DBS market-outlook forum to examine AI, sustainability and global economic shifts shaping 2026

[SINGAPORE] Navigating the potential challenges of 2026 – from artificial intelligence-fuelled growth to sustainability pressures and geopolitical shifts – will be the focus of a panel discussion at DBS’ annual market-outlook forum on Thursday (Dec 4) at Amara Singapore.

The session, part of the bank’s Market Outlook 2026: Empowering Businesses for Global Shifts forum, will be moderated by Money FM 89.3’s Ryan Huang.

Joining him on the panel will be Chen Ze Ling, DBS’ group head of corporate and SME banking; Singapore Business Federation chief executive Kok Ping Soon; Far East Flora deputy group managing director Ryan Chioh; and Ryan’s Grocery founder Wendy Foo.

Chen, who will deliver the forum’s opening address, has more than 20 years of banking experience across several markets. He currently oversees DBS’ business with mid-sized corporates as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Asia. 

He sits on the management committee of the bank’s Institutional Banking Group and serves on the board of the DBS Foundation, which supports social enterprises and community initiatives across the region.

Kok brings extensive public-sector experience. He led the Government Technology Agency between 2018 and 2023, as it helped drive Singapore’s public-sector digital transformation. 

He has also held senior roles across economic, tourism and manpower agencies, and spent six years in the United States working for Contact Singapore and the Economic Development Board.

Chioh has more than two decades of experience in e-commerce and technology-driven retail, helping to grow Far East Flora into one of Singapore’s leading online floral and gifting platforms. He is also overseeing the transformation of Far East Flora’s Malaysian subsidiary, Floristika.com.my, focusing on operational upgrades, digital capabilities and regional expansion.

Foo previously held senior leadership roles in media, technology and digital services across Hong Kong and China before founding Ryan’s Grocery in 2015. The specialty retailer has since grown into an award-winning brand offering organic and allergen-free foods, supported by a certified production facility and an expanding network of regional partnerships.

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Aside from the panel discussion, the forum will also include a global economic outlook by DBS chief economist Taimur Baig and a private-wealth session led by the bank’s senior investment strategist Daryl Ho.