Agenda for Asia Economic Forum 2025 | Asia Economic Forum

Agenda for Asia Economic Forum 2025


5 September 2025
Singapore


PROGRAMS


*Programs are subject to change

GUEST ARRIVAL & REGISTRATION



WELCOME ADDRESS



KEYNOTE SESSION: THE POWER OF DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY: FUELLING ASIA'S NEXT GROWTH WAVE


The session will discuss the transformative impact of enhanced digital infrastructure and connectivity on economic growth, innovation, and social development across Asia. It will explore the role of 5G, AI, cloud computing, and digital platforms in driving business transformation, fostering cross-border collaboration, and creating new economic opportunities in the region.
Speaker:
Steven Yates
Director & Global Chief Commercial and Technology Officer, Alumni Services

VALUE-DRIVEN SUSTAINABILITY: NAVIGATING THE ESG LANDSCAPE FOR LONG-TERM IMPACT


This session will explore the evolving ESG landscape in Asia, highlighting rising investor and regulatory demands. It will demonstrate how integrating strong ESG frameworks drives resilience, strengthens supply chains, and creates lasting business value beyond compliance.
Speaker:
Esther An
Chief Sustainability Officer, City Developments Limited (CDL)

NETWORKING BREAK



THE LIFELINE WE SHARE: HOW BLOOD AND SCIENCE TRANSFORM OUR FUTURE


Speaker:
Lei Li
Vice President, Commercial APAC, Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies

PANEL DISCUSSION: UNLOCKING SYNERGIES: THE UNTAPPED POTENTIAL OF REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS FOR GROWTH


This session will discuss the strategic importance of collaborations andpartnerships in driving economic growth and addressing shared challenges in Asia. It will focus on fostering innovation ecosystems, building resilient supply chains through regional alliances, and leveraging collective strengths to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the global market.
Moderator:
Prannoy Chowdhury
Associate Director – Asia, The Carbon Trust
Panelists:
Chika Imakita
Chief Executive Officer, Greenpac (S) Pte. Ltd.
Dr. Yong Chern Chet
Head of Asia Ecosystem, 22Health Ventures

PANEL DISCUSSION: THE FUTURE OF WORK IN ASIA: CULTIVATING TALENT FOR A DIGITAL AND SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY


This discussion will delve into the evolving workforce landscape in Asia, focusing on the skills needed for the future. Topics will include strategies for upskilling and reskilling the workforce, adapting to hybrid work models, leveraging AI in HR, and fostering a culture of continuous learning to drive innovation and sustainability.
Moderator:
Lt. General Sharma
Strategist, Sustainability Advocate, Leadership Expert Advisor, Enterprise Asia
Panelists:
Amol Pradhan
Former Chief Transformation Officer, IBM, SIH Singapore
Christopher Lim Say Tiong
Vice President, Group HR Operational Excellence, HR Analytics & Technology, and HR Head Southeast Asia, DKSH
Dr Jaclyn Lee
Chief Human Resources Officer, Certis Group

LUNCH



BUILDING FUTURE-READY ENTERPRISES: LEADERSHIP IN AN ERA OF DISRUPTION


The session will explore how forward-thinking leaders are navigating rapid digital transformation, integrating sustainability as a core business driver, and cultivating organizational cultures primed for innovation and agility. It will offer actionable insights on how to build businesses that don’t just survive disruption, but thrive because of it.
Speaker:
Simon Bernie
Senior Vice President – Head of Strategic Partnerships, Teceze

AI IN ACTION: BIG OPPORTUNITIES, MANAGEABLE RISKS


Artificial Intelligence is today’s reality—reshaping how enterprises innovate, compete, and grow. The challenge is clear: how can we seize the opportunities while remaining alert to the risks?

This session will cut through the hype and bring AI into sharp human focus. By balancing big opportunities with manageable risks, it will equip decision-makers with the insight and confidence to harness AI’s potential responsibly, sustainably, and for long-term enterprise success.
Speaker:
Sarjit Singh
Chairman, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand Singapore Overseas Regional Council

INVESTING IN A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE: MOBILIZING CAPITAL FOR ASIA'S GREEN TRANSITION


This plenary session will focus on the critical role of finance in achieving Asia's sustainability goals. It will highlight how investors, financial institutions, and policymakers are driving green finance and utilizing impact investing to unlock new opportunities and build resilient, sustainable financial ecosystems.
Speaker:
Eleonore Dachicourt
Managing Director and Head of Sustainability, Asia, BNP Paribas Wealth Management

END