day2 – ACGA 23rd Annual Conference

Executive compensation is becoming increasingly controversial in Asia given the rising quantum in payouts and a lack of transparency on the key performance indicators (KPIs) that drive these decisions. Often, controlling shareholders determine their own compensation. What is the information that investors need from remuneration committees to ensure compensation is aligned with long-term shareholder value?

Moderator Ms Pru Bennett, Partner, Brunswick Group, Sydney; ACGA Council Member

SpeakersMr Shai Ganu, Managing Director, Global Leader – Executive Compensation & Board Advisory, WTW, Singapore
Mr Felix Lam, Head of Investment Stewardship, Asia ex-Japan, JP Morgan Asset Management, Hong Kong
Mr Amit Tandon, Managing Director, Institutional Investor Advisory Services India Limited, Mumbai

10:20 – 11:30

Plenary 2: What are the challenges for boards and investors from AI?

AI could transform not just how effectively we use data but also how we find solutions to business challenges, including the development of new business models. Yet it comes with risks including deepfake avatars that lead to fraud and corporate upheaval. How should boards determine appropriate corporate policies and oversight in implementation of AI strategies? What are the issues for investors to determine if boards are handling these challenges effectively?

ModeratorMs Miranda Zhao, Greater China Lead of Responsible Investment and Stewardship, APG Asset Management Asia, Hong Kong

SpeakersMr Manik Bhandari, Partner, Asean AI and Data Leader, Ernst & Young Advisory Pte. Ltd., Singapore
Ms Kathlyn Collins, Head of Responsible Investment & Stewardship, Matthews Asia, San Francisco
Dr Leslie Teo, Senior Director, AI Products, AI Singapore, Singapore

11:30 – 11:50

Coffee Break

11:50 – 13:00

Plenary 3: The rise of activism in Asia: is it moving the needle?

Shareholder activism is gaining prevalence in the region but is it improving corporate behaviour? Drawing from the experience of seasoned activists, how are targets picked, what methods are being utilised to rally investor support, where and how is change happening and what are the prospects for other markets?

ModeratorMs Shireen Muhiudeen, Founder, Corston-Smith Asset Management, Kuala Lumpur

SpeakersMr Changhwan Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Align Partners Capital Management, Seoul
Mr Cheol Woo Park, Investor Relations Executive Officer, Shinhan Financial Group, Seoul
Mr Allen Wang, Chief Executive Officer, TIH Investment Management Pte. Ltd., Singapore

13:00 – 14:00

Lunch Buffet, Four Seasons Ballroom Foyer

14:00 – 15:10

Plenary 4: Gender diversity in Asia: why are women stuck in the middle?

Several markets have seen improvements in female representation on boards and in senior executive roles. But progress on gender diversity remains patchy and in many markets the moves often smack of tokenism. How do we get more women in senior executive jobs as well as board positions? What are the main obstacles and ways to overcome these? What are the main factors driving the improvement in gender diversity in some Asean markets, including Singapore?

ModeratorMr Ronnie Lim, Senior Engagement Specialist, Robeco, Hong Kong; ACGA Council Member

SpeakersMs Mira Lee, Board Director, Chair of Nomination & Remuneration Committee, SK Ecoplant, Seoul
Ms Stefanie Yuen Thio, Joint Managing Partner, TSMP Law Corporation, Singapore
Dr David Smith, Senior Investment Director, abrdn Asia, Singapore

15:10 – 16:20

Plenary 5: What is the regulatory role vs corporate commitment to meet Asia’s NDCs and Net Zero pathway?

Governments across the region have staked out net-zero targets and transition pathways. Particularly in the high carbon-emitting sectors, companies are under pressure from customers and investors to build their own credible transition plans. How quickly should companies be moving and how do international investors mesh global expectations with domestic realities and regulations?

ModeratorMs Trista Chen, Head of Investment Stewardship Asia (ex Japan), Legal & General Investment Management, Singapore

SpeakersMs Kiran Aziz, Head of Responsible Investments, KLP Asset Management, Norway
Ms Christina Ng, Managing Director, Energy Shift Institute, Melbourne
Mr Hendrik Rosenthal, Director – Group Sustainability, CLP Holdings Limited, Hong Kong

16:20 – 16:30

Conference closing remarks

Conference ends for public participants

16:30 – 16:45

Coffee Break

16:45 – 18:00

ACGA Town Hall (for ACGA members only)
Four Seasons Ballroom, Second Floor