On changing entertainment consumption patterns amid the Covid-19 pandemic As social-distancing measures lead to increased demand for home entertainment, what strategies can be employed to increase penetration in a sustainable manner? MARC BARNETT: This situation is bigger than our internal business metrics, and I think we have a responsibility and an opportunity to help people through a difficult…
On encouraging UK businesses to explore opportunities within ASEAN What are the implications of Covid-19 for ASEAN and the work of the UKABC? NEVILLE-ROLFE: In the short term the impact on the UK and ASEAN will be damaging, but this is a worldwide challenge. Most South-east Asian countries have large populations, stretched health services and economies that are dependent on trade and the movement…
Oxford Business Group (OBG) began its CEO Survey in 2016 with the aim of giving our clients a handle on sentiment in the various markets we cover. Sentiment is of course intangible, but it is an all-important factor in the decisions business people and investors make when they weigh up their risk appetite. In turn, sentiment informs the level of confidence with which they view a market. It is also…
On facilitating economic integration to boost regional prosperity Considering the 2020 ASEAN BAC theme of “Digital ASEAN for Sustainable Development”, what do you see as the main barriers to the creation of an integrated digital economy for the region? DOAN DUY KHUONG: The number-one barrier is inadequate access to digital tools, primarily due to the high costs involved. Limited access…
As chair of the Association of South-East Nations (ASEAN) in 2020, Vietnam is to steer regional policy under the theme “Cohesive and Responsive”, working to counter threats to multilateralism and free trade. The fast-growing “tiger cub” economy took over the leadership of the 10-member bloc from Thailand in November 2019, and is expected to organise and chair approximately 300 conferences…
On reaching sustainable development goals To what extent are sustainability goals tied to the success of a business? ROBERT OPP: Sustainability does not necessarily contrast with long-term profit; however, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have provided a global framework to address this significant challenge. The SDGs are different from anything I have seen in the past. There…
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…
