CFO Innovation Hong Kong 2024: Full Schedule

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8:30am HKT

Registration and Welcome Coffee

Wednesday November 6, 2024 8:30am - 9:00am HKT

9:00am HKT

Chairperson’s Opening Remarks

Wednesday November 6, 2024 9:00am - 9:10am HKT

9:10am HKT

Navigating the Waves: CFO Insights on Thriving Amid Economic Shifts

Wednesday November 6, 2024 9:10am - 9:35am HKT

This keynote will delve into an intricate analysis of both global and Asia-Pacific (APAC) economic trends. The objective is to comprehend the potential impacts of these trends on various sectors and economies. The discussion will include an examination of Asia's growth momentum and transition, particularly highlighting the robust dynamics – challenges and opportunities in China PRC.

The presentation aims to provide CFOs with strategic insights that will enable them to skillfully navigate their organizations through periods of fluctuating interest rates and ongoing inflation.

Speakers

Raymond Yeung

Chief Economist, Greater China, ANZ Bank

Raymond leads an award-winning China research team based in Hong Kong and Shanghai. The team has been recognised by KangaNews as the #1 Asian Research Pool four times between 2017 and 2022, and #2 Best Team for Asian Macroeconomic Research in 2016 by Asiamoney. He is the author of... Read More →

Wednesday November 6, 2024 9:10am - 9:35am HKT

APAC Economist Update

9:35am HKT

How CFOs Become Partners for Growth in Challenging Times

Wednesday November 6, 2024 9:35am - 9:50am HKT

In an era of economic fluctuations and rapid technological advancements, CFOs are at the forefront of driving tech-led transformation and sustainable growth. While retaining controlling, reporting and liquidity responsibilities, CFO’s have been tasked with strategic planning, risk management, and resource maximization. A mature Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) team can be a powerful tool for CFOs to propel growth, navigate uncertainties, and drive value creation. This session will use the AFP FP&A Maturity Model to show the “why, what and how” a future-focused FP&A organization can help CFO to do the following:

Enhance decision-making in volatile economic conditions
Support corporates through economic shifts, and
Balance short-term financial pressures with long-term value creation through strategic FP&A practices

Speakers

Bryan Lapidus

Director, FP&A Practice, Association for Financial Professionals (AFP)

Bryan Lapidus has more than 20 years of experience in the FP&A and treasury space working at organizations like American Express, Fannie Mae and private equity-owned companies. At AFP he is the staff subject matter expert on FP&A, which includes designing content to meet the needs... Read More →

Wednesday November 6, 2024 9:35am - 9:50am HKT

Innovation Keynote

9:50am HKT

The Pivot Pathway: From Geopolitical Challenges to New Opportunities

Wednesday November 6, 2024 9:50am - 10:10am HKT

The session will highlight how the strategic shift towards technology and brand investment have revolutionized legacy businesses to strengthen resilience and provided hedge against underperforming segments. The discussion will also illustrate how this transformative approach has equipped businesses to navigate the intricate maze of current political and economic challenges. It will demonstrate how CFOs are steering their corporations through this transformational journey.

Speakers

Wilkie Wong

Chief Financial Officer, Esquel Group

Wilkie Wong is Chief Financial Officer at Esquel Group, a knowledge-based innovation company that continuously pushes for positive change in the textile and apparel business, expanding into new territory to evolve with the industry and its customers.Wilkie has over 20 years of general... Read More →

Wednesday November 6, 2024 9:50am - 10:10am HKT

Tech-led Scenario Planning, Case Study

10:10am HKT

Adapting to Geo-Economic Evolutions: Strategic Guide for Asia-Pacific Enterprises

Wednesday November 6, 2024 10:10am - 10:45am HKT

Our esteemed panel will dissect the short-term and long-term ramifications of the evolving geo-economic landscape. It will elucidate how CFOs can spearhead their enterprises' adaptation to these dynamic shifts. The panel will delve into strategies to help counter inflation, manage costs and scrutinize capital allocations in order to emerge from a downturn in a better and healthier position, and contemplating potential collaboration channels in GBA and differentiation strategies. The session will also emphasize the necessity for rapid response and diversified strategies to bolster geopolitical resilience.

Moderators

Horace Ma

CFO, S Culture Holding

Horace Ma has over 20 years of experience in senior management, audit, compliance and finance in the technology and consumer sectors. Horace was and is assuming an independent non-executive director role in various listed companies in Hong Kong and the US. He is currently the CFO... Read More →

Speakers

Wilkie Wong

Chief Financial Officer, Esquel Group

YK Lee

Group CFO, Qi Group

YK Lee is the Group CFO of the Qi Group, a multinational conglomerate with a diverse portfolio encompasses education, travel & leisure, e-commerce, direct selling, retail, community engagement and more, with a global footprint across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the... Read More →

Steffen Jung

Chief Financial Officer, Airbus Helicopters China

Steffen is an experienced finance leader, currently serving as the Regional CFO for Airbus Helicopters in Greater China & Mongolia.He has led major restructuring efforts, streamlined operations, and overseen multiple strategic initiatives across Europe and Asia. Steffen’s expertise... Read More →

Wednesday November 6, 2024 10:10am - 10:45am HKT

Tech-led Scenario Planning, CFOs Panel

10:45am HKT

Networking Coffee Break

Wednesday November 6, 2024 10:45am - 11:15am HKT

11:15am HKT

EPM in the Era of AI: The CFO's Guide to Modern Performance Management Technologies

Wednesday November 6, 2024 11:15am - 11:30am HKT

In today's fast-paced business environment, Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) are expected to be strategic leaders who drive organizational performance and value creation. This session aims to equip CFOs with insights into the latest enterprise performance management (EPM) technologies, demonstrating how these tools can enhance decision-making, streamline processes, and improve financial outcomes.

Wednesday November 6, 2024 11:15am - 11:30am HKT

Technology Session

11:30am HKT

GAI Integration Challenges in Large Finance Operations: A Case Study

Wednesday November 6, 2024 11:30am - 11:50am HKT

This case study will delve into the transformative power of AI in the financial sector. We'll study an innovative utilization of AI within a significant Hong Kong-based enterprise, which has significantly integrated AI into its entire business structure, revolutionizing not only Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A), but also the entirety of their business units. Through this in-depth case study, we aim to shed light on the advantages, obstacles, and prospective growth of AI integration in finance.

Speakers

Gary Zhang

Executive Director, Head of Global Finance and Accounting, LI & FUNG

Gary Y. Zhang, Executive Director, Head of Global Finance and Accounting at Li & Fung Trading, a world leader in supply chain management and trading with offices in over 40 economies, has over 25 years of broad experiences in accounting, finance, treasury, capital market, investor... Read More →

Wednesday November 6, 2024 11:30am - 11:50am HKT

11:50am HKT

Crafting the Roadmap for Businesses in the era of Gen. AI: Building or Buying?

Wednesday November 6, 2024 11:50am - 12:30pm HKT

Continuing with the AI theme, we will explore the constantly evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence, discussing the latest developments that occur each quarter. In the context of building versus buying, we will consider whether corporations should invest in hiring a data scientist to develop bespoke AI solutions or whether they should leverage pre-existing products from tech industry leaders.

Furthermore, we will delve into how AI can influence strategic financial decisions, offering insights and recommendations for businesses to make informed choices.

Moderators

Horace Ma

CFO, S Culture Holding

Speakers

Chien-po Liao

Group Financial Controller, Data and Analytics, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

Currently a finance and system leader in mandarin oriental hotel group, supporting long term transformation goal in group level. Previously worked in multiple industries and initiated more than 100 successful process improvement projects in the last decade. From finance major and... Read More →

Bianca Ho

Director of Information Technology, Swire Hotels

Bianca is a passionate advocate for a data-driven future, leveraging her expertise in IT digital transformation, business development, and legal (Intellectual Property). With a focus on the intersection of technology, law, and business, she helps companies navigate complexities... Read More →

Deric Stephane

Snr Regional Financial Controller Asia, Rhenus Logistics Asia-Pacific Pte Ltd

Deric is an esteemed scholar with a strong academic background, he is currently pursuing an Executive Master of Accounting from Cambridge University. He currently holds the position of head of innovation and Senior Regional Financial Controller at Rhenus Logistics, a renowned international... Read More →

John Zheng

CIO, CFO & Deputy General Manager, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co. (China)

John Zheng, CIO and CFO, Deputy General Manager, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance China, in charge of finance, investment, information technology and innovation, and solid insurance management experience. Vice-chair of Fintech committee, Asia Finance Cooperation Associate; Past council... Read More →

Wednesday November 6, 2024 11:50am - 12:30pm HKT

GAI for Operational Efficiency, Panel Discussion

12:30pm HKT

Networking Lunch

Wednesday November 6, 2024 12:30pm - 1:50pm HKT

1:50pm HKT

Networking – Namecard Exchange

Wednesday November 6, 2024 1:50pm - 2:00pm HKT

2:00pm HKT

Real Time Financial Analytics Made Possible: Tools for Operational Efficiency and Process Integrity

Wednesday November 6, 2024 2:00pm - 2:15pm HKT

In an era of increasing financial complexity and regulatory scrutiny, CFOs must leverage advanced technologies to manage financial data and mitigate risks effectively. This session is designed to provide CFOs with a comprehensive understanding of the latest financial data and risk management technologies, demonstrating how these tools can enhance accuracy, compliance, and strategic risk management.

Wednesday November 6, 2024 2:00pm - 2:15pm HKT

Technology Session

2:15pm HKT

Breaking Boundaries: Real-Time Global Risk Monitoring Across Functions

Wednesday November 6, 2024 2:15pm - 2:35pm HKT

Amidst the fast-paced and intricate market scenarios of today, risk planning and gauging present tremendous innovation opportunities. The key to augmenting traditional Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) is synergizing it with transformative data analytics.
This integration empowers overcoming internal and external risk challenges, and enhances precision in setting Key Risk Indicators (KRIs) and resilient Business Continuity Plans (BCPs). It also allows real-time monitoring of legal, regulatory and audit risks across borders. For example, data analytics can track compliance with international data transfer regulations, conduct automated internal audits, and identify emerging cross-border legal exposures.
Overall, a data-augmented ERM framework affords organizations unmatched visibility into global risks in real-time across functions like legal, audit, and operations. The insights unlocked position companies to get ahead of threats instead of merely reacting. A robust data-enabled ERM schema is the new must-have for organizational resilience.

Speakers

Adam Au

General Counsel & Head of Internal Audit, Toys“R”US Asia

Adam Au is the General Counsel of Toysrus Asia. As a certified data privacy expert, he is passionate about data protection, education, the future of work, and the intersection of law, business and technology. He holds an economics degree from Brown, a law degree from Oxford and... Read More →

Wednesday November 6, 2024 2:15pm - 2:35pm HKT

2:35pm HKT

Understanding Risk-Return Dynamics: Decoding the Financial Data

Wednesday November 6, 2024 2:35pm - 3:15pm HKT

In this discussion, we will dive into the strategic importance of integrating data-driven processes with business goals to create compelling narratives from data that drive businesses towards their objectives to outperform in the market, adjusting risk-return dynamics and inform cash flow forecasts.

Moderators

Andrew Chan

Senior Manager, Risk and Opportunity, CLP

Andrew has over 17 years of professional experience in Risk Management, Compliance, Auditing and Finance across a diverse range of industry. Qualified in Australia with Big 4 firms, Andrew moved to Hong Kong over a decade ago and since then have worked in key global risk roles at... Read More →

Speakers

Morris Hui

Group’s Treasurer and Executive, Hong Kong Jockey Club

Morris is a dynamic corporate executive and senior finance leader with comprehensive experience in strategic financial management, investment and treasury management, operational excellence and data analytics. In his 20 years of professional career, Morris has assumed various... Read More →

Jim Ding

Chief Financial Officer (NAS), Ferrero

Danny Ho

Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer, Sa Sa International Holdings Limited

Danny Ho currently serves as the Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer of Sa Sa International Holdings Limited (Sa Sa), driving the company's financial strategy and digital transformation.Danny has an impressive track record as CFO of UMP Healthcare Holdings Limited (a company... Read More →

Lydia Liu Dalais

Group Finance Director, Jardine Restaurant Group, Jardine Matheson

Lydia joined Jardine Matheson (a pan-Asia leading listed British conglomerate) in Jun 2018 as a senior executive in Corporate Finance. Since Feb 2024, Lydia is the Group Finance Director for Jardine Restaurant Group, JRG is one of Asia’s leading restaurant groups today, operating... Read More →

Wednesday November 6, 2024 2:35pm - 3:15pm HKT

Mastering Financial Data and Risk Management, Panel Discussion

3:15pm HKT

Networking Coffee Break

Wednesday November 6, 2024 3:15pm - 3:40pm HKT

3:40pm HKT

Aligning Cash Forecasting with Realities of Business on the Ground

Wednesday November 6, 2024 3:40pm - 4:00pm HKT

Managing an organization’s financial health has become the No.1 priority of most CFOs in a gloomy economy. Our speaker will demonstrate how businesses efficiently predict their cash inflows and outflows and future cash positions with scenario analysis to maintain a company’s financial steadiness and progression.

Wednesday November 6, 2024 3:40pm - 4:00pm HKT

Optimal Cash & Liquidity Management, Case Study

4:00pm HKT

Adaptive Strategies for Managing Working Capital Amidst Uncertainty

Wednesday November 6, 2024 4:00pm - 4:30pm HKT

This panel discussion promises to be a comprehensive exploration of the astute management of working capital. We will examine the evolution of cash forecasting in volatile economic conditions and discuss strategies for optimizing cash flow. Speakers will also highlight the role of cross-department collaboration in creating profitable financial plans by integrating diverse data sources into financial planning. We will also explore the pros and cons of different alternative financing strategies to navigate complex financial landscapes.

Speakers

Jason Li

Asia Finance Director, Targus

Jason Li is the Finance Director for Targus Asia Pacific, a global computing accessories company that designs, manufactures, and sells laptop and tablet cases, computer accessories, as well as universal docking stations. Before joining Targus three year ago, he was the APAC Finance... Read More →

Steve Tsang

CFO, Asia Pacific, SSP Group

Steve Tsang is the CFO of Asia Pacific at SSP Group Plc, the food travel expert that operates more than 3,000 branded catering and retail units across 37 countries. Steve is the lead of Finance and IT functions in SSP Asia Pacific, he has been integrally involved in corporate expansion... Read More →

Wednesday November 6, 2024 4:00pm - 4:30pm HKT

Optimal Cash & Liquidity Management, Fireside Chat

4:30pm HKT

Transforming Financial Forecasting: The Implementation and Impact of xP&A

Wednesday November 6, 2024 4:30pm - 4:50pm HKT

We will discuss how this strategy can provide a more comprehensive and accurate view of a company's performance and potential future outcomes. This discussion will include real-world examples of businesses that have successfully implemented xP&A and the benefits they have experienced with tech-led solutions including improved forecasting accuracy, more informed decision-making, and enhanced business agility. We will also explore the potential challenges and best practices for successfully implementing xP&A in your own organization.

Wednesday November 6, 2024 4:30pm - 4:50pm HKT

Optimal Cash & Liquidity Management, Innovation Keynote

4:50pm HKT

Chairperson’s Summary of Day One

Wednesday November 6, 2024 4:50pm - 4:55pm HKT

4:55pm HKT

End of Day One

Wednesday November 6, 2024 4:55pm - 5:00pm HKT