CFO Innovation Asia Summit 2024: Full Schedule

8:30am GMT+08

Registration and welcome coffee

Wednesday June 12, 2024 8:30am - 9:00am GMT+08

9:00am GMT+08

Chairperson’s Opening remarks 

Speakers

Somnath Adak

CFO, Asian Pay Television Trust (APTT)

Mr. Somnath Adak is a Chartered Accountant of India and holds an Executive MBA from INSEAD. Mr Adak is a business finance leader and has an exceptional career record of close to two decades, working for large and listed companies across India, Australia & Singapore. Mr Adak... Read More →

Wednesday June 12, 2024 9:00am - 9:10am GMT+08

9:10am GMT+08

Thriving in Turbulence: CFOs Unveil Strategies for an Uncertain Future

Analyzing the most recent macroeconomic forecast and assessing its impact on finance departments.  
Exploring strategies for finance teams to effectively navigate and mitigate risks in an increasingly volatile business landscape.  
Identifying the crucial factors that capable CFOs should prioritize in the upcoming year.  
Developing a scenario-based financial models, stress-test your strategies, and stay updated on global economic trends.

Speakers

Dr. Arup Raha

Chief Economist, Asia, Oxford Economics

Dr. Arup Raha is the Head of Asian Economics at Oxford Economics. He leads a strong 10-member team with responsibility for the coverage of several Asian economies, including China, Japan and India. Arup started his career as an economist with the World Bank in Washington DC and... Read More →

Wednesday June 12, 2024 9:10am - 9:35am GMT+08

CFO Insights Keynote

9:35am GMT+08

Fueling Success: Harnessing Cloud and Business Process Transformation to Propel Businesses Beyond Uncertainty 

Understanding the key drivers behind the adoption of cloud-based technologies and business process transformation. 
Learning how to develop a strategic roadmap that aligns cloud adoption and business process transformation with overall business goals. 
Gaining insights from real-world case studies and success stories of businesses that have harnessed cloud technologies and transformation initiatives to overcome adversity. 
Exploring best practices for implementing cloud-based solutions and business process transformation, including change management strategies

Wednesday June 12, 2024 9:35am - 9:55am GMT+08

9:55am GMT+08

Strategic Capital Allocation: Maximizing Returns and Minimizing Balance Sheet Risks  

Exploring the benefits and drawbacks of using equity and debt for capital allocation.  
Highlight proven techniques to mitigate balance sheet risks associated with capital allocation decisions.  
Providing insights into adapting your capital allocation strategy in response to changing market conditions and economic uncertainties.  
Identifying key drivers that can enhance capital returns, such as efficient asset allocation and cost of capital management.

Speakers

Somnath Adak

CFO, Asian Pay Television Trust (APTT)

Mel Mauleon

Director, Global Financial Planning & Reporting, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Mel is a finance leader known for his expertise in Financial Planning, Forecasting, Pricing, Revenue Management, and Project Management. With a career spanning diverse industries, including theme parks, events, food & beverage, and tobacco, he excels in harnessing analytical rigor... Read More →

Will Vaya

CFO, Love Bonito

As Love, Bonito’s Chief Financial Officer, Will Vaya is responsible for all things related to finance, corporate strategy, corporate development, and fundraising. In 2021, Will led the team to secure US$50 million in the brand’s Series C funding round, which was vital in enabling... Read More →

Kamlesh Birla

CFO – APAC Cocoa, Ofi

Mr. Kamlesh Birla is an accomplished finance professional with over 20 years of experience in the field. Currently serving as the Regional CFO at Ofi APAC, he brings a wealth of expertise and diverse qualifications to his role. Mr. Birla holds several professional certifications... Read More →

Wednesday June 12, 2024 9:55am - 10:25am GMT+08

Capital Panel Discussion

10:25am GMT+08

GenAI: Making the Build vs. Buy Decision

Explore strategic considerations involved in choosing between building in-house solutions vs investing in pre-existing tools and platforms
Dive into the myriad development options available for GenAI
Delve into the long-term implications of your build vs buy decision on scalability, adaptability, and competitiveness in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-driven finance.
Leverage real-world insights to navigate the complexities of GenAI adoption and empower your finance team for success in digital era

Wednesday June 12, 2024 10:25am - 10:45am GMT+08

Case Study

10:45am GMT+08

Networking Coffee Break  

Wednesday June 12, 2024 10:45am - 11:15am GMT+08

11:15am GMT+08

Navigating the Digital Battlefield: CFOs' Guide to Business Continuity Plans and Data Recovery in the Face of Cyberattacks 

Aligning financial strategies with cybersecurity measures 
Gain insights into the evolving cyber threat landscape and why CFOs need to be at the forefront of cyber resilience strategies 
Learn about the latest data recovery techniques and tools to ensure seamless financial data restoration in the aftermath of a cyberattack. 
Discover how to budget and allocate resources effectively for cyber resilience, including insurance considerations and risk management

Wednesday June 12, 2024 11:15am - 11:35am GMT+08

Technology Highlight

11:35am GMT+08

Uncovering Hidden Value: Evaluating ESG's Tangible and Intangible Impact on Finance 

Analyze how Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors impact a company's bottom line, including their influence on revenue, cost reduction, and risk management.  
Explore the intangible benefits of ESG initiatives, such as enhanced brand reputation, customer loyalty, and employee satisfaction, and their potential to contribute to long-term financial success.  
Evaluate how ESG practices can mitigate financial risks, including regulatory compliance, supply chain disruptions, and reputational damage, ultimately safeguarding shareholder value.  
Investigate the growing influence of ESG considerations on investment decisions, assessing how these factors influence asset allocation, portfolio performance, and the allocation of capital in the financial markets

Speakers

Joanne Flinn

Chairman, The ESG Institute

Joanne Flinn, is the author of Greensight. The Sustainability Guide for Company Directors, and the Chairwoman of the ESG Institute. Her passion is helping member business leaders accelerate their transition to Net Zero and beyond through simplifying the complexity of the alphabet... Read More →

Wednesday June 12, 2024 11:35am - 12:00pm GMT+08

Fireside Chat

12:00pm GMT+08

Empowering Financial Resilience: Transform Your Technology Strategy for Agility and Success Amid Economic Uncertainty  

Discovering how CFOs can break free from the limitations of complex and siloed technologies by adopting a composable technology approach.  
Transforming your technology portfolio into a modular ecosystem that adapts swiftly to changing business demands.  
Exploring strategies to make your finance technology stack flexible, enabling your team to respond quickly to economic challenges.  
Gaining insights on how a revamped technology strategy can empower your finance team to thrive and excel, even in uncertain economic environments.

Wednesday June 12, 2024 12:00pm - 12:20pm GMT+08

Case Study

12:20pm GMT+08

Navigating Geopolitical Fragmentation: Strategies for Mitigating Risks and Preventing Huge Losses 

Leveraging data-driven insights to anticipate and adapt to shifting global dynamics.  
Spreading investments and operations across multiple regions to reduce vulnerability.  
Building strong diplomatic relationships and partnerships to mitigate geopolitical risks.  
Preparing for various geopolitical scenarios and developing contingency plans for potential crises.

Speakers

Saket Bhartia

Managing Director – Investigations, Diligence and Compliance, Kroll

Saket Bhartia is a managing director in the Forensic Investigations and Intelligence practice, based in Singapore. Bhartia leverages more than 20 years of experience assisting clients in investigating financial statement fraud, siphoning of funds, embezzlement, asset misappropriation... Read More →

Danny Han Seng Foong

Vice President, Head of Asia Strategy, Portfolio Development, Telenor Asia

Danny Han Seng Foong is a seasoned Technology, Media and Telecom expert with more than 20 years of business experience in an international context. He brings a diverse perspective combining financial expertise, strategy and governance to deliver insights and help drive informed decisions... Read More →

Denis Caes

Finance Director, Asia Pacific, Scoular

Denis is the Finance Director for Asia, joining the company in January 2020. Denis is a seasoned finance professional with years of experience in various finance roles at Total Energies in Brussels, Paris and Singapore. Denis began his 20-year career with Total Energies in... Read More →

Wednesday June 12, 2024 12:20pm - 12:50pm GMT+08

Panel Discussion

12:50pm GMT+08

Networking Lunch 

Wednesday June 12, 2024 12:50pm - 1:40pm GMT+08

1:50pm GMT+08

Interactive Technology Discussion Rounds 1, 2, 3 & 4

Round 1: 1.40pm – 2.20pm 
Round 2: 2.20pm – 3.00pm   
Round 3: 3.00pm - 3.40pm   
 
Networking Tea Break 
3.40pm – 4.10pm 
 
Round 4: 4.10 pm – 4.50pm   
Round 5: 4.50pm – 5.30pm 

***
You’ll be engaged in four roundtable discussions throughout the day, each topic led by a zone host. Topics include the following:

AI Techtonic Shift: How CFOs Navigate Enterprise Generative AI 

Integrating GenAI into Business and Operating Models 
Exploring transformative effects of GenAI on traditional business models 
Addressing legal and ethical concerns related to GenAI 
Discussing evolving landscape of AI and GenAI

 Hanson Heng, Head of Finance, Blueleaf Energy

Leverage Zero-Based Budgeting to Optimize Constrained Budgets  

Enhancing scenario-driven, agile, and iterative planning by starting with a clear understanding of your business priorities.  
Realigning budget with strategic priorities  
Incorporating contingency budgeting into your financial planning strategy  
Fine-tune your contingency budgeting efforts to match various scenarios that your organization may encounter

Revolutionizing Finance: Unleashing the Power of Hyperautomation and Blockchain for a Transformative Future 

Exploring how hyperautomation, driven by AI and robotics, is streamlining financial processes to unprecedented levels of efficiency and accuracy. 
Discovering how blockchain technology is revolutionizing financial transactions, providing unbreakable security, and reducing fraud in the finance industry. 
Understanding how hyperautomation and blockchain can drastically cut operational costs while enabling scalability, opening doors for innovative financial products and services. 
Gaining insights into the long-term impact of hyperautomation and blockchain on the financial landscape, and how they are shaping the future of finance for businesses and consumers alike

 
Future-Proofing Financial Risk Management: Building a Digital Arsenal for Resilience  

Discover how cutting-edge digital tools are transforming financial risk management, making it more robust and adaptable to an ever-changing landscape.  
Learn essential strategies and best practices to construct a digital arsenal that can withstand unforeseen challenges, from market volatility to cybersecurity threats.  
Explore the role of technology in enhancing regulatory compliance, reducing compliance-related risks, and maintaining a competitive edge.  
Discover how digital tools can streamline compliance processes, ensuring adherence to changing financial regulations while maintaining operational agility.

Speakers

Hanson Heng

Head of Finance, Blueleaf Energy

Hanson is a Chartered Accountant of Singapore and holds a MBA from NUS, leverages 15 years of experience driving finance transformation. From mastering project controls in oil & gas construction in his early days to leading FP&A at Blueleaf Energy (a Macquarie owned renewable... Read More →

Wednesday June 12, 2024 1:50pm - 5:30pm GMT+08

Interactive Technology Discussion

5:30pm GMT+08

Balancing Efficiency and Cybersecurity: CFO Strategies for a Secure Future

Recognizing the financial implications of cyberattacks, including potential losses and regulatory fines.  
Identifying key areas where efficiency improvements can yield significant financial benefits.  
Leveraging technology and best practices to safeguard financial assets and data  
Developing CFO-driven strategies to simultaneously enhance efficiency and cybersecurity.

Wednesday June 12, 2024 5:30pm - 6:00pm GMT+08

6:00pm GMT+08

Chairperson’s Closing Remarks

Wednesday June 12, 2024 6:00pm - 6:15pm GMT+08

8:30am GMT+08

Registration and welcome coffee  

Thursday June 13, 2024 8:30am - 9:00am GMT+08

9:00am GMT+08

Chairperson’s Opening remarks  

Thursday June 13, 2024 9:00am - 9:10am GMT+08

9:10am GMT+08

Let’s Talk Talent: Futurescaping the New Age Finance  

Explore how finance professionals can prepare for the digital age by harnessing data-driven insights and predictive analytics.  
Balancing Skills: Strengthening Technical Proficiency and Foundational Soft Skills  
Understand how a combination of technical expertise and strong soft skills can position finance professionals as valuable partners in driving business success.  
Adapting to new paradigms while preserving the essence of finance.

Speakers

Shamina Chandran

Senior Finance Director – APAC, Flexport

A business strategist, a passionate leader, and a forward-thinking innovator. These are the multiple hats that Shamina has worn over 20 years in increasingly challenging financial leadership roles. With global multi-industry leaders such as Flexport, Maersk, Coty and Diageo, she... Read More →

Thursday June 13, 2024 9:10am - 9:35am GMT+08

Opening Presentation

9:35am GMT+08

Nurturing Tomorrow's Financial Wizards: Strategies for Developing and Retaining Digital Finance Talent  

Implementing ongoing training and upskilling programs to keep finance professionals updated on digital tools and trends.  
Crafting compelling job descriptions and competitive compensation packages to attract digital-savvy finance professionals.  
Establishing mentorship programs to facilitate knowledge transfer and skill development.  
Promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace to access a broader talent pool and enhance creativity.

Thursday June 13, 2024 9:35am - 10:00am GMT+08

10:00am GMT+08

Finance in Flux: Transforming Finance Teams in the Age of Hybrid Work and Automation  

Strategies to harness the advantages of remote and hybrid work setups in finance  
Adapting leadership and training methods to remote/hybrid working environments.  
Balancing skill development with scaling financial operations.  
Fostering a culture of ongoing learning and development.

Speakers

Pankaj Kabra

Senior Vice President Finance, Traveloka

Covering strategizing, defining, influencing and implementing actions to drive growth, increase margins, maximize cash-flow, automate processes and develop high caliber teams. Pankaj’s career has covered FP&A, Controllership, Pricing, Consulting and Commercial management across... Read More →

Jeslyn Chua

Head of Finance, Hoya Tehnosurgical Singapore

Chartered accountant with 28 years of experience in finance business partnering, business development, regional, commercial and manufacturing finance leadership, accounting shared services, and auditing. Experienced in leading diverse teams in the finance and procurement functions... Read More →

Thursday June 13, 2024 10:00am - 10:25am GMT+08

Panel Discussion

10:25am GMT+08

Networking Coffee Break  

Thursday June 13, 2024 10:25am - 10:55am GMT+08

10:55am GMT+08

Revolutionizing Liquidity Management with AI and APIs  

Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence in cash forecasting and planning.  
Implementing AI-driven solutions for accurate liquidity predictions.  
Leveraging APIs for seamless integration and data access.  
Case studies highlighting the transformational impact of AI and APIs on liquidity management.

Thursday June 13, 2024 10:55am - 11:15am GMT+08

11:15am GMT+08

Charting a Sustainable Future for Finance: Going Beyond Regulatory Requirements  

Explore the integration of ethical considerations and responsible investing into financial practices, moving beyond mere compliance to create a positive impact on society and the environment.  
Investigate how cutting-edge technologies like blockchain, artificial intelligence, and data analytics can revolutionize financial operations, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and sustainability  
Discuss the importance of engaging with diverse stakeholders, including customers, investors, and regulatory bodies, to develop a holistic approach to sustainable finance that extends beyond mere compliance.  
Examine methods for quantifying the impact of sustainable finance initiatives, allowing for the assessment of progress and the refinement of strategies for the future.

Thursday June 13, 2024 11:15am - 11:35am GMT+08

Fireside Chat

11:35am GMT+08

From CFO to Chief Transformation Officer: Unleashing ROI Potential 

CFOs driving enterprise reinvention through investments.  
Exploring new markets for revenue diversification.  
The impact of technology adoption on financial performance.  
Navigating risk landscapes for sustainable ROI.

Speakers

Karen Lai

Director of Business Control Global Operations, ASM

Karen is currently the Director, Business Control of Global Operations at ASM. She manages full suite of management reporting & analysis, and financial planning for Global Operations. She is one of the core team members of Women’s Initiative Network (WIN) to drive female talent... Read More →

Joe Dische

CFO, PropertyGuru

As Chief Financial Officer, Joe leads the Finance, Strategy and Corporate functions across the Group. He is responsible for achieving the balance between delivering ambitious growth and the highest possible standards of governance and control. He has led successful fundraising and... Read More →

Will Wyld

Finance Director, Digital Transformation, Unilever

Will is a seasoned finance leader with more than 18 years of expertise in M&A across Consumer & Financial Services (PwC, Citi), Retail (Tesco), and FMCG (Unilever) sectors, across Europe, APAC, and global domains. He excels in establishing finance teams from inception, notably... Read More →

Thursday June 13, 2024 11:35am - 12:00pm GMT+08

Panel Discussion

12:00pm GMT+08

Profit with Purpose: Integrating Sustainability into Long-Term Corporate Financial Plans  

Explain the concept of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria in investment and decision-making.  
Explore how sustainability practices can help companies mitigate environmental and social risks.  
Discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) and reporting frameworks for tracking sustainability progress.  
Highlight how ethical and sustainable practices can enhance a company's reputation and attract investors.

Thursday June 13, 2024 12:00pm - 12:20pm GMT+08

Case Study

12:20pm GMT+08

Networking Lunch  

Thursday June 13, 2024 12:20pm - 1:40pm GMT+08

1:30pm GMT+08

Interactive Technology Discussion Rounds 1, 2, 3 & 4

Round 1: 1.40pm – 2.20pm 
Round 2: 2.20pm – 3.00pm   
Round 3: 3.00pm - 3.40pm   
 
Networking Tea Break 
3.40pm – 4.10pm 
 
Round 4: 4.10 pm – 4.50pm   
Round 5: 4.50pm – 5.30pm 

***
You’ll be engaged in four roundtable discussions throughout the day, each topic led by a zone host. Topics include the following:

Sustainability at the Heart of Investments: ESG Integration Done Right 

Creating a Comprehensive ESG Strategy: From Policy to Execution 
ESG Due Diligence: Identifying Material Risks and Opportunities 
ESG as a Value Driver: Enhancing Long-Term Returns 
The Role of Shareholder Engagement in Promoting Sustainable Practices

Alison Bertholon, APAC Finance Director, Business Control – Volvo Bus, Volvo Group

From Cost Centers to Profit Drivers: The Power of Finance-HR Convergence 

Demonstrating the impact of HR investments on the bottom line 
Leveraging HR analytics to drive financial growth 
Creating agile compensation strategies for dynamic markets 
Fostering a culture of financial accountability within HR

 

Cash Management Resilience: Strategies to Thrive in Turbulent Markets 

Setting the right liquidity thresholds to thrive during market volatility. 
Diversification tactics to fortify your cash management against uncertainties. 
Mitigating deposit risk and addressing liquidity concerns through innovative solutions. 
Discovering efficient and high-yield cash holding methods to ensure resilience.

Christopher Emslie, Asian Regional Treasurer/President, General Mills/Association of Corporate Treasurers (Singapore)

Digital Currency Dynamics: Unlocking the Potential of CBDCs and Stablecoins 

Stay updated with the latest developments in CBDCs and Stablecoins, and discover their impact on corporate treasurers and CFOs 
Explore how the rapid growth of digital currency is reshaping the payment landscape and what it means for financial professionals. 
Identify the potential risks and opportunities that digital money brings to finance operations. 
Gain valuable insights from industry experts to make informed decisions in the era of digital money

Speakers

Alison Bertholon

APAC Finance Director, Business Control – Volvo Bus, Volvo Group 

Alison is the APAC Finance Director for Volvo Bus, based in Singapore. Accomplished Finance professional, her career spans over 20 years in leadership roles in corporate finance, strategy implementation, audit, and internal controls, as well as across various industries: Commodities... Read More →

Christopher Emslie

Asian Regional Treasurer/President, General Mills/Association of Corporate Treasurers (Singapore)

Chris is the current Asia Regional Treasurer for General Mills based in Singapore, he is involved in cash management activities, capital structures, banking relationships and financial risk management in the Asian region. He has been involved in building and managing a Regional Treasury... Read More →

Thursday June 13, 2024 1:30pm - 5:30pm GMT+08

Interactive Technology Discussion

5:30pm GMT+08

CFO Leadership Vision 2024: Driving Business Transformation Through Digital Initiatives  

Business leaders are unmistakably indicating a swift increase in digital business initiatives. A significant number of them anticipate that digital technology will result in substantial or complete industry transformation by the year 2026.  
  

Strategic Emphasis: Prioritizing business-centric digital initiatives as a pivotal element in fostering organizational growth.  
Capitalizing on opportunities to revamp their business with CFO’s driving the transformation  
Rapid Advancement of Digitalization Initiatives: Highlighting the pivotal role of CFOs as drivers of digital transformation  
Adapting Business Paradigms: CFOs lead efforts to adapt to changing consumer preferences and behaviors in the era of the "everywhere, everything" customer.

Speakers

Raghu Murthy

Asia Pacific CFO, GE Aerospace

Raghu Murthy is a seasoned operations and finance leader with 19 years of diverse international experience spanning North America, Asia, and Europe within infrastructure industries such as Energy, Aviation, and Water. With a comprehensive background starting from engineering and product... Read More →

Thursday June 13, 2024 5:30pm - 6:00pm GMT+08

Panel Discussion

6:00pm GMT+08

Chairperson’s Closing Remarks  

Thursday June 13, 2024 6:00pm - 6:15pm GMT+08