The Investment Management Association of Singapore (IMAS) hosted the largest buy-side investment conference on March 27.
In today’s volatile landscape, the imperative for asset managers to drive positive change has never been more pronounced. Under the banner of “Reshaping Tomorrow”, the 2024 conference serves as a pivotal multi-stakeholder platform facilitating dialogue and action on key trends shaping the industry.
Carmen Wee, CEO of IMAS says: “In a landscape marked by rapid evolution and unprecedented hurdles, the role of asset managers extends far beyond traditional financial stewardship. Just as humans instinctively adapt to shifting environmental pressures, we must collectively embrace agility and innovation to navigate the intricate dynamics of today's investment terrain. That said, we must seek to move forward together and forge ahead to our common goals.”
The investment conference has consistently drawn an average of 1000 attendees annually since 2018, with C-suite executives comprising 80% of that number.
“The IMAS Investment Conference & Masterclass serves as the cornerstone for collective action, fostering collaboration and dialogue among industry pioneers, thought leaders, and policymakers. By bringing together diverse perspectives, we can shape a future where positive change is not just envisioned but realised,” adds Wee.
Some of the speakers that participated in the event include Chia Der Jiun, the new managing director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), international delegates such as Reza Yamora Sirega, Special Advisor to the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Republic of Indonesia, as well as Guillaume Lesage, deputy chief executive officer and chief operating officer of Amundi.
During his opening speech, Chia of MAS highlighted that the theme of the conference calls for going beyond response and is about making change and having impact.
The three areas of impact he elaborated on were: Asia’s continued compelling growth story; asset managers and asset owners basing their regional operations in Singapore to tap into a diversified asset management community that supports Asia’s development; and that MAS will work with industry partners like IMAS and IBF to prepare the workforce for the changes ahead.
“The asset management industry in Singapore is well placed to respond to changes, seize opportunities and help shape the future in Asia and beyond. In particular, Asia’s growth remains compelling. Asset managers have an important role to play in supporting the investment needs of a large and growing middle class; generate more interest and demand for sustainable investment, while supporting economic development and decarbonisation in this region. Asset and fund tokenisation is also an opportunity to deepen liquidity and generate business value,” says Chia.
