On September 9, 2025, the Asian Lubricant Exhibition officially opened in Singapore, bringing together senior executives, technical experts, and policymakers from across the global lubricants industry. Representing Dezan Shira & Associates, David Stepat, Country Director Singapore, was invited to deliver the keynote presentation at the Asian Lubricants Industry Association (ALIA) Executive Briefing and to attend the Opening Ceremony.
David’s presentation, “Asia in Transition: Trade, Tariffs & the Tug-of-War for Growth”, explored the region’s shifting economic landscape and its implications for the lubricants sector.
Key Insights from the Briefing
David highlighted three important themes shaping Asia’s future:
- ASEAN as a demand engine – With 680 million people, a fast-growing middle class, and major infrastructure projects, Southeast Asia continues to drive industrial growth.
- Energy transition as both risk and opportunity – Oil and gas demand is stabilizing, while new opportunities are arising in renewables, electric vehicles, and data centers.
- Resilience as a strategic priority – Companies must invest in flexible supply chains, diversification, and transparent sustainability reporting to stay competitive.
Significance for the Industry
The exhibition and briefing underscored that lubricants are not just about oil — they play a vital role in enabling Asia’s growth, connectivity, and transition. Discussions among industry leaders also focused on ASEAN–Gulf collaboration, China’s evolving role, and India’s expanding presence, highlighting the increasingly global nature of the sector.
Reflecting on the event, David commented:
“What struck me most was how leaders here are looking beyond today’s headlines. They are not only managing short-term challenges like tariffs, but actively preparing for Asia’s long-term transformation.”
Dezan Shira & Associates thanks ALIA and the Asian Lubricant Exhibition organizers for convening such an insightful program, with special recognition to ALIA Co-founding Director Steve Puckett and Senior Advisor Eric Holthusen for their leadership.
Lubricants don’t just reduce friction in machines – they are helping reduce friction in Asia’s growth story.
