BT forum turns focus on new economy

Singapore

WITH Singapore at a crucial economic crossroads, The Business Times is organising a timely conference next month for business leaders, to explore how the country can chart its way forward amid global and domestic challenges, as well as business and technological disruptions.

The Business Times Leaders' Forum: Singapore's Future Economy will be held on Tuesday, May 31, at The Ritz-Carlton. About 300 top business leaders and professionals are expected to attend.

Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat, who is chairman of the 30-member Committee on the Future Economy (CFE), will deliver a keynote speech, as well as sit on a discussion panel.

Alvin Tay, editor of The Business Times, said: "While the government is proactively mapping a national strategy for the future economy, how corporate leaders and companies respond to the need for transformation will be critical. This, after all, will help to determine whether Singapore stays relevant and vibrant in the coming decades. The Business Times Leaders' Forum will provide a platform to discuss these key issues."

"This is certainly not a one-off event; it is an inaugural forum for business leaders that will grow to become a key highlight on BT's annual calendar," he added. The event is also one of several marking BT's 40th anniversary this year.

The presenting sponsor of the forum is Standard Chartered Bank. The bank's Singapore CEO Judy Hsu said: "Standard Chartered is very proud to partner The Business Times for the forum and we are grateful to be able to play an active role in the discussions around the future of Singapore's economy.

"Having been a key participant in and contributor to the Singapore economy for the past 157 years, we definitely want to play a significant role in the transformation of Singapore and its charting for the future. We look forward to a fruitful day of discussions and sharing by the leaders of this community and to explore how else we can support and contribute to the new growth path of Singapore."

Apart from Mr Heng's address, the event will feature three panel discussions, with high-level participants from both the public and private sectors. These include Lim Chuan Poh, chairman, A*Star; Stanchart's Judy Hsu; Forrest Li, CEO of consumer Internet platform provider Garena; National Research Foundation CEO Low Teck Seng; and Hugh Mason, co-founder and CEO of incubator JFDI.

These and other panellists will discuss how Singapore can secure for itself a new growth pathway, build a new economic eco-system, and create positive outcomes from disruption by playing to its strengths.

Other key highlights include the presentation of The Business Times-Standard Chartered Leaders' Survey on how business leaders view future challenges, and a special lunchtime presentation by Fredrik Härén. Mr Härén is an acclaimed speaker on business creativity and the author of The Idea Book that was included in "The 100 Best Business Books of All Time".

Registration is S$180 per person, and includes refreshments and a three-course lunch. The rate is S$150 for Stanchart customers. Registration opens on Thursday, April 28, and closes on Tuesday, May 24, 2016. To register, please go to http://pbp.sph.com.sg/btleaders2016. Enquiries can be sent to mkgbtpromo@sph.com.sg.