Samika Biswasroy

Who better to steer the conversation on Aligning Skills to the New Future of Work in the Era of AI and Beyond than AICB Council Member and Independent Non-Executive Chairman of Standard Chartered Bank Datuk Yvonne Chia, FCB, with her vast experience in banking spanning over three decades. Capturing the audience’s attention from the get-go, she opened the discussion with a probing question on the significant gaps in Malaysia’s educational curricula when it comes to the skills needed for an AI-driven future, and how educational institutions bridge these gaps with the help of the private sector and the government. Speaking on the impact of different use cases of GenAI on business functions across industries, Prof. Shien Jin Ong, PhD, Professor of Practice at the Asia School of Business emphasised that GenAI is clearly being deployed across all industries, and despite the fears of many that they will be replaced by AI, it isn’t that jobs will be replaced by AI, but the fact that those who do not employ AI in their work will be replaced by those who do. Sharing that Malaysia ranked 8 out of 12 APAC economies in terms of AI readiness, having scored highly in operating environment and infrastructure but not so much on talent and R&D, Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp) CEO Thomas Mathew highlighted the need for a comprehensive and sustainable action plan for talent development in Malaysia, focusing on data-driven decision-making, industry-driven skills requirements, industry–academia partnerships and collaborations, and the transfer of knowledge / skills / technology via high-technology industries. Jacqueline Ong, Executive Director, The EQ Edge Group highlighted the importance of human-machine partnerships, exploring augmented functioning to create value. To gain the full benefits of technologically augmented working, employees will be required to hone their skill sets, particularly around critical thinking and judgment, decision making and creativity. They will also need the skills to interpret and apply the insights generated by AI and data analytics in the most productive, effective ways. Also in the panel is Datuk (Dr) Nora A Manaf, CB, Chairman, Human Resource Networking Group; Group Chief Human Capital Officer, Maybank and Kevin Lam, AICB Council Member; Group Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer, Hong Leong Bank Berhad, who shared their views on the key soft skills that will become increasingly important as AI assumes the more technical tasks, strategies to reskill and upskill the workforce in light of AI advancements, the major challenges for Malaysia in closing the skills gap in an AI-driven job market, and the importance of fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability among employees amidst rapid technological changes.

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🌏 Proud to wave the proverbial Southeast Asia banner at last week's IPEM Paris 2024 alongside my fellow panelists Rishika Chandan and Paul Choo as well as our moderator, Eric Marchand. Southeast Asia is at a crucial juncture of growth and opportunity. Starting with the basics: Southeast Asia will add ~140m new consumers by 2030. This population is large (today over 660m), young, rapidly urbanising and entering the middle class en mass. Besides this remarkable consumption story – Southeast Asia’s economic resilience and stability is also notable with GDP and FDI flows remaining robust over the past 5 years. Notable is that in 2023, SEA-6 attracted over USD 200bn in FDI, surpassing China for the first time in a decade. This shift is driven by the region’s strategic advantages and market potential, making ASEAN an increasingly crucial hub for manufacturing and offering new investment prospects as global supply chains evolve. Further, the venture capital and private equity landscape in ASEAN is maturing rapidly. Assets under management have reached $69 billion, signaling a growing and competitive investment ecosystem. This growth presents numerous opportunities across various sectors, particularly technology and innovation. However, ASEAN faces challenges, including economic disparities among member countries, inconsistent regulatory environments, inadequate infrastructure, and governance and sustainability issues. Addressing these challenges is essential for unlocking the region's full growth potential. As ASEAN continues to grow, its potential as a leading hub for venture capital and growth funding in Asia-Pacific is clear. By engaging with the region’s dynamic ecosystems, investors can play a significant role in shaping its future and tapping into its extensive opportunities. At TNB AURA, we are dedicated to exploring these opportunities and believe that Southeast Asia’s dynamic landscape offers unmatched potential for innovation and growth. 🙏 Credit to the Collyer Capital team for the succinct summary deck posted below (with permission of course).

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I'd like to thank Sin Chew Media and the industry for recognizing my insights and giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts on the EPF restructuring and its potential applications. The EPF series in September is a trilogy that explores this topic in depth. I understand that fewer people read physical newspapers nowadays, so I've attached links to the online articles for your convenience. I hope this information will be helpful to you. Sin Chew Business Daily - EPF Provident Fund & Pension Series Trilogy Can Our Pensions Still Sustain Us? Series (1) | Flexible Retirement Income: Is EPF Enough? https://lnkd.in/gcHFdAHK Can Our Pensions Still Sustain Us? Series (2) | Keeping Money in EPF: Confidence in Retirement https://lnkd.in/gF3JnPym Can Our Pensions Still Sustain Us? (Conclusion) | How Much is Enough for Retirement? Planning Early to Grow Your EPF https://lnkd.in/ggVqudCc 感谢星洲媒体和业界的认可 让我有机会参与分享对EPF重组之后的看法与潜在运用方式 9月的EPF系列- 3部曲 或许这个年代鲜少有人再看实体报 因此，在这边附上网络版的报道与分享 希望可以帮助到大家~ 愿我们-国富民强 多运动 多读书 *星洲财经报- EPF 公积金 & 养老金系类 3部曲* 养老金还能养老？系列（1） | 灵活调配退休金 EPF够养老吗？ https://lnkd.in/gcHFdAHK 养老金还能养老？系列（2）| 钱留EPF 退休有底气 https://lnkd.in/gF3JnPym 养老金还能养老？（完结篇）| 多少钱才够养老? 尽早规划养肥EPF https://lnkd.in/ggVqudCc

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**Lessons from "Culinary Class War": Insights for Entrepreneurs** Have you watched the captivating drama of *Culinary Class War* on Netflix? Cooking shows have a unique allure, immersing us in a world of flavors, competition, and creativity. Beyond the tantalizing dishes, there are valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and businesses. In both the culinary arena and the business world, one truth stands out: life is seldom fair. Navigating class distinctions and stringent requirements is a reality we must confront. While we can strive to outmaneuver obstacles, they remain constants in our journeys. A pivotal challenge in the show revolves around a restaurant setup, with success determined by sales figures. This highlights the importance of a robust business model supported by data-driven insights. Success isn’t just about skill; it’s about strategic decision-making informed by analytics and market trends. Central to triumph is cultivating the right mindset. The chefs exemplify unwavering dedication, often working grueling hours. The path to success requires resilience, perseverance, and a steadfast resolve to overcome challenges. Innovation is another cornerstone of success. Contestants face challenges that push them to create unique dishes from a limited set of ingredients, showcasing creativity and resourcefulness. Are you ready to turn limitations into opportunities? Finally, a genuine passion for your craft is essential. The chefs who thrive are driven by a deep love for their art, not just the pursuit of victory. Without this passion, the daily grind can quickly become a chore. As we enjoy the drama of *Culinary Class War*, let’s also embrace the insights it offers. Face challenges head-on, strengthen your resolve, foster innovation, and nurture your passion. In the kitchen of life, these principles are the essential ingredients for a recipe of success and fulfillment. #CulinaryClassWar #Entrepreneurship #BusinessInsights #Innovation #Passion #Resilience

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☕️(CX)presso: A Shot of Customer Experience Insights In my third (CX)presso post I’m pleased to share the insights of Maggie Ng, Wealth and Personal Banking Head for HSBC Hong Kong. Maggie leads the charge in fostering a customer-first culture, and the results are impressive: HSBC has ranked #1 for Net Promoter Score (NPS) in the market for the past three years, consistently widening the gap with competitors. Read on to learn what Maggie believes is critical to their success. 👉 Strategy: How much focus is there on CX in your organization, and to what level? ❝Our commitment to Customer Experience (CX) is paramount. One of our strategic goals in WPB is to become the #1 Consumer Brand in HK for Customer Advocacy. We view Customer Advocacy as a foundational pillar of our business strategy. To achieve this, we embed CX metrics in every employee's scorecard, ensuring that we prioritize our customers in every decision we make.❞ 👉 Lessons: What CX insights have shaped your success? ❝HK’s award winning and well-structured CX Model has been a game changer in WPB.  It ensures we listen and take customer-centric actions with measurable outcomes. As a result, we are proud to have achieved a record-high sNPS consolidating our #1 rank in HK.  We have also championed the sNPS rank across our segments with both Affluent and Millennials sNPS turning positive for the first time. Customer journeys matter most—customers have zero tolerance for broken processes, such as lengthy and tedious steps to complete a simple transaction. They also expect a seamless experience across different banking products and services, rather than encountering them in silos. What we strive to offer is an end-to-end, hassle-free journey that is swift and easy. It’s crucial for us to genuinely listen to customer feedback, drawing from over 250 NPS survey responses and insights from complaints. We are committed to continuously elevating our CX across digital and personal channels, as well as our products. Ultimately, this collaborative effort across the business enhances our overall customer journeys. Accelerating Digitization and Innovation – Digitalization isn't just for Millennials; it spans the entire spectrum from mass markets to affluent and elite customers. As we develop new journeys from design to launch, we prioritize the needs of our most demanding clients. This focus allows us to create sleek, user-friendly experiences for everyone.❞   👉 Future: What role do you see CX playing in the future of your business? ❝CX remains essential for our business in HK as we strive to maintain our competitive edge. We can’t afford to be complacent. CX and a customer-centric approach are key differentiators for us. By actively engaging with customer feedback, we can make informed decisions that align with their needs, fostering trust and loyalty while staying ahead of the competition. Listening to our customers transforms insights into impactful actions, ultimately driving our success.❞#HSBC

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China's action plans to boost domestic consumption (3.8.24) The China's cabinet designated 20 key steps to spur domestic consumption e.g. - explore the potential to expand basic consumption in areas such as catering, home services, and elder care - enhance financing support to small and micro enterprises in the service industry - personal income tax deductions to offset the cost of caring infants and children under 3 years old and expenses on education and support for the elderly - foster new types of spending, cultivate unmanned retail stores and self-pickup lockers - support development of electronic sports and live streaming e-commerce The announcement will help reaching its 5% GDP growth target for 2024 and support the Communist Party meeting in July to boost consumption as a greater policy focus at a twice-a-decade plenum on long-term reforms. Cr. Bloomberg China Rolls Out Action Plan on Boosting Domestic Consumption

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With Singapore serving as a major hub for regional businesses, understanding the ASEAN landscape is more important than ever. Our ASEAN Business Guide offers a deep dive into 6 ASEAN markets' profiles and its 3 key economic corridors, providing valuable insights to help you understand the region's unique opportunities and challenges. Whether you're a local SME or a multinational, this guide can help you navigate the region's dynamic markets. Download the guide here: https://grp.hsbc/6049W1NLX #ASEAN #BusinessGuide #MarketExpansion

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Digital family office for accredited investors Arta Finance has received approval to launch in Singapore, providing investors with access to alternative investments and can choose performance-based pricing.  Arta Finance has raised $90 million from investors including Peak XV, Ribbit, Coatue & ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt, ex-President of SoftBank Nikesh Arora & Mastercard CEO Michael Miebach. Read - https://lnkd.in/gCUrSfi7 follow Caproasia | Driving the future of Asia Digital family office for accredited investors Arta Finance has received approvalto launch in Singapore, providing investors with access to alternative investments and can choose performance-based pricing.  Arta Finance has raised $90 million from investors including Peak XV, Ribbit, Coatue & ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt, ex-President of SoftBank Nikesh Arora & Mastercard CEO Michael Miebach. Caesar Sengupta, CEO & Co-Founder of Arta Finance: “Singapore’s rise as a global capital of wealth makes it an ideal location for innovation and financial technology. Launching Arta in Singapore allows us to serve investors globally through this highly trusted financial hub. At Arta, we aim to democratize access to high-powered financial strategies, ensuring the wealth management tools of the ultra-wealthy are available to a wider audience. We are excited to bring these financial superpowers to many more people through our launch in Singapore.” Eric Schmidt, Co-Founder of Schmidt Futures & Former CEO & Chairman of Google: “Combining advanced financial strategies with AI is the type of visionary thinking that brings about real step-function change. I am so impressed with what Arta has built by applying advanced AI and ML to investing strategies and look forward to seeing this fantastic team create tremendous value for so many people.” Arta Finance, Peak XV Partners, Ribbit Capital, Coatue

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🌍 Green Horizons: The Convergence of Finance, Technology, and Sustainability - Insights from our July 5th Roundtable 🌍 I'm thrilled to share the outcomes of our recent roundtable discussion in Singapore with Datapod Pte Ltd, IOSS Solutions and Stone Mattered Holdings, where we tackled the urgent issue of the multi-trillion-dollar climate financing gap. In this piece, we explore how the integration of innovative technologies and sustainable finance can lead to significant advancements in addressing global environmental challenges. 👉🏼 Learn more about how we can collectively drive meaningful progress in climate finance. Together, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future. Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/ek8WNjZp #Sustainability #CarbonCredits #CarbonMarkets #GreenFinance #ClimateFinance #SustainableFinance #ClimateTech Velle Niqo Tay - Entrepreneur•Advisor•CEO•CBO-CMO ESG, DC Solutions, Smart Tech Lincoln T. Professor Lisa Wilson Ashley Wilson Velle Niqo Tay - Entrepreneur•Advisor•CEO•CBO-CMO ESG, DC Solutions, Smart Tech

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Thanks to DealStreetAsia for letting us contribute to this interesting topical piece... #DPI is indeed an issue that needs to be addressed but it is also important to find solutions and tools which can provide positive outcomes for all stakeholders, something that is central to Collyer Capital's strategy! #CCPL #CollyerCapital #DPI #Secondaries #Liquidity

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EMPOWERING ASEAN As the world faces increasingly concerted, localised challenges independent of geo-political developments, I strongly believe that ASEAN needs to increase its focus on enriching trading activities between member countries, and work to conspicuously increase the value of intra-ASEAN trade. Intra-Asean trade today stands at only 20% of the total trade (by value) of all member countries. The real potential of ASEAN, of course, lies in its population of more than 670 million people, with an economic size of more than USD3 trillion. The fact is, the basic infrastructure required to increase intra-Asean trade already exists: mechanisms such as the CEPT, AFTA and AEC frameworks are up and running, and are fully capable of providing for a unified market and facilitate the required increase in intra-ASEAN trade. What must to be done to realise this potential is to collectively strengthen the infrastructure towards intra-ASEAN trade. This means drawing up long-term plans for ASEAN’s economic development that must, crucially, include parallel industrial development. This is to ensure that ASEAN builds the capacity needed to meet the needs of its population and economy as a whole. Of course, as a trading region ASEAN will always need external trading partners; the ultimate goal here is to reduce ASEAN's external trade composition to more sustainable, balanced levels, and achieve self-sufficiency where it needs to be. Its existing network of roads, ports and railways - while extensive - can still be improved, especially in terms of connectivity between ASEAN's main industrial and cosmopolitan centers, serving as catalyst for more holistic economic development. If this can be achieved then ASEAN’s reliance on external currencies and its related volatilities can be managed more realistically, with the possibility of a currency union in the horizon. The potential benefits of an ASEAN currency union – or at least a basket of regional currencies to start – as a means to facilitate intra-ASEAN trade is clear, particularly in terms of macroeconomic structure and market development, as well as the overall well-being of the ASEAN populace.

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🌱 Unlocking the True Value of Sustainability: A Lesson in ESG Monetization Part 1 📊 As someone who worked in this industry years before the fads and hypes of ESG, the importance of sustainability cannot be overstated. Yet, many companies, especially climatech ones fall into the dangerous trap of prioritizing compliance and cost over the inherent value and monetization potential of ESG initiatives. The recent survey conducted by Schneider Electric sheds light on the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in Singapore, particularly regarding emissions reporting and supply chain sustainability. but the gaps in technology, incentives and infrastructure is one that resonated with all organisations globally. In many occasions, when we spoke to banks and clients, they often opted for a software solution just because of it is cheaper rather than whether it is aligned with their main business processes and enhance its profitability. While this may seemed financially prudent at first glance, but it ultimately cost them dearly in terms of missed opportunities for value creation, create greater scrutiny for greenwashing and reduce their ESG initiatives to a mere marketing gimmick. By focusing solely on upfront costs, they failed to maximize the cashflow benefits of their ESG activities. But it doesn't have to be this way. With the right approach, companies can leverage ESG activities as drivers of performance and profitability. Here's how: 📈 Performance-Based approaches: Instead of viewing ESG initiatives as mere compliance measures, companies should align sustainability goals with social and financial objectives. This unlock new sources of value creation, transition green finance into ESG finance. 🔗 Integration of blended financing with Sustainability Activities: Companies that view sustainability as a cost center risked being outdated and greenwashing. Good case studies of ESG always involve blended financing to generate cashflow without increasing cost. Through a mix of ESG financing and business model innovation, companies can demonstrate tangible revenues from ESG activities and improve capital efficiency & business viability to their stakeholders. I will be writing an article to share ways of monetizing ESG practices but for those who are keen to monetize their ESG practices, you can attend our course or reach out to me or Dr. Shana Yong for further enquires. As we navigate the complexities of the ESG landscape, it's essential for companies to adopt a holistic approach that balances compliance with value creation. By investing in the right tools, technologies, and expertise, companies can harness the power of sustainability to drive growth, innovation, and long-term success. Feel free to share your insights down below on this and thank you for reading https://lnkd.in/gY8wikb4 #ESG #Sustainability #ValueCreation #monetisation

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Singapore government commits $500 million in matching concessional funding to support decarbonization in Asia, with the funding via Financing Asia’s Transition Partnership (FAST-P) launched by Monetary Authority of Singapore in 2023. Read - https://lnkd.in/gUkwyMSG follow Caproasia | Driving the future of Asia Singapore government has committed $500 million in matching concessional funding to support decarbonization in Asia, with the funding via Financing Asia’s Transition Partnership (FAST-P) launched by Monetary Authority of Singapore in 2023.  Singapore MAS (12/11/24): “At the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Ms Grace Fu, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, announced that the Singapore Government has committed up to US$500 million in concessional funding to support the Financing Asia’s Transition Partnership (FAST-P) launched by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) last year.  FAST-P is a blended finance initiative which brings together international public, private and philanthropic partners to support Asia’s decarbonisation and climate resilience. The Singapore Government will pledge up to US$500 million as concessional capital, to match dollar-for-dollar, concessional capital from other partners, including other governments, multilateral development finance institutions and philanthropies. This combined pool of concessional capital will be used to crowd in commercial capital and other sources of finance to support Asia’s green transition, and raise up to US$5 billion to support Asia’s green and transition financing needs. FAST-P was announced by Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean at COP28 in December 2023. Since its launch, FAST-P has expanded its network of partners, to prepare for capital raising and deployment in 2025. Allied Climate Partners (ACP), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Temasek are FAST-P’s initial partners. AIA Group Limited (AIA), British International Investment (BII), European Commission and Team Europe partners Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO) and the German Development Finance Institution (DEG), HSBC, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) and Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI) are in discussions for a potential collaboration with FAST-P.  FAST-P has also established a new Industrial Transformation infrastructure debt programme, in addition to the Energy Transition Acceleration Finance partnership and Green Investments partnership that were announced at COP28, and engaged managers to implement these three pillars ... ...

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Global in Local - Glocal is a learning process, challenging yet very rich and meaningful 👏

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Singapore is regarded as one of Asia's most eco-friendly cities due to the government incentives for green projects. The Singapore Green Plan 2030 provides meaningful opportunities for companies to flourish while contributing to environmental goals. Leveraging these incentives builds corporate sustainability and positions companies to attract eco-conscious consumers and investors. Check out the full article by Alvarez & Marsal #Tax's Shantini Ramachandra, Cher Yan Goh, and Mei Shan Chua for more insights: https://lnkd.in/ewry-jA8 #Sustainability #CorporateSustainability #GreenIncentives

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In Chapter 23 of his series for Nikkei Asia, Henry Kravis discusses what he called the co-founders dilemma and our co-leadership model:

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The economies of Southeast Asia are among the fastest growing in the world. To find out more about the economic landscape and levers that matter across Southeast Asia, download our market insights report.

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UOB Thailand has launched the UOB Sustainability Compass to assist SMEs in starting their sustainability journey by providing a customised report that outlines a roadmap for becoming a sustainable business, offering clear, actionable next steps. SMEs are aware of the importance of sustainability and are willing to implement it in their business, but they often face various challenges when executing these plans. Businesses have highlighted the need for key support areas from the bank, including access to ecosystem partners, investment services, guidance in ESG standards, and funding accessibility. The sustainability compass provides actionable steps, including information on relevant regulations, standards, certifications, and recommended sustainable financing solutions. If you are an SME, try it out here! https://lnkd.in/gpk2vFbR Vira-anong C Phutrakul Panittra Vejjajiva Pantaree Siripriwon banlang wongthawatchai #UOBThailand #UOBTSustainability #SustainableFuturewithUOB #SustainabilityCompass

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💡Innovating with Sustainability💡 I’m excited to be moderating a panel on “Innovating with Sustainability” at the upcoming UOB Gateway to ASEAN Conference 2024 in Vietnam this coming Friday. We will examine ASEAN's readiness in the new Sustainable Economy vis-à-vis the developmental trajectory of sustainable sourcing across the supply chain. We will also discuss about how business can remain on the correct side of sourcing requirements, with actions to future-proof their business models with Purpose. Harry Bui Khanh Nguyen | Đặng Huỳnh Ức My / Omi Dang | Bernardo Bautista | Yoon Kim #UOB #SustainableFuturewithUOB #OneBankforASEAN

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