Dates
Tracks
Global Trade Modernization Index 2024 Beta Edition Launch (Invite only)
As digital technologies continue to transform economies, the Global Trade Modernization Index (GTMI) assesses economies' readiness for digital trade, encompassing public and private sectors, as well as labor force capability. The GTMI beta edition integrates five pillars of digital trade readiness: (1) Paperless Trade, (2) Trade Openness, (3) Regulatory Environment, (4) Business Readiness, and (5) Human Capital. This edition covers 65 economies and 27 indicators with new data from public and private sources.
Find out what the numbers say, and explore the opportunities for digital trade in Hong Kong, Asia, and beyond, at the Global Trade Modernization Index launch.
This event will take place at HKU iCube, 40/F, Exchange Square Two, Central, Hong Kong
To register for this event, please email: [email protected] or [email protected]
* Hosted by the Asia Global Institute and the International Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Milken Institute.
Global Investors' Symposium Check-In
Welcome Reception for Speakers and Sponsors (Invite only)
The Milken Institute will host an exclusive reception for our speakers, sponsors, and distinguished guests. Join us to hear from two global titans of private equity on pursuing opportunities in today's investment climate in the Asia Pacific and around the world. A cocktail and networking reception will follow these discussions.
Welcome Remarks
Victor Chu
Chairman and CEO, First Eastern Investment Group
Moderators
Richard Ditizio
CEO, Milken Institute
Robin Hu
Vice Chairman, Asia and Operating Partner, Temasek; Chair, Asia, Milken Institute
Speakers
Jim Coulter
Founding Partner and Executive Chairman, TPG; Managing Partner, TPG Rise Climate
Weijian Shan
Executive Chairman and Co-Founder, PAG
Global Investors' Symposium Check-In
Boldly Go: Unleashing AI’s Frontier Opportunities for Finance (Invite only)
Finance is no stranger to technological disruptions. But AI presents unprecedented frontier opportunities for first movers, possibly more than any technological innovation in modern history. Integrating AI has become an imperative for firms to gain comparative advantages, accelerate agility and innovation, and optimize decision-making and forecasting. But it is not without its risks, from oversight risk to embedded biases. How should executives integrate AI into their own firms to maximize opportunities while managing risks? What sort of regulatory guardrails are needed as industries harness the power of AI in the capital markets?
Moderator
Trish Yap
Head of Corporate Development, IMC Trading
Speakers
Seung Beom Koh
Former Chairman, Financial Services Commission of Korea
Krishan Rattan
Founder, Kairos Wealth
Henry Tsang
Director, Intermediaries Supervision Department, Securities and Futures Commission, Hong Kong
Madhavan Vasudevan
Chief Technology Officer, Asia Pacific, IBM
Russell Wald
Deputy Director for the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, Stanford University
CEO Roundtable: Unleashing Growth Amid Geopolitical and Economic Complexities (Invite only)
Amid old and new global complexities, institutional success increasingly hinges on a CEO’s ability to set a clear path forward and move strategically through headwinds. Today’s challenges are both timeless and unique, but so are the opportunities to remain competitive, innovative, and ahead of the curve. In this private roundtable, senior corporate leaders will share their perspectives on navigating complex global markets and their evolving role as CEOs tasked with building a cohesive, dynamic, and resilient institutional culture to drive growth for their companies and employees.
* In partnership with SCMP C-Suite
Opening Remarks
Catherine So
CEO, South China Morning Post
Moderator
Eugene Tang
Managing Editor, South China Morning Post
Speakers
Clement Cheung
CEO, Insurance Authority
Hank Hsu
Co-Founder and CEO, Forest Logistics Properties
Stella Li
Executive Vice President, BYD Company Limited; CEO, BYD Americas
Matthew Michelini
Partner and Head of Asia-Pacific, Apollo Global Management
Simon Treacy
CEO, Private Equity Real Estate, CapitaLand Investment
Opening Remarks
Laura Deal Lacey
Executive Vice President, MI International, Milken Institute
Welcome Remarks
The Honorable Paul Chan Mo-po
Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Investing in Tomorrow: Scaling Sustainable Solutions for Global Challenges (Invite only)
The global landscape is at a critical crossroads, where the pursuit of economic growth intersects with the urgent call for sustainable business practices. The world needs a new paradigm for growth; one rooted in sustainable practices with greater resource and capital allocation to decarbonization and clean energy transition. By aligning these efforts and resources, public and private institutions can drive meaningful change through industries and sectors. How can institutions enhance and collaborate to drive sustainability-centered investments and decision-making? Which activities present the biggest opportunities to scale sustainable solutions for people and planet?
Moderator
Angelina Kwan
Senior Advisor, IMC Asia Pacific Limited
Speakers
Hans-Paul Bürkner
Global Chair Emeritus, Boston Consulting Group
Poman Lo
Founder and Faculty Advisor, Institute of Sustainability and Technology; Founder and Managing Partner, AlphaTrio Sustainable Technology Fund
Johan Rockström
Director, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
Cynthia Wu
Senior Vice President, Shin Kong Life Insurance Company
Coalition Building Between the US and China on Women’s Cancer Detection, Treatment and Care (Invite only)
This day-long roundtable will bring together 30-40 delegates from the private sector, government, and biomedical research ecosystem in the US and China to identify opportunities that harness the power of the public, private, and non-profit sectors to ensure better outcomes for patients with breast, cervical, and ovarian cancer in both regions. Further, the roundtable will discuss the importance of bilateral cooperation in curing women’s cancers and drawing a blueprint for future work. This initiative will explore other cancers of high prevalence in both countries as part of the development of the blueprint.
Renewed Opportunities in Private Markets
The private equity boom that followed the 2008 global financial crisis was a period of record growth in AUM, plentiful M&A deals and leveraged buyouts, and healthy profits for investors. This was also a period when we saw record growths of private credit and real assets, including infrastructure. The market slowed to a crawl in the second half of 2022, thanks largely to interest rate hikes, global conflicts, and inflation. While uncertainty remains, how can private markets use today’s environment to its advantage and find improved returns for investors and partners? Amid such market volatility, which sectors, geographies, and asset classes within private markets present real opportunities for growth?
Moderator
Samson Wong
Chief Investment Officer, Private Markets, Hong Kong Monetary Authority
Speakers
Kevin Lu
Partner, Chairman of Asia and Global Executive Board Member, Partners Group
Matthew Michelini
Partner and Head of Asia-Pacific, Apollo Global Management
Ganen Sarvananthan
Managing Partner and Head of Asia and the Middle East, TPG
Donald Tang
Founder and Managing Partner, Celadon Partners
The Revival of Consumer Markets
For decades, China and the Asia-Pacific region have been the destination for global consumer brands seeking strong sales and growth. The region’s increasingly wealthy, urbanized, mobile, and tech-centric population have been the driving force in the boom of numerous consumer sectors, including travel and tourism, FMCG industries, and health and wellness. Coming out of the pandemic, consumer markets in China and the Asia-Pacific region have proved quite resilient and look set to grow again. Why has consumer demand been more resilient in this region than in others? What trends will influence consumer spending in the years ahead? Which sectors are poised to thrive?
Moderator
Alison Tudor-Ackroyd
Managing Editor, Alizila, Alibaba
Speakers
Sonia Cheng
Vice-Chairman, Chow Tai Fook Jewellery; CEO, Rosewood Hotel Group
Jane Sun
CEO, Trip.com Group
Joey Wat
CEO, Yum China Holdings, Inc.
Global Investors’ Views: Japan (Invite only)
Japan’s public and private markets have been bright spots in an otherwise subdued global economy. A more attractive yen has helped boost foreign investments into Japan and exports out to global markets. Corporate reforms, continuing loose monetary policy, and other efforts to increase productivity and investment in key sectors have yielded positive results. But, as global economic activity remains muted, can these efforts to support the economy last? What investment priorities should Japan focus on in 2024 and beyond? How can Japan grow its core industries and remain an international business and investment destination?
Opening Remarks
Yuka Shimokawa
Advisor, Asia, Milken Institute
Moderator
Hiromichi Mizuno
Founder and CEO, Good Steward Partners
Speakers
Soichiro Chiba
Founder and Chairman, Thousandleaf
Toshiyuki Kumura
Chief Investment Officer, Japan Investment Corporation
Rei Murakami
President, The Murakami Family Foundation
Takashi Sano
Chief Investment Officer, MUFG Innovation Partners
Tradition and Transition: The Evolution of Business Continuity and Legacy
In today’s globalized business environment, companies must contend with delivering more than just financial profitability. Part and parcel of business success means growing companies that align with the current cultural zeitgeist and laying a foundation for long-term continuity, sustainability, and multi-generational success. How are modern influences shaping the continuity and succession planning journey of companies? How are business leaders striking a balance between financial success and long-term, multi-generational sustainability and relevance?
Moderator
Ming Yan
Managing Director, Cambridge Associates
Speakers
William Heinecke
Founder and Chairman, Minor International PLC
David Pang
Chairman, Yen Su-Lan Pang Charitable Foundation Limited
HSH Prince Maximilian von Liechtenstein
Chairman and CEO, LGT Group
Oliver Weisberg
CEO, Blue Pool Capital
Global Investors’ Views: Korea (Invite only)
More of Korea's largest institutional investors are increasingly looking beyond their own borders for investment opportunities. While Korea remains a compelling destination for growth, asset allocators are increasingly looking globally to diversify their portfolios. From geographic regions to various asset classes, there is a growing sentiment among investors to forge new partnerships and find untapped returns in the wider global markets. Which regions are Korea's investors targeting, and which asset classes and sectors are of particular interest? For those who remain invested in domestic markets, what opportunities and areas do they expect to see growth? What are the biggest challenges when investing domestically or internationally?
Opening Remarks
Junghee Oh
Senior Associate, Business and Program Development, Milken Institute
Moderator
Heenam Choi
Global Fellow, Milken Institute
Speakers
Duson Chung
Senior Vice President, Hyundai Corporation; Managing Director, Hyundai Fuels
Bumgook Gwak
Senior Executive Managing Director for Mutual Aid Fund, Korea Federation of SMEs
Hoon Lee
Chief Investment Officer, Korea Investment Corporation (KIC)
Vincent Park
Head of Investment and Chief Operating Officer, IRONGREY
The Future of Digital Assets
Is the crypto winter finally passing? As it rebuilds itself for a more mature, stable future, cryptocurrency enterprises and adjacent industries are working to re-establish products and solutions more in line with real-world applications and government regulations. From regulated stable coins and crypto ETFs to asset tokenization, crypto companies are continuing their push to be more integrated into the broader financial and digital ecosystem. Hong Kong in particular has been a global hub for this transformation and has maintained a progressive position that encourages innovation and investment. Is the future of crypto one of retreat, or revitalization? Are investors warming to the idea of a significant return of crypto, stable coins, digital exchanges, and other adjacent industries? How are companies re-positioning their products and strategies to have greater real-world applications and be more compliant with regulations?
Moderator
Ernest Ho
Head of Digital Finance, Monetary Management Department, Hong Kong Monetary Authority
Speakers
Deng Chao
Head, HashKey Singapore; CEO, HashKey Capital
Takashi Hayashida
Founder and Managing Partner, Taisu Ventures
Bojan Obradović
Chief Digital Officer, HSBC Hong Kong
Networking Break
Lunch Plenary | Fine-Tuning the China Growth Engine: An Investment Perspective
For decades, China generated significant returns across numerous sectors as investors profited from the nation’s booming wealth, growing consumer markets, technological innovations, and internationalization of regulations and governance. The past several years have shown that sustained high growth was not tenable over long periods. Recent fault lines have had a noticeable additional impact on investments, causing some to doubt China’s investability. Even so, China’s prominence and potential cannot be discounted. Is China still a top investment destination? How are investors rethinking their allocation theses for China in today’s macro environment? In what ways is China still "the next China?"
Opening Remarks
Robin Hu
Vice Chairman, Asia and Operating Partner, Temasek; Chair, Asia, Milken Institute
Moderator
Juliana Liu
Asia Editor, CNN Business
Speakers
Clara Chan
CEO, Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited
Fang Fenglei
Founder and Chairman, Hopu Investment Management
Goodwin Gaw
Founder and Chairman, Gaw Capital Partners
Fred Hu
Founder, Chairman, and CEO, Primavera Capital Group
The New Four-Letter Words in Business: DEI, CSR and ESG (Invite only)
With ESG mainstreaming over the last decade, companies seen as purpose-driven are growing three times faster on average than competitors and 90% are pursuing an ESG strategy. This has driven ESG to dominate today’s marketing, prompting a new and larger focus on brand communication. The challenge is that successful ESG marketing must be supported by organizational culture and buy-in from leadership, a well-established and relatable ESG plan that steers clear of greenwashing, and ESG data for the right metrics. How are marketers across industries staying on top of marketing’s biggest challenge to date? What elements of ESG matter most to a company, and is there typically sufficient overlap with what elements matter most to society? How can companies communicate ESG progress in an accurate, timely and culturally relevant manner?
Moderator
Michelle Stevenson
Executive Director, Marketing and Communications, Milken Institute
Speakers
Jingdong Hua
Vice-Chair, International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB)
Wincel Kaufmann
Global Sustainable Investing Leader, BlackRock
Kim-See Lim
Regional Director, East Asia and the Pacific, International Finance Corporation
Jack Lin
President, MioTech
Networking Break
The Innovation Boom Coming from China’s Greater Bay Area
Technology entrepreneurs in China and the Greater Bay Area (GBA) are showing significant progress in building the next wave of new and innovative companies for domestic and international markets. Chief among these companies are electric vehicle manufacturers that are pacing well among global competitors, taking advantage of the surge in demand for EVs and more sustainable modes of mobility. What’s driving the surge in demand for EVs? Who is buying these cars, and in which geographies are the demand the highest? How might key manufacturing and business hubs in China’s GBA lead to agglomeration economies for this and other sectors?
Moderator
Eugene Tang
Managing Editor, South China Morning Post
Activating Impactful Capital: Asset Owners Roundtable (Invite only)
Asset owners are in a unique position to draw attention to multi-generational issues and catalyze long-term solutions that activate impactful capital. At this private roundtable, asset owners will offer their perspectives on the most pressing issues facing their clients, discuss ways to align asset allocation to enhance sustainability, and suggest ways to drive positive transformation for future generations.
Opening Remarks
Jason Lee
Senior Director, Business and Program Development, Milken Institute
Moderator
Hiromichi Mizuno
Founder and CEO, Good Steward Partners
Speakers
Abdulla Al-Kuwari
Head of Asia Pacific, Qatar Investment Authority Advisory
Christopher Chan
Chief Investment Officer, Public Markets, Hong Kong Monetary Authority
Henry Chau
Head of Investments, Hong Kong Jockey Club
Andrew Cross
Chief Financial Officer, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
The Era of AI: Greater Expectations for Industries and Livelihoods
Seemingly overnight, beginning in the latter half of 2022, AI-powered tools seemed to pop up everywhere, accompanied by stories of the real-world impact they would have on the creative economy, health care, professional services and more. As AI entrenches itself ever more deeply in our lives and livelihoods, serious conversations are needed not only to explore its opportunities but frame its ethical use. How can institutions ensure that AI stays within appropriate ethical boundaries, and who should be responsible for those guidelines? What impact will the continued growth of AI have on people’s livelihoods, and how can institutions and individuals prepare for a future more dominated by it?
Moderator
Annabelle Droulers
TV Reporter, Bloomberg
Speakers
Sultan Al Hajji
Vice President for Public Affairs and Alumni Relations, Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence
Krishan Rattan
Founder, Kairos Wealth
Rob Schimek
Group CEO, bolttech
Russell Wald
Deputy Director for the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, Stanford University
Bridging the Gap: Philanthropy’s Role in Addressing Unmet Challenges (Invite only)
From the climate crisis to economic upheaval, it is more evident than ever that strategic philanthropy can address critical funding gaps that go unmet by other sectors, including addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to estimates by the SDG Philanthropy Platform, $651 billion in philanthropic giving for the SDGs could potentially be unlocked by 2030. Along with collaboration and partnership, private philanthropy’s risk tolerance and systems change approach is well-suited to address the deep-seated intersectional issues included in the SDG framework and 2030 agenda. Join us in exploring how to maximize impact and tackle the biggest global challenges through philanthropic initiatives and actions to ensure that people and planet thrive.
Opening Remarks
Ami Firdaus
Senior Associate, Programs and Events, Asia, Milken Institute
Moderator
Curtis S. Chin
Chair, Asia Fellows and Senior Advisor, Global Markets, Milken Institute; former US Ambassador to the Asian Development Bank
Speakers
RAHUL CHAUDHARY
Managing Director, CG Corp Global; Director, Chaudhary Foundation
Ben Delo
Philanthropist; Co-Founder of BitMEX
Ren Hua Ho
CEO, Thai Wah Group
Deepali Khanna
Vice President - Asia, The Rockefeller Foundation
Ng Boon Heong
CEO, Temasek Foundation
A Conversation with Sergio Ermotti, Group CEO of UBS AG
Moderator
Richard Ditizio
CEO, Milken Institute
Speaker
Sergio P. Ermotti
Group CEO, UBS AG
The New Investment Paradigm: Strategies in Alternative Investments (Invite only)
In this climate of lingering monetary policy tightness, sustained inflation, and global market transformations, asset owners and managers must contend with achieving consistent, stable returns for clients. With investable capital decreasing and several traditional avenues for returns underperforming, investors are looking elsewhere for new opportunities, including climate and energy transition financing and co-investments with development finance institutions for longer-term investments. How are asset owners and managers navigating investment strategies to meet short and long-term obligations in this environment? What are the notable opportunities in this evolving landscape, from individual sectors to geographic markets?
Opening Remarks
Ian Tann
Director, Business and Program Development, Asia, Milken Institute
Moderator
Nicholas Ng
Managing Director, Clayton Dubilier & Rice
Speakers
Kevin Bong
Senior Managing Director, Chief Investment Strategist and Head of Singapore, Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo)
Siddhartha Hari
Partner and Co Head, Elham Credit Partners, Hillhouse
Hank Hsu
Co-Founder and CEO, Forest Logistics Properties
Leslie Maasdorp
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, New Development Bank
Teh Kok Peng
Chairman, Azalea Asset Management
Squaring the Longevity Curve: Advancing Asia by Rethinking Health and Wellness
Life expectancy continues to increase for people around the world. But what continues to lag is the overall health span—the quality of life as we age. Adding years to life is only one side of longevity; the other is adding life to years, which requires individual and systemic changes with a common purpose. Shifts in mentality and activities are needed to innovate the current approach to health care and widen access to the resources that empower people. The discussion on this panel will explore how innovation in health and wellness is laying a path to ensure that life is longer, healthier, and better. Why should this be a priority for all of us, and how might collective efforts from stakeholders continuously drive this transformation?
Moderator
Diane Brady
Executive Director, Fortune Live Media; Editorial Director, Fortune CEO Initiative
Global Overview: Bridging Capital Markets
The global outlook for 2024 remains subdued, with weaker growth expected in most major economies. Sticky core inflation may require rate cuts to be postponed, while tighter financial conditions may continue to hamper economic resurgence. Given the interconnectedness of markets, these challenges, while disconcerting, could provide asset owners and investors with new opportunities across industries and geographies. Where are investors looking for silver linings that would improve financial positions and reduce exposure to systemic risks? How do investors bridge opportunities and spur innovation amid these multifaceted challenges?
Moderator
Emily Chan Tan
Senior Correspondent, CNBC International
Speakers
Albert Goh
Chief Investment Officer, Hong Kong Monetary Authority
Don Guo
Group Chief Investment Officer, Prudential plc
Jenny Lee
Managing Partner, GGV Capital Asia
Introductory Remarks
Amos Garcia
Director of Programs and Events, Asia, Milken Institute
Closing Remarks
