"Canada is at the center of everything -- a trade war it didn't start with a neighbor it can't avoid, and an imminent election to decide who's best to deal with all of that.

It's no surprise, then, that the highly-anticipated Embassy Night: Canada was the Singapore Press Club's biggest embassy night to date.

Thanks to the Haut-commissariat du Canada à Singapour | High Commission of Canada in Singapore for opening your lovely residence, and High Commissioner Jean-Dominique Ieraci for a fascinating conversation.

Our north star with the Embassy Nights series is a simple statement: In a world of increasing conflict, we need more spaces for conversation. Places to break bread, have a drink, talk and listen. Critically, that means seeking out and hearing -- and also questioning -- those who may not just have different opinions, but different baselines entirely.

This was all of that and more.

Canadian businesses are increasing their exposure in Singapore -- Tim Hortons entering the market the most obvious example there -- but from Lululemon to the Four Seasons to Canadian investment firms, there's a real push to Asia."

Comments by Derek Wallbank, moderator for the Embassy Night hosted by High Commission of Canada.

Around 60 members/guests attended this Embassy Night, and were served canapes of steaks, and other delicious items and a selection of Canadian wines from Quebec and Ontario, these are the wineamakers looking to sell in Asia. Canada has white and softer red wine, as well as the true ice wines that can only be harvested in sub-freezing temperatures.