Programme

Of late, regulators across Asian markets have put forward initiatives for companies to take greater cognizance of their market valuations and shareholder returns. This started in 2023 with the Action Program of Japan, followed in 2024 by Korea’s Value Up initiative and China’s Market Value Management guidelines as well as similar initiatives by regulators across the region. For the first session of our annual conference, we will invite the regulators of three of the most significant markets - the Financial Services Agency of Japan or Tokyo Stock Exchange, Financial Services Commission or Korea Exchange as well as the Chinese regulators - to discuss how these initiatives have developed and their areas of focus going forward.

This panel will explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and escalating cyber-risks from a corporate governance perspective. Discover how boards can harness AI to enhance decision-making and risk management while navigating its disruptive impact on business operations and corporate business models. From addressing ethical dilemmas, data privacy, and algorithmic bias to mitigating cybersecurity threats and AI-driven opportunities and risks to traditional revenue streams, this panel will consider how businesses and investors can balance innovation with accountability and operational resilience.

Value Up initiatives in the region are largely led by regulators but their success depends on corporates following through with a greater focus on shareholder value by the board and management. Do boards have the skill set to deliver on their expectations? How should these policies be implemented in the companies? What are the roles for other stakeholders, including director institutes and institutional investors? This session will bring to bear the perspectives of various stakeholders on what is necessary for Value Up programme to be successful at the corporate level as well as more broadly in a given market.

Shareholder activism is rising sharply across Asia, driven by governance reforms and increasing investor engagement. This session explores how activism is evolving beyond financial demands to focus on governance, transparency, and sustainability. Panellists will discuss the challenges companies face in responding to activist campaigns and how investors and boards can foster constructive dialogue to improve corporate behaviour and market standards.

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?

Audit committees of listed companies serve as a vital line of defence against corruption and fraud within their organizations. On this panel, we will discuss: 

• Best practices for strengthening audit oversight, enhancing transparency, and mitigating financial risks associated with misconduct

• Evolving challenges and risks within Asia Pacific faced by audit committees

• How robust audit governance can help protect long term investors, ensure compliance with local and international standards, and foster long-term value creation.

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.

Fairmont Ambassador Hotel Foyer, Ground Floor

Fairmont Ambassador Hotel Ballroom, Ground Floor

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.

The trillion-dollar shift from public to private markets, driven by private equity growth and take-private deals, is transforming Asia’s investment landscape. Private markets’ limited disclosures and reduced shareholder oversight contrast with public markets’ robust reporting, creating a new set of governance challenges for investors. This panel explores the drivers behind this capital shift, public market trends, and investor strategies to address valuation concerns, limited transparency, and reduced board oversight. Discover how investors can promote transparent structures and sustainable practices to enhance governance in Asia’s evolving public and private markets.

Annual General Meetings are a cornerstone of shareholder engagement - but in many Asian markets, the AGM and proxy voting systems remain outdated, opaque, and inefficient. This workshop will dive into the practical and structural challenges investors face during voting season, from compressed meeting calendars and limited disclosure timelines to the fragmented role of proxy advisors. The discussion will focus on how the system can be modernised to support more effective stewardship, improve vote execution, and enhance corporate accountability.

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.

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.

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.

Fairmont Ambassador Hotel Ballroom, Ground Floor