Since initiating the process of liberalising its economy and encouraging greater foreign participation, Myanmar’s international investment inflows and trade have expanded significantly. This has gone hand in hand with strong domestic economic growth, even at a time of global trade slowdowns and protectionist headwinds. Capitalising on its strategic location as a crossroads between China, India…
In what is considered to be the last frontier market in South-east Asia, the pace of business-friendly reforms is quickening, with a view to becoming a preferred investment destination in a region that is experiencing the effects of a global repositioning in trade and manufacturing. Following decades of military rule that maintained a socialist and centrally planned economic model that cut off access…
On how conventional banks are integrating digital solutions How would you assess the potential of digital banking to boost financial inclusion in developing economies? MICHEAL GORRIZ: In Africa, where Standard Chartered opened eight digital banks in 2018-19, the cost to serve is a crucial determining factor when offering banking services. A large part of the continent is underbanked primarily…
On channelling innovation to boost sustainability and profits How is sustainability being perceived by business executives in relation to long-term corporate performance? EDWIN CHOW: Large corporations in Singapore are beginning to realise the fact that having sustainability embedded into their work processes is actually good for them as a company. There was no single light-bulb moment, but rather…
On utilising technology to link smaller players to the supply chain How can artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven solutions support the growth of the burgeoning micro-, small and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) segment in Asia? RACHEL BARGER: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) serve their local markets, but many aspire to do business on a larger scale. However, their growth…
The global economy is entering the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), or Industry 4.0, based on the application of new digital and automated technologies in production processes and service delivery. These changes are bringing emerging markets improved productivity, as well as risks – namely, reshoring and the displacement of human labour by automation. Wealthier emerging markets, such as…
In an endorsement of ongoing efforts to reform the economy, Myanmar has been named one of the top-20 most-improved countries in the World Bank’s 2020 ease of doing business index. The index – part of the “Doing Business 2020” report – lists the economies that have recorded the greatest improvement in their ease of doing business score. The bank identified five recently implemented initiatives…
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Themed “The Future of Construction – Integrated, Collaborative, Predictive and Smart” featuring the 6 exhibit profiles in accelerating the construction industry 4.0 transformation: BuildCon - Onsite construction machinery & equipment BuildMat - Building materials & solutions BuildFin - Architectural & quality finishes BuildPro - Productive technologies BuildFM - Facilities…
