International leaders convene to focus on the Asia business model and its impact on the rest of the world
INSEAD, the leading international business school, recently held its second annual Leadership Summit Asia on its Asia campus in Singapore. The summit – drawing more than 300 distinguished business and global leaders – focused on the theme, ‘Is Asia riding – or writing – the future?’ Speakers from business, government, academia and the media discussed how recent events ranging from the U.S. presidential election to the financial crisis will impact the rise of Asia and Western interactions with the region.
‘This is a critical time for Asia and the rest of the world,’ said J. Frank Brown, Dean of INSEAD. ‘The Asia growth engine is still travelling at a remarkable speed despite the uncertainty in the financial markets and a global economic downturn. Collaboration between leaders in the East and West will be the lifeline in creating sustainable growth in what has become an increasingly unstable marketplace.’
Dean Brown added: ‘Western companies can no longer afford to maintain the status quo when doing business in Asia. They must possess a more holistic view of the region’s rapidly evolving innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities, as well as its regulatory, cultural and social landscape.’
The dialogue at the summit focused on how Asia will be affected by the global economy and how organisations will continue to innovate through challenging times. CEOs and other international leaders addressed ways in which the East and West can work together on key areas such as trade arrangements and entrepreneurial ventures. More specifically, the discussion addressed the most pressing business and social issues concerning global leaders, including the business ethics imperative, corporate social responsibility, sustainable growth, and the regulatory environment. The summit was Webcast live for the first time since its inception and viewers were able to submit questions for the speakers to address in real time.
Sessions were led by more than 20 speakers and INSEAD faculty members. Sponsored by the international insurance company Aviva, the summit offered thought-provoking panel discussions facilitated by leaders such as Simon Machell, Chief Executive Asia Pacific of Aviva; Steven Okun, Chairman, American Chamber of Commerce Singapore and Vice President for Public Affairs, UPS; Gautam Banerjee, Executive Chairman, PricewaterhouseCoopers; Franz Humer, Chairman of Roche Holding Ltd, Chairman of Diageo plc, and Chairman, INSEAD Board of Directors; Rajat Nag, Managing Director General, Asian Development Bank; and the Hon. Anson Chan, former Legislative Council Member and former Chief Secretary for Administration of Hong Kong SAR Government.
