2026: what to expect in an increasingly unpredictable world
Taimur Baig, Chief Economist, DBS Bank
Mary Ann Say, SVP Corporate Development, Jollibee Group
Dr Syaza Shukri, Head of the Department of Political Science, International Islamic University Malaysia
Economists like to make sure we understand the difference between a prediction and a forecast. And no wonder, given that the past 12 months have been completely unpredictable. Geopolitics and macroeconomics has taken centre stage, and many of us have spent so much time scrambling from one day to the next addressing tactical issues that we’ve risked losing sight of the strategic. To help us focus on the macro factors that are genuinely important to our businesses, we’re bringing together our Global CFO Network Honorary Advisors for the Asia Pacific region in what promises to be a not-to-be-missed panel that will set up your thinking for the new year. Our Advisors are not just specialists in their own areas of economics, finance and politics, but spend time thinking broadly about issues that impact global companies and foreign investors. They are: DBS Bank Chief Economist Taimur Baig; The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s Global Chief Financial Officer Mary Ann Say, and International Islamic University Malaysia Head of Political Science Dr Syaza Shukri.
Hiring the right person for that senior role
Michael Müller, Vice President Finance - India and Indonesia, NIPSEA Group
We spend a lot of time talking about talent development, and hiring at junior levels, but hiring the right (or wrong) person at a senior level can have a much greater impact on the Finance function, and the company. Not to mention the CFO’s peace of mind. So how can you ensure that you have the right person in that key role, and that your direct reports are fit for the job? To share his own insights into senior level hiring, we’re delighted to welcome back to the Global CFO Network one of our alumni who now works for a local business. Michael Müller. Michael leads Finance for India and Indonesia at NIPSEA Group, better known for its Nippon Paint brand. Michael is a highly experienced executive whose previous positions include senior roles for Siemens in Europe and Asia Pacific.
Understanding the forces reshaping global business
Aparna Bharadwaj, Global Leader, Global Advantage Practice, Boston Consulting Group
Christian Shepherd, China Correspondent, The Washington Post
Globalisation may be down, but it’s not out. From COVID through to Donald Trump’s self-declared trade war on the world, multinationals and those who lead them have faced a challenging decade, but global companies remain significant wealth generators. While there’s been a lot of focus on US-China relations, multinationals operating in the Asia Pacific should be cognisant of the region’s strengths: its cost advantage; its natural resources, including rare earth oxides; its innovation; its capital, which is increasingly being deployed across borders; and its cultures, which are proving powerful influencers beyond the region. For an optimistic take on the forces reshaping global business, we’ll be joined by the leader of Boston Consulting Group’s Global Advantage Practice Aparna Bharadwaj, and The Washington Post’s China Correspondent Christian Shepherd. Aparna will explore a fascinating list of Asia Pacific challenger companies, from Cherry (China) through to Jollibee (Philippines), as part of a review of where the region is at after almost 18 months of Trump in the White House. Christian will outline China’s approach to trade negotiations and competition with the US, and detail what that means for the broader Asia Pacific. Aparna is global leader for BCG’s Global Advantage practice, and part of the leadership team of BCG’s Center for Geopolitics. Prior to joining BCG, she held senior roles at Coca-Cola. Christian is a long-term observer of China, having covered the country from Beijing for the Financial Times and Reuters.
Members may attend with a member of their Finance team. Luncheon and light refreshments will be served.