DigitalCFO Asia proudly hosted the Hong Kong Symposium 2023 on the 14th of September, where prominent finance leaders convened to deliberate on the anticipated impact of government stimulus measures and global economic growth, poised to revitalise trade, tourism, and investment.
The symposium kickstarted with opening remarks from Ryan Kwa, Group Publisher, DigitalCFO Asia. Following that, a keynote presentation by Kunaal Abhijit Masih, Head of Digital Transformation – Finance, Procurement, GBS, Hyperautomation COE, Cathay Pacific and Charlie Aleman, Finance Transformation Manager, Cathay Pacific explored the pivotal shift in mindset that finance leaders need to have to embrace new technologies and innovative business models.
The event saw an equal mix of executive presentations, technology presentations, panel discussions and a fireside chat.
The Hong Kong Symposium 2023 Witnessed 4 Panel Discussions:
The panel discussions included topics; Predictions for the Role of Chief Financial Officers in Hong Kong, What Comes Next After Adoption of Technology in Finance Processes?, Capitalizing on Emerging Opportunities: CFOs as key changemakers and lastly, How will the role of technology further impact finance functions in Hong Kong – What should CFOs be prepared for in 2024 and beyond?.
The speakers included : Dr. Travis Huggins, Finance Director, City Facilities Management, Deric Stephane, Senior Regional Financial Controller, Rhenus Logistics Asia Pacific, Angus Tsang, Chief Financial Officer, CN Logistics International Holdings Limited along with the moderator, Guru Balasubramaniam, Country President, Securitas Hong Kong & CIMA HK Committee Member, Kenny Cheng, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, WeLab Bank, Caroline Djurvall, Regional Finance Director, McLarens, Helen Leung, Finance Director, APAC Leasing, Jones Lang LaSalle, joined by moderator Ray Ng, Group CFO, XB Market Ventures, Stephen Lo, Chief Financial Officer, Prenetics Group, Peter Ying, Chief Financial Officer, ALiA BioTech Group and moderator, Jay Boyle, Managing Director, Decision Critical, K Kwan, Controller, Venturity Financial Partners, Jemi Lam, Finance Director APAC, Western Digital along with moderator Leo Tsang, Group Chief Information Officer, Emperor Group.
The Hong Kong Symposium 2023 Also Held 4 Technology Discussions & 2 Executive Presentations:
The topics covered in the technology discussions encompassed; Finance & Procurement Evolution: How to Create the Source-to-Pay Dream Team, and Future-Proofing Finance through Connected Reporting.
The speakers include: Charlie Cheah, Managing Director, Esker Asia with moderator Jasper Chung, Head of Corporate Development Asia Pacific, The New York Times & CIMA Hong Kong, Committee Member and Steven Shiu, Regional Sales Director of Greater China, Workiva.
The executive presentations included a range of topics; Hong Kong’s Fintech Evolution – From Financial Hub to Innovation Center and Maximizing shareholder value through effective financial management.
The speakers include: Neil Tan, Chairman, Fintech Association Hong Kong & Managing Partner, Tsunami Advisors and Calvin Lim, Group Finance & Administration Director, Amazon Papyrus Chemicals Ltd.
During the fireside chat, speaker Philip Shin, Chief Financial Officer at Prudence Foundation, Prudential plc, engaged in a discussion moderated by Nitish Tiwary, Human Resources Lead, The Marketing Store Asia. They delved into the critical importance of cultivating a finance leadership talent pipeline for organisational strength and sustainability. This process involves the identification and development of talent both within and outside the organisation, with a keen focus on essential skills such as financial acumen and strategic thinking. The conversation provided valuable insights into the strategic approaches CFOs employ to tackle this pivotal task.
The Hong Kong Symposium offered a dynamic platform for thought-provoking discussions and invaluable perspectives, fostering a comprehensive grasp of the ever-evolving finance landscape. With a diverse range of topics covered, the event delved deep into critical areas of relevance to finance professionals, not only in Singapore but also on a global scale.
The symposium delivered an immersive and enriching experience, arming finance professionals with valuable insights and knowledge to navigate the complexities of their roles. As the symposium concluded, participants left with an enhanced understanding of upcoming challenges and opportunities, as well as a strengthened network of peers. They departed, fully prepared to embrace the future of finance with unwavering confidence.
