASEAN governments have learnt how to kickstart their economies during past crises, such as the Asian Financial Crisis. This time, it will be no different. Many countries have either started or are planning to restart their construction projects. The only thing holding them back, is the containment of the virus, which is soaking up efforts, funds and reserves. The headlines in this newsletter give a short summary of what is going on and what’s coming up in ASEAN-6 countries.
Upcoming Events @ SEAISI
The ongoing pandemic in the ASEAN region has also affected SEAISI and SEAISI’s stakeholders. The often-sought-after event, the SEAISI Conference & Exhibition will be postponed once again. SEAISI will hold the 2021 SEAISI Conference & Exhibition together with the 2021 SEAISI Sustainable Construction forum in November 2021.
In June 2021, SEAISI will hold an e-Event instead. It will take a new format of looking at the markets around ASEAN and its neighbouring countries. It will also include the sharing of best technologies by the top iron and steel technology suppliers in the world. Stay tuned for more details.
Here are some confirmed events for 2021:
SEAISI is working on an additional 4-5 events for 2021. We will let you know when more details are available.
50th Anniversary
It is SEAISI’s 50th Anniversary, since SEAISI started in 1971. We have come a long way, thanks to the past leadership from the Supporting Countries and from the Regular Member Countries. We also have many of our staunch supporters. These are our Advertisers, Sponsors, Exhibitors, Members, Speakers, Delegates and many others. SEAISI would like to thank you for all your support over the last 50 years!
To commemorate this special year, this newsletter includes a short history and timeline of SEAISI as well as a Special Feature on how ASEAN Steel Producers are managing today’s unusual COVID19 circumstances. Happy reading!
A Better 2021 to All
SEAISI wishes everyone A Happy, Healthy, Successful and Safe 2021. May the year be better than 2020 and may it bring blessings and contentment to all.
Wear A Mask. Keep Your Distance. Stay Safe.
YEOH WEE JIN
Source:SEAISI
