38th CACCI Conference
ASIA ECONOMIC FORUM
“Making Asian Business Future-Ready”
11-12 November 2024, Singapore
One Farrer Hotel at 1, Farrer Park Station Road, Singapore 217562
Tentative Program
(As of 20 September 2024)
10 November 2024
Arrival of Delegates / Registration
15:00-16:00 CACCI Advisory Board (Spottiswoode Room, Level 6, One Farrer Hotel
16:00-17:00 CACCI Budget Commission Meeting, Level 6, One Farrer Hotel
11 November 2024
08:00 Registration (Grand Ballroom, Level 6, One Farrer Hotel)
09:30-10:00First Day Opening Ceremony
Welcome Address by Mr. Peter McMullin AM, President of CACCI
10:00-10:15 Coffee Break
10:15-11:15 Plenary Session One: SME Development
“Global Perspectives on SME Development and Effective Public and Private Sector Cooperation in SME Development”
Moderator: Mr. George Abraham, Chair, SME Development Council
11:15-12:15 Plenary Session Two: Food and Agriculture
“Smart Agriculture for a Sustainable Future”
This session focuses on the transformative potential of modern agricultural practices and technologies to create a more resilient and sustainable food system in the Asia-Pacific region. It will explore the integration of innovative technologies such as precision farming, artificial intelligence, and data analytics to enhance productivity, reduce environmental impact, and improve resource efficiency.
Moderator: Mr. Pradeep Kumar Shrestha, Chairman of the Asian Council on Food and Agriculture
12:15- 13:15 Lunch
13:15-14:15 Plenary Session Three: ICT and Tourism
“Smart Tourism: Enhancing the Visitor Experience”
This session will feature speakers who will share their perspectives on the benefits of smart tourism: how investing in and developing smart tourism resources can enhance visitor engagement as well as strengthen the community’s “intelligence”; its implications on businesses and individuals alike who benefit from a more efficient infrastructure and service provision; how it can improve performance and competitiveness for companies engaged in tourism; and how smart tourism can manage climate change effects, increase revenues, and enhance tourist security through the use of digital technology.
Moderators: Dr. Dennis Hu, Chairman of the Asian ICT Council and Mr. Anura Lokuhetty, Chairman of the Asian Council on Tourism
14:15-15:15 Plenary Session Four: Water, Energy and Environment / Textiles and Garments
“Policy Perspectives: Driving Green Growth in Asia’s Energy and Textile Sectors”
This session will examine strategic policies aimed at accelerating green growth within Asia’s energy and textile industries. With the rapid expansion of these sectors presenting both significant opportunities and challenges for sustainable development, discussion in this session will focus on key policies that support the integration of renewable energy, enhance energy efficiency, and encourage sustainable textile practices.
Moderators: Mr. Gyanendra Lal Pradhan, Chairman of the Asian Council on Water, Energy and Environment and Ms. Shareena Safdar Janjua, Chairwomen of the Asian Council on Textiles and Garments
15:15-16:15 Plenary Session Five: Entrepreneurship
“Empowering Entrepreneurs: Skills, Innovation, and Sustainability”
This session will focus on themes relevant to both youth and women, addressing key areas such as resilience, import/export, and the importance of skills, especially in the context of the digital age and the rise of AI. Panelists will discuss the importance of digital skills for entrepreneurs, particularly in AI and cybersecurity; explore how to cultivate innovation in business by leveraging emerging technologies; and highlight building resilience through sustainable practices, emphasizing the integration of sustainability into business strategies.
Moderators: Mr. Rommel Gerodias, Chairman of the Young Entrepreneurs Group of Asia Pacific (YEGAP) and Ms. Mukta Nandini Jain, Chairwomen of CACCI Women Entrepreneurs Council.
16:15-16:30 Coffee Break
16:30-17:30Plenary Session Six: New Initiative for Sustainability – APAC Green Alliance
Moderator: Mr. Clement Teo, Chief Sustainability Officer of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF)
Panelists:
(1) Peter McMullin AM, President of CACCI
(2) Michael Lim, Founder of Launch Hero Digital Marketing Agency
(3) Stuart Thomson, Chief of Staff of CACCI President’s Office
(4) Clara Kuan, Secretary General (Designate) of APAC Green Alliance
(5) Ms Zsofia Balatoni, Chief Strategy Officer of Rothman & Roman
17:45-18:45 98th CACCI Council Meeting (CACCI Members Only) (Napier Room, Level 6, One Farrer Hotel)
19:00-21:15 Welcome Networking Reception (Standing) (Grand Ballroom, Level 6, One Farrer Hotel)
19:00 Registration
19:15-19:25 Welcome Address by Mr. Peter McMullin AM, President of CACCI and Mr. Lennon Tan, President of SMF
19:30-21:15 Networking.
12 November 2024
08:00 Registration
09:00 Grand Opening Ceremony
09:00-09:10 Welcome Addressby Mr. Lennon Tan, President of Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF)
09:10-09:20 Addressby Mr. Peter McMullin AM, President of Confederation of Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI)
09:20-09:35Keynote Addressby Guest of Honor
09:35-09:40 Opening Mechanism
09:40 Presentation of Token of Appreciation to GOH
09:45-10:15 Coffee Break
10:15-1145Plenary Session One: Sustainable and Resilient Business in Asia Pacific
Focusing on building sustainable business, this session would showcase how entrepreneurs across the APAC region are incorporating eco-friendly practices into their business models. Topics include green financing, sustainable supply chains, circular economy initiatives, and the role of startups in solving environmental challenges. Panel discussions would cover strategies for balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship, highlighting successful examples from various sectors.
Moderator: Mr. Lennon Tan, VP of CACCI for Sustainability and President of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF)
11:45-13:15Plenary Session Two: The New Business Frontier: the Age of AI
This session explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and Cyber security across the Asia Pacific. Session speakers could delve into case studies of AI-driven business models, the role of AI in streamlining supply chains, enhancing customer experiences, and driving efficiencies. Discussions may also touch on policy frameworks and partnerships necessary to foster AI innovation while ensuring ethical and equitable deployment.
Moderator: Mr. Dennis Hu, Chairman of the Asian ICT Council
13:15-14:30 Lunch
14:30-16:00 Plenary Session Three: Future of Trade: Digitalization, E-commerce, and Cross-Border Collaboration
This session will examine the rapidly evolving landscape of international trade, emphasizing the digitalization of trade processes, the explosion of e-commerce, and the importance of cross-border collaborations. Discussions could include the impact of digital currencies, blockchain in trade finance, and strategies for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to tap into global markets. The session could also address policy adaptations and infrastructural support needed to facilitate seamless digital trade.
Moderator: Mr. Sheikh Fazle Fahim, VP of CACCI
16:00-17:00Special Session on “Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone”
17:00-17:15Special Address on the 14th World Chambers Congfress 2025 Melbourne by Mr. Paul Guerra, Chief Executive of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
17:15-18:15 99th CACCI Council Meeting (Council Members Only) (Napier Room, Level 6, One Farrer Hotel)
19:00-22:00 Gala Dinner (Seated) ( Grand Ballroom, Level 6, One Farrer Hotel)
18:45 Registration and Cocktails
19:25 Guests to be seated
19:30 Start of Dinner
(1) Introductions by Emcee
(2) Welcome by SMF President Lennon Tan
(3) Welcome by CACCI President Mr Peter McMullin AM
(4) Speech by Guest of Honor (TBC)
(5) Installation of New Chairman of the Young Entrepreneurs Group of Asia-Pacific (YEGAP)
(6) Installation Ceremony for Newly Elected CACCI President
(7) Presentation of CACCI Awards
(8) Presentation of Token of Appreciation
22:00 End of Dinner
13 November 2024
09:30-12:00 Morning Business: Sitge Visit to Hyundai EV Factory in Singapore.
14:30-16:30 Afternoon Business:Site Visit to Innovation Centre under Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) of Singapore.
Morning and Afternoon Social: Sightseeing tours by Travel agent (Payable)
Departure of Delegates
Registration Fees