Technological shifts and geopolitical changes are transforming economies worldwide, creating both opportunities and challenges for businesses and investors. These themes were central to the 29th Asian Investment Conference (AIC), organized by UBS in Singapore and Hong Kong. The event, titled “Investing in an age of change,” attracted more than 6,200 attendees to discuss topics including artificial intelligence, global trade, and economic trends in Asia and other regions. The AIC, which ran as a week-long series of discussions and curated activities across both cities, brought together top policymakers, business executives, and investors for high-level conversations on the forces shaping the global economy. This year’s conference, hosted by UBS, explored four main topics: factors influencing the global economy, business adoption of emerging technologies like AI, the future of finance, and the economic outlook for Asia and beyond.
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UBS designed the AIC as a platform for policymakers, business leaders, and investors to examine how AI is reshaping industries, the future of financial systems, and Asia’s economic trajectory. The Hong Kong segment, beginning May 26, featured the AIC Wealth Forum, where experts in wealth management addressed challenges in volatile markets. The forum’s discussions also extended to macro and geopolitical developments, key investment themes such as AI, longevity, global connectivity, and commodities. The forum’s sessions aimed to provide actionable insights for handling a dynamic market environment, with a particular focus on aligning investment strategies with long-term economic shifts.
Michael Wong Wai-lun, Hong Kong’s Deputy Financial Secretary, reinforced the conference’s message. “Investing through uncertainty is key,” he stated. “We must focus on long-term returns and competitiveness, not short-term obstacles.” His comments aligned with the AIC’s objective of building resilience in a rapidly changing world. Wong’s remarks reflected the city’s government’s commitment to supporting a forward-looking economic strategy. He emphasized that Hong Kong, as an economy, must remain resilient in the face of immediate challenges, prioritizing sustainable returns and long-term growth. This perspective showed the conference’s broader theme of maintaining investment momentum despite global volatility, with Hong Kong positioned as a critical hub for financial innovation and cross-border collaboration.
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The forum also considered how Asia can strengthen trade relationships. Hadi Badri from Dubai’s Economic Development Corporation noted that Hong Kong and Dubai act as “superconnectors” for regional markets. “Dubai can assist Asian families in expanding capabilities on the ground,” he said, emphasizing collaboration between the two financial hubs over competition. The session was followed by a panel discussion featuring cross-border investment advisers and leaders from the energy and tourism sectors, who shared insights on platforms and opportunities for scaling operations across both regions. These discussions showed the strategic importance of regional partnerships in handling complex trade settings, with a particular focus on leveraging digital infrastructure to facilitate seamless business expansion.
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Alejo Czerwonko and Jose Auriemo Neto’s session on Latin America highlighted the region’s growing role in global supply chains, with a focus on building a growth corridor as diversification becomes increasingly critical. The panelists outlined opportunities for investment in sectors such as renewable energy and logistics, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies that align with local economic priorities. This session reflected the conference’s broader emphasis on identifying emerging markets and crafting investment solutions that address both short-term risks and long-term opportunities. The discussions also touched on the importance of regulatory alignment and infrastructure development in supporting cross-border trade, reinforcing the AIC’s commitment to providing actionable insights for investors seeking to capitalize on regional trends.