2026: what to expect in an increasingly unpredictable world
Taimur Baig, Chief Economist, DBS Bank
Mary Ann Say, Global Chief Financial Officer, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
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.
Additional session to be advised.
Members may attend with a member of their Finance team. Light refreshments will be served.