The Resurgence of Asia – How will Asia shape the political and economic forces in the new world order?

Mr. Goh Chye Boon, Managing Director
Sembawang Engineers and Constructors

Amb. Ong Keng Yong, Director
Institute of Policy Studies

Prof. Hellmut Schütte, Emeritus Professor
INSEAD

Facilitator:
Prof. Kishore Mahbubani, Dean
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore

Synopsis:In the past two centuries, the West had dominated the international system both politically and economically. Today, we are witnessing a remarkable shift of strategic influence towards the East. The shift of political and economic influence towards Asia can be regarded as a reassertion of a much earlier global balance. The “emerging” powers of Asia are of course some of the oldest cultures in the world. The resurgence of Asia, led by the growth of China and India, is presenting many new challenges and opportunities across Asia and globally. How will a globalised Asia shape the world moving forward? How will Asian countries co-operate and compete with each other, and with other countries around the world? How should businesses view this resurgence? This session sets the stage for the five days of the Singapore Business Leaders Programme.

Welcome Dinner
Hosted by Mr. Sunny Verghese, Chairman
Human Capital Leadership Institute
Group Managing Director and CEO
Olam International

Dress code: Business Formal

Understanding Asian landscape

Programme Introduction
Mr. Kwan Chee Wei, Executive Director
Human Capital Leadership Institute

Prof. Peter Williamson, Professor of International Management
Judge Business School, University of Cambridge

The Rise of Asia
Prof. Kishore Mahbubani, Dean
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore

Synopsis: Despite having the world’s largest economies from the year 1 to 1820, in the last two centuries Asian countries have clearly underperformed relative to the West. Now, the same Asian countries have begun performing well again and are enjoying rapid and sustained economic growth. What happened? Why did they spring to life again? This session will explore the seven pillars of Western wisdom that triggered the return of Asia. In examining these seven pillars, this session will also demonstrate how, paradoxically, the West is losing its faith in its own pillars of wisdom precisely when Asian societies are beginning to embrace them with greater enthusiasm. All of these will change the course of human history significantly. The session will conclude with a discussion on the challenges we will face in entering a new era of world history.

Understanding Asia: An Economic Perspective
Mr. Ashok Chawla, Chairman of the Committee on Allocation of Natural Resources
India

Ms. Srirat Rastapana, Director-General of the Department of Trade Negotiations
Ministry of Commerce, Thailand

Prof. Cao Yong, School of Economics
Nanjing University

Facilitator:
Prof. Charles Adams, Visiting Professor
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore

Synopsis: As the Asia story gains momentum, it becomes paramount to understand the economic, trade and financial nuances that drive the diverse Asia and the increasing role Asia plays in the global business milieu. The session aims to provide an understanding of some of the prominent players in Asia,how they are driving change and puts in context the trends and forces shaping the business environment in this region. Finally the session concludes with an interactive, thought provoking dialogue, debate and discussion on how to best capitalise on the opportunities in Asia.

Business Opportunities in Asia

As the Asian landscape changes and continues to drive economic growth, three leaders of global organisations will share their perspectives on Asia. What has been their strategy in Asia? How do they see the market currently and in the future? This session aims to provide an insight into these organisations’ Asia story and if they would do anything differently going forward. What according to them are future business opportunities that Asia presents and how businesses can capitalise on them?

Business Opportunities in Asia I
CEO Insights
Mr. Paul Polman, CEO,
Unilever

Facilitator:
Mr. Hsieh Tsun-Yan, Adjunct Professor
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore
and Chairman, LinHart Group

Business Opportunities in Asia II
CEO Insights
Mr. Liu Yonghao, Board Chairman
New Hope Group

Facilitator:
Mr. Hsieh Tsun-Yan, Adjunct Professor
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore
and Chairman, LinHart Group

CEO Session I and II Wrap-up
Mr. Hsieh Tsun-Yan, Adjunct Professor
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore
and Chairman, LinHart Group

Business Opportunities in Asia III
CEO Insights
Mr. Sudhamek AWS, CEO
GarudaFood Group

Facilitator:
Mr. Tony Nash, Global Director, Custom Research
Economist Intelligence Unit

Day 2 Wrap-up
Mr. Kwan Chee Wei, Executive Director
Human Capital Leadership Institute

Prof. Peter Williamson, Professor of International Management
Judge Business School, University of Cambridge

Social Dinner
Mr. Martin Reeves, Senior Partner & Managing Director (New York)
The Boston Consulting Group

Future of Organisations
It has been said that the only constant is change. In recent years, once mighty companies like Lehman Brothers and General Motors have faded or died. In an increasingly interconnected and volatile world, how can companies ride – and not drown under - the waves of change? Traditional linear approaches to strategic planning, for example, are increasingly irrelevant in a dynamic and unpredictable world. The ability to achieve desirable business outcomes in a turbulent environment comes from the continuous reshaping of enterprises through a process of managed evolution. What are the principles that you can apply today, to get your organisation ready for tomorrow? This session will provide you with a glimpse into future workplaces, deepen your understanding of how future trends will impact organisations, and unleash a set of groundbreaking rules to help your organisation be future-ready.

Facilitator:
Prof. Charles Adams, Visiting Professor
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore

Synopsis: The severity of the financial meltdown in the West has raised questions about the superiority of western Capitalism and their relevance for the rest of the world. It was not too long ago, when the collapse of the Soviet bloc led many to assume that the role of governments in markets should be minimised. The global financial crisis has however underscored the importance of government regulation and its role in correcting market failures. When and how should governments intervene in markets? What principles should underpin government involvement in the market? Mr. Ravi Menon will share his views on the role of the government in markets, and how governments and free-market forces can work together to achieve stable, inclusive growth.

Building Global Organisations from Asia

To be successful in an increasingly globalised environment, Asian leaders will not only need to focus on succeeding in their home market or even the Asian region, but increasingly build tomorrow’s global companies with their roots in Asia. In this session, we will explore what strategies Asian companies might deploy to leverage their local experience and capabilities to succeed in “going global”.Which markets should they target? How should emerging Asian companies play to their strengths when competing against entrenched larger multinationals? What kind of capabilities, organisational processes and culture will tomorrow’s Asian multinationals need to build? What does it take to lead a company through the process of becoming a truly global player?

In discussing these questions we will draw on the case of Olam International and its journey from a small trader of cashew nuts from Africa to a global leader in agribusiness for lessons and inspiration. Participants will then work together to develop a strategy and leadership agenda to take Olam forward through the next stage of its development, present and discuss their ideas with Olam’s Group Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Sunny Verghese.

Morning Tea Break (30 minutes) Included.

Group Work: Building Global Organisations from Asia
Learning Syndicates

Break (15 minutes)

Dialogue with Minister Mentor
Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, Minister Mentor
Prime Ministers’ Office, Singapore

Facilitator:
Prof. Kishore Mahbubani, Dean
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore
Dress Code: Business Formal

Gala Dinner
with Business Leaders, Public Sector Leaders, Heads of Chambers of Commerce and SBLP Faculty
Hosted by Mr. Leo Yip, Chairman
Singapore Economic Development Board

Dinner Address
Mr. Peter Schwartz, Co-Founder and Chairman
Global Business Network; and Partner, Monitor Group

Inevitable Surprises
The last two decades, the last few years and even the last few months have been marked by astonishing surprises that have transformed the world. Whether it was the dramatic rise of China and India, the take off of the Internet and mobile communications, major financial crises, catastrophic natural disasters or even now the remarkable revolutions in the formerly frozen Arab world, the world is a very different place as compared to earlier times. The future promises to be even more surprising than the past. What new drivers of growth will emerge? Which might weaken? What will the dark underbelly of globalisation mean? What new technologies will change human life and create huge new economic opportunities? Will we face new financial crises as great as the recent ones? If so, where? What does the reality of an environment shaped by constantly cascading crises mean for business? In what new ways will business find to compete? Where are the Amazons, Googles and Salesforce.coms of tomorrow? What are the Inevitable Surprises that lie ahead?

Dress Code: Business Formal

Reflection
Mr. Kwan Chee Wei, Executive Director
Human Capital Leadership Institute

Prof. Peter Williamson, Professor of International Management
Judge Business School, University of Cambridge

Building Sustainable Organisations

While it is difficult to build a successful company, it is arguably even more challenging to sustain its success over the long term. Sustainability has come of age as a core business issue. Business recognises the necessity to create long-term value by embracing opportunities and managing the risks of economic, environmental and social development. Leveraging sustainable products, services and people practices for business advantage is the key to organisations achieving economic performance in the long run. How can companies balance the need to move quickly to capitalise on current opportunities, but at the same time, stay flexible so they can adapt to future needs? How important is it to develop new business models, form strategic partnerships, and ensure strong leadership succession plans? Our panel of distinguished business leaders will share their insights on building sustainable, adaptable organisations – that will stand the test of time.

Building Sustainable Organisations
CEO Insights
Mr. David P. Hess, President
Pratt and Whitney

Mr. Masayoshi Son, Chairman and CEO
Softbank Corporation

Facilitator:
Mr. Hsieh Tsun-Yan, Adjunct Professor
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore and Chairman, LinHart Group

Morning Tea Break (30 minutes)

Leading Across Borders – Building a Global Mindset
Mr. Kwan Chee Wei, Executive Director,
Human Capital Leadership Institute

Synopsis: As organisations become increasingly globalised, new leadership and human capital challenges abound. Across the region, the race is on to effectively identify and build leaders who are able to drive business growth in Asia and beyond. This unique breed of talent – capable of “Leading Across Borders” – will be especially critical as companies in Asia look to grow beyond their domestic markets. Such leaders will need to understand the complexities of operating in diverse markets where governing and managing styles are distinctive; effectively manage diverse, multicultural teams; and at the same time influence global counterparts. Organisations that possess the ability to create unique strategies to build such global talent quickly have a competitive edge over their counterparts. This session will share the latest research to help companies not just develop more of these leaders, but to develop them much faster than in the past.

Innovation in Asia

In the next phase of growth in Asia, innovation is set to play an increasingly important role. However innovation is not only about Nobel-prize winning discoveries. Some of the most profitable innovations have involved the development of new business models, finding new applications for existing technologies, or dramatically improving efficiency or value for money. What kind of innovation should Asian firms focus on? What kind of leadership is required to stimulate and nurture different kinds of innovation? How can leaders promote a learning organisation?

In this session we explore the experience of three Asian companies: Tata Communications, Broad Air Conditioning, and Hyflux. These companies have all been successful by pursuing different types of innovation. We debate what lessons their experience can offer to change the way we think about what innovation means in practice and how it can be promoted and leveraged. We will have the opportunity to test and discuss our hypotheses and ideas with the CEOs of these Asian innovators.

Case Study II: Innovation in Asia
Prof. Peter Williamson, Professor of International Management,
Judge Business School, University of Cambridge

Debate between Groups: Innovation in Asia
Learning Syndicates

Facilitator:
Prof. Peter Williamson, Professor of International Management,
Judge Business School, University of Cambridge

Case Study Presentations: Innovation in Asia

Group presentations to:
Mr. Vinod Kumar, Managing Director and CEO
Tata Communications

Ms. Juliet Jiang, International CEO
BROAD Air Quality Products and BROAD Sustainable Buildings

Mr. Freddy Soon, Advisor to the Group CEO and Managing Director
Hyflux Ltd

CEO Panel Discussion
What kind of innovation should companies focus on in Asia?

Mr. Vinod Kumar, Managing Director and CEO
Tata Communications

Ms. Juliet Jiang, International CEO
BROAD Air Quality Products and BROAD Sustainable Buildings

Mr. Freddy Soon, Advisor to the Group CEO and Managing Director
Hyflux Ltd

Facilitator:
Prof. Peter Williamson, Professor of International Management
Judge Business School, University of Cambridge

Day 4 Wrap-up
Mr. Kwan Chee Wei, Executive Director
Human Capital Leadership Institute

Prof. Peter Williamson, Professor of International Management
Judge Business School, University of Cambridge

Driving Business Growth in Asia

While many economies in the West are struggling to recover from the recent financial crisis, things look decidedly brighter in Asia. The twin giants of China and India are expected to continue their impressive growth stories. The outlook for other emerging economies like Indonesia and Vietnam is also promising. Businesses are beginning to realise the importance of capitalising on opportunities in this fast growing part of the world. Asia is no longer just seen as a cost-effective production or services outsourcing hub, but increasingly also as source of innovation, product development and an important customer base. Which markets are the next growth stories in Asia? What are the most promising opportunities as well as risks that leading organisations see in Asia? What are they doing now to capitalise on these opportunities?

Reflection
Mr. Kwan Chee Wei, Executive Director
Human Capital Leadership Institute

Prof. Peter Williamson, Professor of International Management
Judge Business School, University of Cambridge

Driving Business Growth in China
CEO Insights
Mr. Cao Peixi, Chairman
China Huaneng Group

Facilitator:
Mr. Tony Nash, Global Director, Custom Research
Economist Intelligence Unit

Driving Business Growth in India
CEO Insights
Mr. Malvinder Singh, Chairman
Fortis Healthcare

Facilitator:
Mr. Tony Nash, Global Director, Custom Research
Economist Intelligence Unit

SBLP participants with
Prof. Peter Williamson, Professor of International Management
Judge Business School, University of Cambridge

Mr. Hsieh Tsun-Yan, Adjunct Professor,
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore and Chairman, LinHart Group

Mr. Kwan Chee Wei, Executive Director
Human Capital Leadership Institute

Afternoon Tea Break (30 minutes)Included

Day 5 Wrap-up
Mr. Kwan Chee Wei, Executive Director
Human Capital Leadership Institute

Prof. Peter Williamson, Professor of International Management
Judge Business School, University of Cambridge