In this afternoon briefing, Dr. Changyong Rhee, Chief Economist of the Asian Development Bank, will recap the findings of the ADB’s regional outlook for growth in Asia for 2013. He will also explain the links between energy efficiency, growth, and development for the region’s key economies. >>

The most pressing issues of our time, including economic inequality and financial stability, set against the backdrop of a rising Asia, will be discussed at a major event in Hong Kong from April 4-6.The Institute for New Economic Thinking (INET) is holding the plenary conference, named ‘Changing of the Guard?,’ in conjunction with the Fung Global Institute and the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI). >>

Amidst economic slowdown in the West and rapid growth at home, Asia is now the new frontline in the battle against global climate change. The environment is under pressure as a result of industrialisation, urbanisation and a rapidly growing middle class. Efforts to mitigate rising carbon emissions and to adapt to the effects of climate change face serious challenges, calling for effective financing, the right policies and actions by businesses. >>

In a white paper released earlier this year, Al Gore and his partners suggest revamping capitalism into a system that caters to real economic needs while integrating environmental, social and governance considerations into all aspects of decision making.  Sustainable Capitalism identifies key actions that would be needed to move capitalism >>

The inaugural Asia-Global Dialogue, held from 31 May to 2 June 2012, attracted more than 400 participants from 22 countries. They came together in Hong Kong to explore and discuss the positive role that Asian businesses can play as the global economy re-balances to the East.Asia-Global Dialogue is Asia’s independent platform where thought leaders, business leaders and community leaders from Asia and around the world engage in dialogue on the world’s most fundamental and pressing issues, and the opportunities and challenges these present for business and the global economy. >>

The Fung Global Institute’s flagship annual event, the Asia-Global Dialogue (AGD) will be held in Hong Kong on 5 and 6 December 2013 (Thursday and Friday) at the Four Seasons Hotel, in Central.This will be the second AGD since the Institute was founded in 2011. The inaugural event, in May last year, attracted a capacity by-invitation audience of over 400 distinguished participants from over 20 countries addressing the topic “Towards a New Global Economy: Re-defining Asia’s Role”. The gathering, which was widely covered in international media, set AGD on track to becoming the premier independent forum of its kind in the Asia-Pacific. It enables global business leaders, international policy makers, scholars and leaders of civil society to engage in open, constructive discussion on pressing and relevant issues. AGD 2013 will once more be themed around the Institute’s four core areas of research: the evolution of global supply chains, the development of Asia’s new financial architecture, the evolving growth models of China and India and Asia’s sustainable development. Building on last year’s topic, we aim to deliver an equally robust, timely and forward-thinking programme, with substantive fresh insights and exceptional networking opportunities. In the coming months the AGD website will be updated with information on the AGD 2013 programme and speakers. Meanwhile go to http://www.agdialogue.com for the AGD 2012 highlights.So do watch this space!   >>