8:25-8:35

Opening Address

Introduction:

Philip N.L. Chen, CEO, Cathay Pacific Airways

Speaker:

Bo Xilai, Minister of Commerce, People’s Republic of China

8:35-9.05

General Session

Opportunities and Challenges for Chinese Companies

Speakers:

James Turley, Global Chairman and CEO, Ernst & Young
Wang Xianzhang, Chairman and President, China Life Insurance Company Ltd.
Zhang Xinshing, Chairman, Shanghai Brilliance Company Limited
Zhou Huan, Chairman, Telecom Technology and Industry Group and President, China Academy of Telecommunications Technology

Moderator:

Clay Chandler, Asia Editor, FORTUNE

9:05-9:50

General Session

Wireless Asia

Phone, e-mail, and text messages are only the beginning for mobile communication in Asia. Whether it's gaming, banking, or bill paying, position tracking or appliance control, the services and infrastructure available in the region are creating a truly wireless society. How does the market differ from country to country? What are the drivers and enablers of this wireless world? What companies appear to be the winners and losers? What will China's imminent adoption of 3G technology mean to the markets in that country and throughout Asia?

9:50-10:35

Intellectual Property Rights: More Turmoil or Mutual Understanding?

Patent, trademark, and copyright infringement issues have long clouded the global business horizon, leading some companies to scrap plans for global expansion rather than put their intellectual property rights in jeopardy. How serious and widespread is the problem? What steps are Asian countries taking to protect intellectual property rights? In what areas has there been progress, where does more need to be done, and what is the likely time frame?

10:50-11:40

Concurrent Sessions

(I) Roles and Responsibilities of Multinationals: Social and Environmental

Given the differing responsibilities the world's governments have assumed and the vast differences among nations' laws, regulations, and degrees of enforcement, what should the role and responsibilities of a global corporation be with regard to social and environmental issues?

10:50-11:40

Concurrent Sessions

(II) Booming Economies and Commodities

One of the by-products of Asia’s economic boom has been a huge spike in the demand for commodities. Prices have reached unprecedented levels and show no signs of moderating. The increased demand and price hikes impact business strategies and bottom lines and have begun to influence domestic and foreign policies. What are the likely scenarios going forward?

10:50-11:40

Concurrent Sessions

(III) Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurial spirit is a key driver in the vision and success of local, home-grown companies. How do you develop and encourage private enterprise in countries and industries where there is heavy government involvement?

10:50-11:40

Concurrent Sessions

(IV) Regional Power Shifts

The past decade has been marked by shifts of economic and geopolitical power throughout Asia. How have changing economic fortunes impacted regional geopolitics and multinational business operations?

10:50-11:40

Concurrent Sessions

(V) The Outlook for Banking Reform in China

A close-up look at the progress being made on banking reform in China and an assessment of the numerous challenges remaining.

11:55-12:45

General Session

Will Asia Become the Focal Point of Technology Innovation?

For the past few decades, the U.S. has been the dominant force in technology. But with globalization and the rise of Asian economies, the center of technology innovation is beginning to shift. Engineers and programmers are emerging from Asian schools in record numbers. While they once looked to the U.S. for opportunity, they are now finding it at home. Multinationals are increasingly locating R&D and development facilities in the region, and Asian companies are taking stakes in Western technology companies-or buying them outright.

12:45-12:55

Special Address

Yoriko Koike, Minister of the Environment, Japan

13:55-14:45

Concurrent Sessions

(I) A Looming Environmental Crisis?

Not everything about the startling economic growth in Asia-particularly in China and India over the past two decades-has been positive. Natural resources have been seriously depleted. Escalating pollution has produced widespread public health problems, mass migration, economic loss, and burgeoning social unrest. Governments, NGOs, and multinationals are acknowledging increased awareness of the problem and proposing solutions.

13:55-14:45

Concurrent Sessions

(II) Is the Locus of Medical Research and Innovation Shifting to Asia?

Throughout the last century, most of the action in medical research and innovation took place in the West, home to the most up-to-date research facilities and the world's leading scientists, all funded by huge public- and private-sector investments. In recent years, some Asian countries have taken steps to attract research facilities and the scientists to lead them. We'll examine the successes and discuss the opportunities and challenges for the future.

13:55-14:45

Concurrent Sessions

(III) Emerging Trade Relationships

In addition to the numerous trade associations already in existence-with their varying rules and purposes-far more are being contemplated or lobbied for globally. There are countless one-to-one free-trade agreements executed or pending. What does all this activity hold for the future? What would be best regionally? Globally? For multinationals?

13:55-14:45

Concurrent Sessions

(IV) Wanted: Good Management

There is no issue more crucial to China's future-and nothing more bedeviling to foreign and domestic companies doing business in China-than management. It is the Achilles heel of Chinese reform. Chinese companies traditionally have followed the top-down model almost exclusively. To achieve success globally, China needs to advance beyond this model and multinationals need to find ways to build smooth partnerships within China. James McGregor, author of One Billion Customers: Lessons from the Front Lines of Doing Business in China, will lead an examination of these issues through two prominent case studies: the CICC deal of ten years ago and the pending IBM/Lenovo merger.

14:55-15:45

General Session Global, Regional, and Local Branding: Who’s Winning and Why?

A global brand is an invaluable asset, but what is the best way to balance a global vision with local know-how and nuances? Increasingly, domestic "power brands" are challenging global market leaders-and their aspirations don't stop at their own borders. What strategies are being used to create powerful brands capable of building loyalty among increasingly savvy and sophisticated audiences? Three expert branders-Sir Martin Sorrell of WPP, Meg Whitman of eBay, and Masamoto Yashiro of Shinsei Bank-will discuss how companies, both global and local, are adapting to the ever-changing tastes and diversity of consumers.

15:45

Forum Closing