day2 – ACGA 24th Annual Conference

This critical dialogue on shaping resilient, climate-ready governance will address the dynamic interplay of climate governance and transition strategies across Eastern and Western landscapes. Explore how boards in Asia and the West navigate regulatory frameworks, stakeholder pressures, and innovative decarbonization pathways to drive sustainable transformation. From Asia’s rapid renewable energy adoption to Europe’s stringent ESG mandates, panellists will unpack regional differences, share cross-border lessons, and address challenges in aligning corporate strategies with climate objectives and pathways.

Moderator Charles Nguyen, Head of ESG Investing, Asia, Neuberger Berman, Shanghai

SpeakersJeanne Stampe, Lead Policy Advisor, Norges Bank Investment Management, Singapore
Dr. Joon Hyug Chung, Associate Professor, Ph.D, LL.M, Seoul National University School of Law, Seoul
Seongbong Cho, VP & Head of ESG, SK hynix, Gyeonggi-do
Sunita Rajakumar, Founder, Climate Governance Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur

10:35 – 10:55

Coffee Break

10:55 – 12:05

Plenary 2: Geopolitics – Challenges to boards

As geopolitical tensions reshape global trade and regulatory environments, boards and investors in Asia face complex risks and opportunities. This session will examine how evolving power dynamics impact corporate governance and investment strategies. We will discuss practical approaches for boards to enhance resilience, manage political risks, and align governance with rapidly changing geopolitical realities.

ModeratorJennifer Coulson, Senior Managing Director & Global Head, ESG, British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI), Victoria

SpeakersKarine Hirn, Partner, Chief Sustainability Officer, East Capital, Hong Kong
Young Sun Kwon, Chief Economist & Head of Research, Woori Finance Research Insitiute, Seoul
Yuelin Yang, ACGA Council Member; Programme Committee Member, Pacific Pension & Investment Institute; Independent Director, Verlinvest Asia, Singapor

12:05 – 13:15

Lunch

13:15 – 14:30

Concurrent workshops: (1) Whistleblowing and corporate governance red flags

How effective are current whistleblowing mechanisms in promoting transparency and accountability within listed companies? How can they be improved? The panel will discuss whether existing systems adequately encourage the reporting of misconduct, protect whistleblowers, and lead to meaningful action. We will also discuss best practices in designing accessible, secure, and confidential communication channels that maximize the chances of effective oversight and accountability, while ensuring legal and ethical compliance, and strengthening organizational integrity.

ModeratorAnuja Agarwal, Research Head, Japan and India, ACGA, Hong Kong

SpeakersHyun Ju Ku, Partner Attorney, Hannuri Law LLC, Seoul
Jae-Wook Lim, Partner, Forensic Services, Samil PwC, Seoul
Trista Chen, Co-lead, Global Investment Stewardship, L&G, Singapore

13:15 – 14:30

Concurrent workshops: (2) Realignment of supply chains, due diligence and their pressure points

The global supply chain is undergoing seismic shifts, driven by geopolitical uncertainty, climate impacts and technological advancements. In this volatile landscape, how can companies effectively redesign their supply chains for resilience? How should the board oversee supply chain risk management and strategy? How does the evolving due diligence inform this restrategising process and help uncover critical pressure points?

ModeratorChristopher Leahy, Specialist Advisor, Southeast Asia, ACGA; Executive Director, Barbican Advisory; Founder, Velos Research; INED Destileria Barako Corp., Asia Pacific

SpeakersErika Rodriguez, Director, Head of Sustainability APAC, KKR, Hong Kong
Flora Wang, Head of Stewardship, Asia & Portfolio Advisor, Fidelity International, Hong Kong
Youngdae Kwon, Insight Center Leader; Advanced Strategy Consulting Leader, EY Han Young, Seoul

13:15 – 14:30

Concurrent workshops: (3) Inclusive Growth: Harnessing Diversity and Human Capital

While many US companies are scaling back or reframing their diversity initiatives, Asian markets are largely holding firm on diversity requirements, particularly for boards. Against this contrasting backdrop, how are leading investors and companies navigating these different regional pressures and expectations? What changes are emerging in the language and focus of diversity programmes? What other pressing human capital issues are boards in Asia facing beyond diversity?

This workshop will bring together investors and corporates to explore these questions, share their practical experiences and discuss their outlook on what comes next.

ModeratorPru Bennett, ACGA Council Member; Partner, Brunswick Group, Sydney

SpeakersBess Joffe, Managing Director and Global Head of Client Sustainability Strategy, MFS Investment Management, London
Nana Li, Head of Sustainability & Stewardship, Asia-Pacific, Director, Impax Asset Management, Hong Kong
William Ng, Stewardship Director, HSBC Asset Management, Hong Kong

14:30 – 14:50

Coffee Break

14:50 – 16:00

Plenary 3: Family-controlled Companies & Chaebols – Succession Planning and Creating Effective Boards

Family-controlled businesses and chaebols remain dominant players in Korea and across Asia, shaping the region’s economic landscape. Yet, they also face unique governance challenges—from opaque succession planning to entrenched board structures and conflicts between family and minority shareholders. This session will explore how these companies can balance tradition with transparency, and what it takes to professionalise governance, refresh boards, and ensure long-term sustainability across generations.

ModeratorYonghwan Choi, Head of ESG Research Team, NH-Amundi Asset Management, Seoul

SpeakersJong-Ha James Yoon, Founding Partner and Head of Korea Buyout, MBK Partners, Seoul
Jongmin Shim, Deputy Head of Korea Research, CLSA Securities Korea Ltd., Seoul
Michael Ling, Company Secretary, CLP Holdings, Hong Kong
Yoo-Kyung Park, Managing Director, Emerging Markets Equities, Fundamental Strategy, APG Asset Management, Hong Kong

16:00 – 16:10

Conference closing remarks

Conference ends for public participants

16:10 – 16:20

Coffee Break

16:20 – 17:35

ACGA Town Hall (for ACGA members only)
Fairmont Ambassador Hotel Ballroom, Ground Floor