Asian Business Leaders Conclave, September 2017, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Introduction

The Asian Business Leaders Conclave in its launch edition has clearly established itself as the most
important economic platform for candid discussions between leading business personalities,
government leaders and policy makers. With tremendous support from the Malaysian Government, the
conclave covered important aspects of India-Malaysia ties, the changing equation and dynamics of
ASEAN, digitization and its impact on Asian business and the case for Asian corporates to come together
to work towards establishing Asia as the silver lining in the changing world economic dynamics.

The 2nd edition of the Asian Business Leaders Conclave, to be held under the patronage of the Honorable
Malaysian Prime Minister will see greater involvement of regional governments, who are looking to
come together to deliberate on the future course that Asia will take as a unit to achieve development
goals and move towards not just complete economic independence, but also greater dominance in the
new world order.

Glimpses from 1st Edition

The interaction between two Prime Ministers

The conclave had the rare distinction of being addressed by The Honorable Prime Minister of Malaysia,
Dato' Sri Haji Mohammad Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, who was joined live over a video conference
by The Honorable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi.

The Malaysian Prime Minister spoke about the flourishing Indian diaspora in Malaysia and their
continued contribution in building the Malaysia of today and the future. “As Prime Minister of India Shri
Narendra Modi, remarked in his 2015 visit to Malaysia, “India is not confined to its territory. India also
exists in every Indian in every part of the world.” This has been strongly demonstrated by the Indian
community in Malaysia, in letter and in spirit, towards the advancement of ties between our two
nations. The Indian and Malaysian business communities have been the backbone of this trade and
cooperation between our two nations”, said the Malaysian Prime Minister.

The Malaysian Prime Minister also said that the two countries have also made important strides in
bilateral relations in a range of areas including defense and security, bilateral trade, as well as social and
cultural arenas. “These partnerships envision development of a multi-faceted relationship with a view to
elevate bilateral relations to the level of a long term and strategic partnership”, said the Malaysian Prime
Minister.

The Honorable Indian Prime Minister reinforced India’s Look East policy and expressed his eagerness
towards working closely with his Malaysian counterpart on various aspects including, trade, security,
technology and de-radicalization. Shri Narendra Modi reflected upon his previous visit to Malaysia when
he inaugurated the Torana Gate in Kuala Lumpur as a mark of continued friendship between the two
countries.
In a very interesting interaction between the two Prime Ministers, the Malaysian PM congratulated his
Indian counterpart for being a bold reformist and wished him luck as India moves towards taking more
concrete steps in reforming its economy.

Photos from Previous year’s event:

Overview: Asia’s central role in the global economy

Asia’s central role in the world economy is easily documented. For example, as the Asian Development
Bank points out, “Global headwinds notwithstanding, developing Asia will continue to contribute 60% of
world growth.”
Despite protectionist rhetoric, rising global growth looks to trigger an upsurge in trade that would, in
turn, fuel stronger growth—and Asia's emerging economies will be direct beneficiaries, bolstered by
their own economic reforms.
The rise of Asia, owes much to the actions of transnational corporations and their strategy of creating
Asian-centered cross-border production networks. In the words of the Asian Development Bank, these
networks or chains involve “dividing the production of goods and services into linked stages of
production scattered across international borders. While such exchange of inputs is as old as trade
itself, rapid growth in the extent and complexity of GVCs since the late 1980s is unprecedented.”
Four major challenges for Asia which can be converted into opportunities
 Growing protectionism of some economies
 China, which has moved away from export oriented to more service-oriented growth
 The middle-income trap where many Asian economies are considered to be at a stage of
development at which, historically, sustained rapid growth becomes difficult
 Changing demographics, where Asia is entering a period of being at both ends of the
demographic spectrum

Recent Developments in India-Malaysia ties

The Honorable Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak lived up to his promise and reciprocated to
Honorable Indian Prime Minister’s invitation extended during their interaction at the inaugural edition
of the Asian Business Leaders Conclave in December 2016. Dato’ Najib Razak visited India in April 2017
and discussed bilateral investment opportunities and ways to fast track mutually beneficial projects.

India has called for a scaling up of economic ties with key ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nation)
partner Malaysia in areas like infrastructure and building of smart cities besides food security during
talks between Prime Minister Narenda Modi and visiting Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak.

The relationship in numbers

Indian firms have moved to Malaysia in a big way, making it a base to do business with other Asean
countries. Malaysia has invested $6 billion in India and an additional $6 billion worth of projects have
been executed

India and Malaysia signed business pacts worth about $36 billion during Najib Razak’s latest visit

In Rajasthan, Malaysian companies are engaged in road and other infrastructure projects estimated to
be worth over $1 billion dollars

Malaysia is currently India’s third-largest trading partner in ASEAN after Singapore and Indonesia.
Bilateral trade between Malaysia and India was at $12.8 billion in 2015-16 with the trade balance in
favor of Malaysia

Among the prominent MoUs signed during Najib Razak’s recent visit, is the proposed development of a
urea and ammonia manufacturing plant in Malaysia and an Offtake of Existing Surplus Urea from
Malaysia to India. The project is expected to cost US$2 billion, with a capacity to produce 2.5 million
tons per annum, and dedicated to supplying the Indian market.

MIGHT Technology Nurturing Sdn Bhd also inked a deal with the Andhra Pradesh Economic
Development Board (APEBD) on implementation of the fourth generation Technology Park in the
southern state. The park is anticipated to attract private sector investments of US$100 million, as well
as spinning off the involvement of 75 small medium enterprises, and providing 5,500 jobs
Both countries also signed a bilateral air services agreement which would enhance air connectivity
In a joint statement issued after the bilateral meeting between Najib and Modi, both sides also agreed
to explore the possibility of enhancing cooperation in the financial sector. It includes participation in
each other’s capital market, as well the grant of commercial banking licenses.
http://pradhanmantriagreement.in/list-agreements-mous-india-malaysia/

The Asian Business Leaders Conclave 2017

Building on the successful launch of the inaugural edition of the Asian Business Leaders Conclave, the
2017 edition will take stock of the developments in Asian economy in the last year and act as a melting
pot for thought leaders, governments and business leaders to further the cause of greater economic
integration between emerging and leading countries in the region. It will also act as a focal point for
discussion between ASEAN, India and the Middle East.

This year’s edition will feature interactive discussions to enable tangible outcomes and action points for
various stakeholders through focused deliberations between torchbearers of Asian economy.

New Additions to this year’s format

The Ministers’ Panel: Trade and Economy Ministers from Asian countries responsible for international
expansion will take part in this important session to deliberate on executing bilateral and regional
agreements

The Bank Governors’ Panel: The custodians of economies, responsible for setting and achieving
economic goals will discuss cooperation mechanisms to advance the vision of respective governments
Cultural Exchanges: Social and cultural exchanges to highlight the unity in diversity in Asia will help
leaders understand the common aspirations of the next generation Asian population

Parallel Sessions: Industry focused parallel sessions to drive micro agendas of thriving sectors will help
interaction of stakeholders from a common domain

The Event Format

Interactive panel discussion

The business leaders address their viewpoints on specific pressing topics, followed by Q&A from the
audience, which gives them a chance to add to the conversation and have answers to concerns and
doubts immediately

Keynote Presentations

The most influential and important leaders who have been game changers in their respective fields
share their vision of a resurgent Asia and their ideas on how to ride this growth wave

Networking meetings

Solution providers get to meet leading business personalities in an exclusive closed door environment to
discuss potential areas of synergy

Unconferencing sessions

Innovative fish bowl sessions where delegates get to decide dynamically the topics they want to
deliberate upon and have it moderated by industry veterans

Parallel Round table discussions

Sit across the table with leaders from your industry and interest and get real time insights on the current
trends with solutions for the immediate business challenges

Fire Side Chats

Upcoming and Veteran Business leaders engage in informal conversation to understand each other’s
aspirations

Black tie cocktail and dinner reception

Unveiling ceremony of the 2nd edition of the coffee table book, “The Most Promising Business Leaders of
Asia”, followed by an exclusive and gala “invite only” black tie cocktail reception

Felicitation / Honoring Ceremonies

The leading business leaders listed in the coffee table book will be felicitated at the hands of key
government dignitaries from the hosting nation at a glamorous evening ceremony
The Economic Times 2nd Edition Most Promising Business Leaders of Asia Coffee
Table Book
With the promise of a new brand of leaders emerging from the rising nations of Asia, the future of the
continent looks very exciting. The Economic Times is proud to acknowledge business leaders who are
going to play an important part in shaping the business demographics of not just Asia, but also the world
in the very near future.

The second edition of this coffee table book will enlist young leaders who are rising to the occasion and
are an important part of the story of a resurgent Asia. The upcoming leaders will also get a chance to
interact with industry veterans and their role models and take part in candid interactive sessions in
order to understand how enterprises and leaders from across the industries can come together to
realize the dream of establishing Asia as a truly global business destination.

Asian Business Leaders Conclave, September 2017, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Preliminary Agenda
Day 1
17.30 – 18.30

Registration

18.30 – 19.15

The Ministers’ panel – Untapped opportunities to boost Intra – Asian trade

 Enhancing Regional Economic Integration Agenda

 Eliminating barriers to international trade and investment in the region
 Giving greater impetus to the sustainable development of Asia

Proposed Speakers: Trade & Commerce Ministers from leading Asian countries including India, China,
Malaysia, Singapore, UAE, Thailand, Hong Kong

19.15 – 20.00

The Business leaders’ panel – Make in Asia and Make for Asia - The emerging Asian middle class and
the opportunities for Asian Businesses

 Economic trends behind the Asian middle class consumer

 Tapping the manufacturing opportunities with Business Innovation
 The pressing need for effective trans – Asian industry collaboration
Proposed Speakers: Iconic Business Personalities from across Asia including Anil Ambani (Reliance
ADAG), Jack Ma (Alibaba), Robert Ng (Far East, Singapore), Lei Jun (Xiaomi), Mohammad Alabbar
(Emaar), Robert Kuok (Kuok Group, Malaysia)

20.00 – 20.30

Prime Ministers’ Address followed by live interaction between the Leaders

Proposed Speakers: Two Prime Ministers live and at least one over a VC (Malaysia, Singapore, India)

20.30 Onwards…

Cocktail Reception and Gala Dinner

Day 2
10.30 – 11.30

The CEO’s panel – The future is in the present

 Big global trends that should be on every organizations’ radar

 Disruptors or Enablers – Balancing the quick wins and long term implications of technology
disruptors
 Global Trade, Commodity Prices and implications for Emerging Asia

Proposed Speakers: CEO’s from Asian based and Global organizations with presence in Asia

11.30 – 12.00

Leading Economist’s Address – Asia in 2025, the factory of the world?

Proposed Speakers: Andy Xie/Raghuram Rajan/Zhu Min

12.00 – 12.15 Networking Coffee Break

12.15 – 13.00

Role of the financial sector in the attainment of inclusive growth

 Developing capacity and enhancing resilience of the domestic economies at the time of global
shocks
 New Financial Architecture, Macroprudential regulation and supervision for financial stability
and growth
 Can Asia be completely economically integrated in the near future?

Proposed Speakers: Governors from Public Sector Banks in ASEAN, India and Middle East

13.00 – 14.00 Networking Lunch

14.00 – 14.30

The Village Idiom: Empowering Youth through Education, Interconnectivity and Employment
Proposed Speaker: Ndaba Mandela, Grandson of Nelson Mandela, Founder of Africa Rising Foundation/
Arun Gandhi, Grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, Activist, Author and Keynote Speaker

14.30 – 15.15

Malaysia – The gateway to the ASEAN market for India and important bilateral areas to focus on

 Promoting joint collaboration in infrastructure and construction sector

 Encouraging public and private sector companies to pro-actively look at large investment
opportunities in each other's country
 The case for smarter co-manufacturing

Proposed Speakers: Indian & Malaysian business leaders invested and looking to expand in respective
countries, Trade & Economy Secretaries from both countries

15.15 – 15.30 Networking Coffee Break

15.30 – 16.15

Case Studies on Regional Cooperation – Circumnavigating the challenges in an ever evolving

environment

16.15 – 17.15

Cultural exchanges – Candid fire side chats and delegate interaction with renowned Arts & Culture
personalities who bring Asia closer

Proposed Speakers: Leading Bollywood personalities & Malaysian Artists

Parallel Sessions (Day 2)

1. Infrastructure (Roundtable)
2. Healthcare (Roundtable)
3. Technology (Panel)
4. Aviation (Roundtable)
5. Tourism & Hospitality (Panel)