Keynote Sessions:

Fun and Games, Building a Global Business in an Ever Shifting World

Amy Huang, CEO, Mattel 163

In an ever-shifting world with geo-political challenges, how does a 70-year old American toy company capture the global digital audience together with a Chinese internet giant? Building a cross-border partnership amidst the pandemic, crossing cultural boundaries with fun & games, and growing one team with talents from different countries and mindsets.

A CEO’s Response to the Pandemic and What it Means for Talent

Sharad Apte, Senior Partner – Chairman; APAC Recruiting of Head, Bain Thialand

Asia-Pacific has been the global leader in its response to COVID-19. Compared to the rest of the world, regional businesses, governments, employees, and consumers have adapted quickly to the new environment. COVID-19 has been credited for accelerating digital trends for both multinational and regional players. How will the enduring trends that resulted from the pandemic impact the strategies executives pursue, and what will be the resulting talent needs for the region? A trusted advisor of CEOs, Sharad Apte, Senior Partner – Chairman, Bain Thailand and APAC Recruiting of Head, will share his perspective on how the C-level is responding to the pandemic and what it means for regional business schools.

Panel and Plenary Sessions:
Shifting Landscapes in Talent and Recruitment for Asia-Pacific

Panelists:
Joanne Ho, Chief Operating Officer, Fung Academy
Fong Tuan CHEN, HR & General Affairs Director, Samsung Electronics, Malaysia
Libby Marshall, Managing Partner, Tanner Menzies

Moderator:
Rhoda Yap, Chief Operating Officer and Career Development Director, Asia School of Business in Collaboration with MIT

With ever-changing disruptions in the marketplace following the COVID-19 pandemic, many industries are pivoting to optimize their human capital needs. More organizations are moving towards establishing and/or reinforcing an agile and resilient workforce to better focus their direction, innovate, and reinvent their business strategies and operations for sustained growth. Hear from a panel of seasoned HR/talent acquisition leaders in the Asia-Pacific region on how industries and employers are thinking about graduate-level/MBA talent and recruitment in the foreseeable horizon.

Implications for Talent Management in Rapid Growth Businesses

Panelists:
Animesh Mukherjee, Chief People Officer, Lazada
James Sampson, Regional Head of Strategy and Partnerships, Grab
Larah Teng, Country Manager, Zoom
Moderator:
Julia Zupko, Director of Career Development, Tsinghua University Schwarzman Scholars

In the midst of the ongoing pandemic, lockdowns and travel restrictions around the globe have forced many, if not all, to change our daily work and life patterns. Working from home, virtual meetings, online shopping, and food deliveries are no longer just an alternative option. Particular industries and businesses such as digital communications, e-commerce, and logistics have had to adapt quickly to a take on their critical roles and sustain the socio-economic aspects of the ‘new normal,’ resulting in rapid growth. This session will bring senior leaders from Asia-Pacificto share their experience and views on how rapid growth companies in boom areas have adapted to the current environment and how that is impacting recruitment practices for this region. .

Exploring Continued International Opportunities in the Region: 2021 Employment and Economic Outlook for Dubai

Dr. Harun Kapetanovic, Economic Advisor, Department of Economic Development, Government of Dubai

A majority of economies and businesses around the world have taken a heavy toll in 2020. Furthermore, many nations haven taken a more nationalistic and conservative stance towards welcoming foreign talent to help drive businesses and industries forward. The past year has witnessed immigration authorities of advanced economics in the region showing stronger reluctance towards issuing employment passes to foreign talent, which they would have done without reservation during pre-COVID times. However, there is one major regional hub city that stands out in continuing its efforts to attract and retain talent despite the Pandemic – The city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Dr. Harun Kapetanovic , Economic Advisor for the Government of Dubai, will be sharing his knowledge and insights on how the employment and economic outlook will be in 2021 and what areas of opportunity can perhaps be considered for employment of graduate-level international talent.

The Impact of Geopolitics, Regionalism, and the Asian Consumer on the Supply Chain

Panelists:
Joey Chow, FedEx
Ramaseshan Krishnan, VP of B2B, Shipper

Moderator:
Sean Ferguson, Associate Dean, Asia School of Business in collaboration with MIT

The Asian consumer is the world's most digitally adapt consumer. While China leads the way with eCommerce, Southeast Asia and India aren’t far behind. COVID19 has accelerated these trends. When it comes to eCommerce, everyone thinks of platforms like Alibaba, Shopee, and Lazada; however, FMCGs and traditional retailers are also quickly adapting. The geopolitical tensions between China and the USA are also prompting a move from globalization to regionalization, as regional trade is rising and is now above 60%. A panel of leaders from different parts of the APAC supply chain will discuss the current environment and the implications for business locally and globally.

Concurrent Breakout Sessions: