Asian Investment Conference 2023

Breakfast at Credit Suisse Lounge (Level L) and Ballroom Foyer (Level LL)

Welcome Address

• Edwin Low, CEO Asia Pacific, Credit Suisse

Conversation: When will artificial intelligence reach its real-world potential?

The launch of the generative Artificial intelligence (AI) application, ChatGPT, in November, sparked a frenzy of renewed interest in the topic of AI. The chatbot has become the fastest-growing digital platform on record and demonstrated capabilities that were previously thought to be beyond the reach of computers. It has even passed the Wharton school’s MBA exam. The real significance of ChatGPT, however, may be in what it tells us about the future of technology. And what might come next? 

In this session, the former head of Samsung’s advanced research department discusses how AI has already changed the world and the next level of challenges it could solve – or create. What will AI mean for businesses? What kind of startups should investors look for in this new landscape?  

Join this discussion for a serial inventor’s perspective on the potential for the next generation of AI and why technology developments may be about to accelerate. 

Speaker(s):

• Pranav Mistry, Founder and CEO, TWO; former CEO, Samsung Advanced Research
• Host: Angus Muirhead, Head of Equities, Credit Suisse Asset Management
   

Global markets — where are the opportunities?

Speaker(s):

• Andrew Garthwaite, Head of Securities Research EU Global Strategy, Credit Suisse
   

What's up in the art market? 

The MSCI All-Country World Index of stocks was down about 20% in 2022, the worst performance since the GFC. Similarly, the global bond market suffered unprecedented losses with the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond index down 15% from its high in January 2021. 

Meanwhile, the art market was breaking records. Warhol’s famed Shot Sage Blue Marilyn sold for US$195 million, the second most expensive painting in auction history. The Paul Allen collection sold for US$1.6 billion, with of the five works valued at above US$100 million each. The Artprice100@ index of Blue-chip artists was up 3%. 
 
Join three art market experts as they discuss the business of art, who to buy, where to buy and the market trends to watch. 

Speaker(s):

• Pearl Lam, Founder, Pearl Lam Galleries
• Magnus Renfrew, Co-Chairman and Global Director, The Art Assembly
• Rebecca Wei, Co-Founder and Chairman, LGDR & Wei
• Moderator: Lito Camacho, Consultant, Wealth Management Asia Pacific, Credit Suisse
  
  

From words to wealth — what is the impact of language AI on the investment industry? 

Breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing have the potential to transform the investment industry. Language AI already allows investors to process an ever-increasing range of news, data and complex financial content, and the next generation of AI tools promises to be even smarter. Will AI one day replace human decision-making in the investment process? What innovations could be coming next? 

Whether you are an investor, a financial professional, or simply interested in the future of technology in finance, this session will offer valuable insights into how language AI is transforming the investment industry. 

Speaker(s):

• Peter Hafez, Chief Data Scientist, RavenPack
• Host: Charles Firth, Head of Solution Sales, South East Asia, Credit Suisse
   

How can you make time your most valuable investment? 

Time, like money, is a finite resource. It should be invested meaningfully and in ways that are capable of generating positive returns.  

Yet so many of us waste time and find ourselves distracted by and responding to competing demands. Guilty? 

In this session, Nir Eyal gets under the covers of how we use time. Time is often characterized as either wasted or productive, but is this a misnomer? And how about technology? A time-saver, or a distraction?  

Join Eyal to learn how time management has shaped his own approach to investing and the lessons he has for the world of business.

Speaker(s):

• Nir Eyal, Author; former Lecturer, Stanford Graduate School of Business
• Host: Bill Gulya, Head of Asia Pacific Equity Distribution into US, Credit Suisse
  
  

Racing through adversity — how does a champion jockey stay ahead of the field?

Staying at the top of the high-pressure, dangerous world of professional horse racing for over 15 years requires a unique blend of passion and dedication. Zac Purton has won the Hong Kong Jockey Club championship four times since arriving from Australia in 2007 and he continues to set the pace with over 100 wins under his belt already this season – a feat matched by only two other jockeys in history. 

What does it take to get to the top in racing – and stay there? How important is experience as a factor for success? What advice does this elite sportsman have for other professionals on building a winning mindset? 

Join this session for inspirational insights from one of the world’s top professional jockeys as we explore what it takes to be first past the post. 

Speaker(s):

• Zac Purton, Hong Kong Jockey Champion
   

Networking Buffet at L5 Garden Café & Casual Lunch at L6 Credit Suisse Lounge

The race to net zero plastic waste — will a global plastic treaty help save the planet?

Recent research shows the impact of plastic waste is far worse than feared. Micro plastics are infiltrating human and animal food systems and polluting ocean biodiversity, essential for regulating the climate.  

2023 will be a critical year for tackling plastic pollution as over 160 countries work towards finalising a Global Plastics Treaty. The Treaty will form a legal basis for ending plastic pollution, phasing out the use of certain types of plastics, and harmonising global rules. 

The race to net zero plastic waste is real and the policy transition will create material risks and opportunities for companies. Join this session to better understand the implications and where the policy agenda is headed.   

Speaker(s):

• Rob Kaplan, Founder and CEO, Circulate Capital
  
• Laurent Kimman, Principal, Finance and Transparency, No Plastic Waste, Minderoo Foundation
• Shervin Sharghy, Founder and CEO, EcoBricks Limited
  
• Anthony Watanabe, Chief Sustainability Officer, Indorama Ventures PCL
• Moderator: Phineas Glover, Head of ESG Securities Research, Asia Pacific, Credit Suisse
  
  

Physical, Digital or PhyGital — how the entertainment space has evolved since the pandemic?   

Speaker(s):

• Alan Lau, Chief Business Officer, Animoca Brands
• Minh Le, Founder, Chiarman and CEO, VNG Corporation
• Clement Schwebig, President, India, Southeast Asia and Korea, Warner Bros. Discovery
• Ron Tan, Executive Chairman and Group CEO, Neon Group
• Moderator: Neel Laungani, Co-Head of Financial Sponsors Group, Asia Pacific, and Vice Chairman of Technology, Media and Telecom (TMT) Group, Asia Pacific, Investment Banking & Capital Markets, Credit Suisse
  
  

What are the next climate technology “earthshots” in the race to net zero? 

The Earth is at a tipping point and we face a stark choice: either we continue as we are and irreparably damage our planet, or we leverage our unique power as human beings to innovate and problem-solve. This panel discussion will profile disruptive technologies that may be breakthroughs in solving the climate crisis. Hear experts and entrepreneurs discuss different technologies and, why they could have a transformative impact on mitigating climate change, how they can be scaled and the role of finance in market development and commercialisation. 

Speaker(s):

• Avishek Kumar, Founder and CEO, VFlowTech
• Tony Verb, Co-Founder, Carbonless Asia
• Charlotte Wang, Founder and CEO, EQuota Energy
• Moderator: Phineas Glover, Head of ESG Securities Research, Asia Pacific, Credit Suisse
  
  

How are asset managers evolving to stay ahead of the competition in 2023?

Staying ahead in the asset management industry is now a tall order. Faced with tougher regulatory requirements, thinner fees and rising competition from passive investing and private markets, asset managers are having to think up new ways to stand out. 

How are asset managers adapting to the challenges facing the industry? Should they focus on their core competency of asset selection and leave trade execution and administration to external partners, or build integrated teams of traders and operations specialists? Will Cayman Islands funds remain the vehicles of choice?  

Attend this panel discussion to learn how asset managers are considering new investment formats to reach additional potential investors, and boost returns by cutting costs 

Speaker(s):

• Charles Firth, Head of Solution Sales South East Asia, Credit Suisse
  
• Shivam Gupta, Head of Quantitative Investment Strategies – Delta One, Credit Suisse
• Volker Köster, Head of Global Investment Management, Asia Pacific, Investment Solutions & Sustainability, Credit Suisse
• Zhe Song, Client Portfolio Manager, Credit Suisse