Powering innovation that's Right By You

4 Nov 2024 | 3.00PM - 4.30PM
Insights Forum
Launchpad Room, Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Level 4

BCG estimates that (Gen) AI can bring 30-50% efficiency improvement, impacting all the key elements of financial services value chain. Fintechs, Banks, Insurers are announcing great value delivered with Pilots, POCs, experiments but acknowledge that scaling is not straightforward. 
 
In the 2023 (Gen) AI roundtable we covered the potential for Financial Institutions, prominent use cases, discussed challenges and aligned on key imperatives required to scale and achieve value. 
 
12 months later it's time to count the chickens. This roundtable aims to bring together AI practitioners, FI executives, policy makers and thought leaders to discuss the proof of value, Gen (AI) at scale and what it takes to achieve it. 
 
Key discussion points: 
 

1. Proof of value in FIs - where's the promised transformative impact? 
2. What are the lessons learned from transformative implementations 
3. How do we solve the remaining challenges of scaling from business, tech and risk angle?
4. What role can regulator and ecosystem play in accelerating transformation?

Speakers:
Srivatsan Tirumalai, Head of Architecture and Engineering, Group Technology and Ops, UOB
Asif Saleem, Industry Principal Architect, Financial Services APAC, Google
Prof. Chia Tek Yew, Advisor, NUS - Asian Institute of Digital Finance
Donald MacDonald, Head of Group Data Office, OCBC Bank
Nimish Panchmatia, Chief Data and Transformation Officer, DBS Bank
Dr Patrick Hoffmann, Advisor, BIS Innovation Hub - Singapore Centre
Shameek Kundu, Executive Director, AI Verify Foundation, IMDA
Thanh-Long Huynh, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, QuantCube
Shayan Hazir, Chief Digital Officer, ASEAN, HSBC

Moderators:
Saurabh Tripathi, Global Leader - Financial Institutions, The Boston Consulting Group
Dr Stiene Riemer, Managing Director & Partner, The Boston Consulting Group GmbH

Chair:
Alan Lim, Director & Head, Financial Infrastructure and Artificial Intelligence Office, Monetary Authority of Singapore

4 Nov 2024 | 4.00PM - 5.30PM
Insights Forum
Workshop Room 1, Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Level 4

The financial industry is at a turning point, driven by the rapid pace of digital transformation and technological advancements in AI and Fintech. This exclusive workshop will delve into the practical challenges and strategies of integrating intelligent systems and managing evolving risks in Southeast Asia's financial sector. Attendees can expect to consider everything from deepfakes and security, to integration and scale.

From exploring dynamic risk management practices, seamless integration of intelligent applications without disrupting daily operations, and strategic workload migrations, engage in deep-dive discussions on the latest innovations, challenges, and partnership opportunities that drive the future of finance in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Speakers:
Frankie Phua, Head of Group Risk Management, UOB
Dowson Tong, Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Executive Officer, Cloud and Smart Industries Group, Tencent
Zhang Xuyuan, Solution Architect Lead in Fintech Industry, Tencent Cloud
Kriti Jain, Managing Director, Head of New Economy – Corporate Coverage (APAC) & Corporate Cash Management Sales (APAC and MEA), Deutsche Bank
Yang Wenhui, Chief Executive Officer, Tenpay Global (Singapore) & General Manager, Tencent Financial Technology, Asia Pacific, Tencent
Kenneth Siow, Regional Director SE Asia & General Manger (Singapore/Malaysia), Tencent

4 Nov 2024 | 5.00PM - 6.30PM
Insights Forum
Roundtable Room 1, Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Level 4

Currently, several new forms of digital money are invented through tokenization. Banks are exploring tokenized deposits, or Commercial Bank Money Tokens (CBMT), as a way to modernise their offerings. However, much of this innovation is happening outside their direct control, often spearheaded by fintech players and driven by clients demanding solutions like stablecoins for cross-border payments. Additionally, central banks and regulators are beginning to enforce support for digital currencies such as retail Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), as seen with MAS on the pilot use of wholesale CBDCs in Singapore and the European Central Bank’s initiatives in Europe.

As of September 2024, three countries have successfully launched retail Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), while 35 countries are currently in the pilot phase of their CBDC projects. Additionally, 12 countries are engaged in research to explore the feasibility and implications of CBDCs, and 13 countries are actively developing their digital currencies.

Emerging tokenized forms of money, especially those running on blockchain, operate fundamentally differently from traditional currencies. We have seen new forms of digital fiat money being invented through tokenisation running on chain, including central bank money, commercial bank money, regulated stablecoins, and money market funds. These new kinds of money will technically be managed on different flavours of distributed ledgers instead of centralised databases. As a result, banks and other financial institutions must modernise their systems to ensure they can manage and transact with tokenized money effectively. This transformation will impact the IT infrastructure, core processes, and even strategic operations.

In this roundtable, we will explore the key considerations FI players need to address as they prepare for this shift, including technical, regulatory systems, and operational challenges.

Speakers:
Ho Giao Pik, Head of Strategic Alliance & Fintech, Group Channels and Digitalisation, UOB
Ashutosh Kumar, Managing Director, Head of Global Transaction Banking, Asia-Pacific, Mizuho
Bojan Obradovic, Chief Digital Officer, HSBC Hong Kong
Lennix Lai, Global Chief Commercial Officer, OKX
Manuel Klein, Market Management Payments & Digital Currencies, Deutsche Bank
Nischint Sanghavi, Head of Digital Currencies, AP, Visa
Sasha Mills, Executive Director, Financial Market Infrastructure, Bank of England
Tim Way, Head of Business Solutions, APAC & The Middle East, Fireblocks
Tom Menner, Chief Technology Officer, SBI Digital Markets
Dr Wolfram Seidemann, Chief Executive Officer Currency Technology, Giesecke+Devrient

Moderator:
Stefan Grasmann, Chief of Blockchain, Zühlke

4 Nov 2024 | 5.00PM - 7.30PM
Insights Forum
Launchpad Room, Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Level 4

This session hosted by UOB will spotlight the exciting greentech solutions developed by the 2024 cohort of the GreenTech Accelerator program. This event is designed to showcase the collaborative efforts and pilot projects undertaken by selected startups, corporates/SMEs, ecosystem partners and UOB. These are aimed at driving green transformation and fostering a sustainable future for businesses.

The GreenTech Accelerator, organised by UOB FinLab, aims to support startups in developing and deploying impactful sustainability solutions. It is 6-month regional programme for greentechs to grow, transform, forge partnerships and pilots to meet the sustainability needs of companies. This year, the programme focuses on five key themes, with challenge statements from more than 25 regional challenge partners, for greentechs to tackle actual business pain points and pilot solutions.

Themes:

• Circular Economy and Waste Management
• Energy Efficiency
• Food and Agriculture
• Sustainable Cities and Urban Planning
• Carbon Management and Reporting

Speakers:
Janet Young, Group Head, Channels and Digitalisation, Strategic Communications and Brand, UOB
Eric Lim, Chief Sustainability Officer, Group Corporate Sustainability Office, UOB
Shannon Lung, Head of UOB FinLab, Group Channels and Digitalisation, UOB
Marianne Tan, Programme Director of UOB FinLab, Group Channels and Digitalisation, UOB
Sopnendu Mohanty, Chief FinTech Officer, Monetary Authority of Singapore and Chair of the Board of Directors, Elevandi

5 Nov 2024 | 9:00AM - 10:30AM
Insights Forum
Roundtable Room 1, Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Level 4

The GL1: Foundational Layer for Financial Networks session aims to explore the transformative potential of the Global Layer One (GL1) initiative, as introduced by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). This foundational digital infrastructure is designed to facilitate seamless cross-border transactions and integrate tokenized assets into global liquidity pools

GL1 is not merely a technological advancement but a strategic move towards establishing a more interconnected and efficient global financial ecosystem. The initiative aims to address current limitations in digital asset platforms, which often face challenges related to regional boundaries and interoperability. By enabling diverse financial institutions to connect through a unified digital backbone, GL1 seeks to enhance market accessibility and operational efficiency across various asset classes.

The roundtable will bring together key central banks, regulators, international financial institutions, commercial banks and financial market infrastructures to:

• Share latest developments on base infrastructure
• Delve into use cases of shared ledger infrastructure in supporting financial transactions
• Discuss standards and frameworks critical for settlement arrangements on shared ledger infrastructures

Speakers:
Yong Khee Jin, Executive Director, Blockchain and Digital Assets, UOB
Claudine Hurman, Director of Innovation and Financial Market Infrastructures Directorate, Banque de France
Jean-Marc Stenger, Chief Executive Officer, Societe Generale - FORGE
Dr Johnna Powell, Managing Director, Head of Technology Research and Innovation, Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC)
Dr Jorgen Ouaknine, Global Head of Innovation and Digital Assets, Euroclear
Masashi Watanabe, Managing Director, Deputy Head of Digital Strategy Division, MUFG Bank, Ltd.
Richard Fox, Head of Public Policy, UK, Schroders
Ryosuke Ushida, Chief Fintech Officer, Financial Services Agency of Japan
Tommaso Mancini-Griffoli, Division Chief of the Payments, Currencies, and Infrastructure Division, International Monetary Fund
Naveen Mallela, Managing Director, J.P. Morgan

Moderator:
Alan Lim, Director & Head, FinTech Infrastructure Office, Monetary Authority of Singapore

5 Nov 2024 | 5:00PM - 6:30PM
Insights Forum
Roundtable Room 1, Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Level 4

Central banks play a crucial role in extending the trust and connectivity of their domestic financial ecosystem with other markets in this rapidly digital world. As businesses and SMEs increasingly venture cross border into new and emerging markets, they will need to have the support of a common digital trust and accessible foreign exchange to seamlessly connect with international parties.

An innovative way to build digital trust is through integrated Financial Trust Corridors (FTCs). FTCs not only build trust among financial institutions and businesses, but also sets forth a scalable digital ecosystem that allows for the sharing of common data, utilisation of smart digital assets and democratised access to foreign exchange.

In this roundtable, discussants will address the ways in which central banks can lead the development of common digital trust frameworks like FTC that empower local financial institutions and businesses, share about existing FTC work in Asia and Africa, how semi-fungible digital assets can accelerate development, and identify partnership constructs with banks, fintechs, foreign exchange solution providers and private sector entities towards a multilateral trust and FX ecosystems.

Speakers:
Ho Giao Pik, Head of Strategic Alliance & Fintech, Group Channels and Digitalisation, UOB
Aparna Jhajharia, Director of Partnerships, Proxtera
Dr Diane Karusisi, Chief Executive Officer, Bank of Kigali Plc
Effie Dimitropoulos, Chief Executive Officer, AUDC Pty Ltd
Jeremy Tan, Chief Executive Officer, Liquid Group
Jose Manuel Marques Sevillano, Director Financial Innovation and Market Infrastructures, Bank of Spain
Mike Meng, Chief Executive Officer, Ample Fintech
Ouk Sarat, Deputy Director General & Director of Payment System Department, National Bank of Cambodia
Ruurd Brouwer, Chief Executive Officer, TCX

Moderator:
Kwame Oppong, Director of FinTech and Innovation, Bank of Ghana

5 Nov 2024 | 5:00PM - 6:30PM
Insights Forum
Roundtable Room 1, Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Level 4

Asset and Wealth Management workstream under Project Guardian by the MAS, seeks to revolutionise the asset management landscape through the integration of asset tokenisation and blockchain technology. The initiative aims to address longstanding challenges in portfolio management, particularly in terms of operational complexity and limited access to diverse investment opportunities.

Discussions at the Point Zero Forum 2024 have emphasised the importance of interoperability among various digital asset platforms. As multiple initiatives emerge across different blockchain networks, establishing a cohesive framework for asset tokenisation becomes crucial. Participants underscored that interconnected platforms could enhance liquidity and broaden access to a wider array of investment products.

The roundtable will continue the conversation from Singapore FinTech Festival 2023 and Point Zero Forum 2024 and explore:

1. Latest developments in the asset tokenisation space, with a specific focus on funds, and progress made in Project Guardian's AWM workstream.
2. Industry standards for various tokenised funds and the application of these standards to commercial use cases
3. What is required for the funds space to adopt asset tokenisation at scale

Speaker:
Yong Khee Jin, Executive Director, Blockchain and Digital Assets, UOB

6 Nov 2024 | 12:00PM - 12:30PM
ESG Stage
Hall 5, Singapore EXPO

Collaboration between greentechs and corporates is key to unlocking scalable, impactful sustainability solutions. This panel explores how greentechs in the UOB FinLab's regional GreenTech Accelerator are partnering with corporates to solve sustainability challenges. Panelists will share their experiences on how these partnerships foster co-innovation, enable pilot projects, and drive sustainable green transition across ASEAN.

Speakers:
Shannon Lung, Head of UOB FinLab, Group Channels and Digitalisation, UOB
Marianne Tan, Programme Director of UOB FinLab, Group Channels and Digitalisation, UOB

6 Nov 2024 | 12:05PM - 12:35PM
Talent Stage
Hall 4, Singapore EXPO

Specifically targeted at young talent, this session will seek to provide a good overview of meaningful career pathways in FS/Fintech that they can explore.

Key points to be covered:

• Meaningful career pathways in FS/FinTech especially in Sustainable finance and Tech
• Programmes to support the development of young talent and roles in demand
• Showcase success stories/interesting profiles.  

Speakers:
Jay Chan, Head of Talent Acquisition, Group Human Resources, UOB
Winnie Lim, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Banking and Finance
Mukul Anand, Head of Human Resources, Singapore, HSBC
Kenneth Gan, Managing Director and Head, Talent Acquisition Advisory, OCBC
Justin Loi, Head of APAC Early Careers, J.P. Morgan

6 Nov 2024 | 12:35PM - 12:45PM
Talent Stage
Hall 4, Singapore EXPO

Join us for the launch of our FinTech in ASEAN report, as we reflect on the last decade of FinTech evolution in the region. Hear firsthand experiences from industry leaders on navigating the funding landscape, discuss challenges posed by the global slowdown, and how FinTechs can continue to drive innovation despite economic pressures.

Speaker:
Janet Young, Group Head, Channels and Digitalisation, Strategic Communications and Brand, UOB

6 Nov 2024 | 3:30PM - 4:30PM
Regulation Stage
Hall 5, Singapore EXPO

As businesses become increasingly digital, the shift from traditional cheque-based payments to digital payments has become an imperative for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). There are opportunities and challenges surrounding the adoption of digital payments, and SMEs equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary will be able to navigate this transition effectively.

Join us for an in depth session focused on guiding SMEs through the transition from traditional cheque-based payments to safe, efficient and effective digital solutions. Industry experts will share practical insights on the convenience and security of digital payment platforms and the benefits to managing cashflow and operational efficiency. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the current and emerging digital payment solutions available for their businesses.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain actionable tips to help you transit from cheques to digital payments.

Speakers:
Paul Kan, Country Head, Business Banking Singapore, UOB
Alan Hwong, Head, Singapore Cash Product Management, DBS Bank
Chavi Jafa, Senior Vice President and Head of Commercial and Money Movement Solutions, Asia Pacific, Visa
Diana Ooi, Managing Director, Emerging Business, OCBC Bank
Hong Wei Teo, Director, Innovation and Customer Solutions, Mastercard

Moderator:
Jo Yeo, Director & Head, Payments Development and Data Connectivity Office, Monetary Authority of Singapore

6 Nov 2024 | 4:30PM - 5:10PM
Regulation Stage
Hall 5, Singapore EXPO

This panel session will explore the critical strategies for enhancing digital operation resilience in the financial services industry, focusing on risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, and technological advancements.

Industry experts will discuss how financial institutions can safeguard their operations from cyber threats, system disruptions, and emerging digital vulnerabilities while ensuring operational continuity. Attendees will gain valuable insights into building robust frameworks that support resilience in an increasingly digitised and interconnected financial ecosystem.

Speaker:
Tobias Gondrom, Head of Group Information Security, Group Technology and Ops, UOB
Diana Paredes, Chief Executive Officer, Suade Labs
Kenneth Siow, Regional Director SE Asia & General Manger (Singapore/Malaysia), Tencent
Valerie Wagoner, Head of Product APAC, Stripe

Moderator:
Jo Ann Barefoot, Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer, Alliance for Innovative Regulation

7 Nov 2024 | 1:25PM - 2:10PM
FutureMatters Stage
Hall 2, Singapore EXPO

Financial inclusion is critical for economic development. This session will explore cutting-edge strategies and technologies transforming access to banking and payments for underserved retail and SME communities. Discover how the next wave of innovation will drive inclusive growth.

Speakers:
Henry Choi, Head of Group Retail TMRW, UOB
Adeeb Ahamed, Managing Director, LuLu Financial Holdings
Sujit Misra, Director, Amazon Payments APAC, Amazon
Toh Su Mei, Chief Executive Officer, ANEXT Bank

Moderator:
Fernanda Lima, Partner, LeapFrog Investments

7 Nov 2024 | 3:30PM - 4:10PM
ESG Stage
Hall 5, Singapore EXPO

The Gprnt platform, launched by MAS to tackle ESG data and reporting challenges, aspires to building towards a national utility that enables baseline sustainability reporting for all businesses. Get the first-hand perspectives from the relevant stakeholders on how this vision can and should unfold, and what value the envisaged utility may bring by facilitating efficient flow of data between real economy, financial institutions, and public sector across Singapore.

Speaker:
Adrian Ow, Head of ESG Solutions & Business Enablers, Group Wholesale Banking, UOB
Emelia Tan, Director, Research & FinLit, SGX Group
Lionel Wong, Head, Green FinTech Office, Monetary Authority of Singapore

7 Nov 2024 | 3:40PM - 4:20PM
Festival Stage
Hall 1, Singapore EXPO

Home to more than half the world's population, Asia is a key part of the global growth story within financial services. But this huge market has its own nuances, demands and challenges which need unique solutions.

Join this session to understand the factors driving the region's ascendancy and what this means for the future of finance globally.

Speakers:
Eric Lim, Chief Sustainability Officer, Group Corporate Sustainability Office, UOB
Daniel Hong, Vice President of Tencent Financial Technology, Tencent
Tan Su Shan, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, DBS Bank
Yoshihiro Hyakutome, Senior Managing Executive Officer & Co-Head of Global Banking Unit, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation

Moderator:
Dushyant "D" Shahrawat, Managing Director, Rosenblatt Securities

8 Nov 2024 | 1:35PM - 2:15PM
FutureMatters Stage
Hall 2, Singapore EXPO

Join sustainability leaders from the foremost financial sector as they discuss organisational efforts to integrate sustainability into core strategies and business operations.

Hear first-hand how their CSO functions are evolving to meet mounting regulatory pressures on ESG, increasing complexity of climate-related risks, and calls for greater innovation in sustainable finance and technologies.

With real-world case studies and best practices, this session is packed with fresh perspectives and actionable insights on propelling Asia’s transition into a low carbon economy.

Speakers:
Melissa Moi, Head of Sustainable Business, Group Corporate Sustainability Office, UOB
Diana Guzmán, Chief Sustainability Officer & Chair of the Prudence Foundation, Prudential plc
Chen Leiming, Chief Sustainability Officer, Ant International & Senior Vice President, Ant Group, Ant International
Sherry Madera, Chief Executive Officer, CDP Worldwide

8 Nov 2024 | 2:05PM - 2:50PM
Talent Stage
Hall 4, Singapore EXPO

In today's evolving workplace, career growth is often equated with becoming a manager, but is that the only path to success? This panel delves into the key differences between individual contributor and manager roles, offering insights into what career growth looks like for both.

We will explore how professionals can transition between these two pathways, how individual contributors can lead without formal titles, and the distinct skill sets required for each role. 

Additionally, the panel will address how companies can support employees in growing along either path and discuss the future of work and how it may reshape these roles. Join us for an in-depth conversation on navigating the crossroads of career development.

Speakers:
Dean Tong, Head of Group Human Resources, UOB
Hannah Hall-Turner, Regional Head of People & Culture APAC, Zuhlke Group

Moderator:
Anna Breimer, Managing Director, The Breimer Group

Srivatsan Tirumalai
Executive Director
Head of Architecture and Engineering
Group Technology and Ops
UOB

A pioneering transformation expert and full-stack technologist with two decades of experience driving innovation in technology management and operations. With a proven track record of success across top-tier global financial institutions, Mr Srivatsan has developed a unique expertise in harnessing the power of technology to unlock business growth and efficiency.

As the Head of Architecture and Engineering at United Overseas Bank (UOB), Srivatsan is spearheading the bank's technological evolution, playing multiple roles including Architecture, Engineering, DevOps, Customer Interaction Technologies and leveraging cutting-edge solutions like Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Edge Computing to enhance productivity and quality.

Ho Giao Pik
Managing Director
Head of Strategic Alliances & Fintech
Group Channels and Digitalisation
UOB

Ms Giao Pik HO is Managing Director at United Overseas Bank and leads Strategic Alliances and Fintech for the Group franchise. In her current capacity, Giao Pik brings her strong banking experience to enterprise digitalisation, building ecosystem partnerships and identifying digital capabilities to drive growth in customer segments through innovative fintech and digital platform solutions. Prior to that, Giao Pik had overall business responsibilities for Banks and Non-Bank Financial Institutions clients in South & South East Asia as well as leading all Bank-client relationships for the Group with a mandate to deliver on total client relationship value across Capital Markets, Global Markets and Global Transaction Banking products.

Preceding UOB, Giao Pik held roles in senior management, client coverage, risk management and operations in ANZ and Standard Chartered Bank. In ANZ Singapore, she led the Financial Institutions business in various geographies for ANZ’s International Banking business. A member of ANZ Singapore’s Management Group and leadership committees, Giao Pik is also a founding EXCO member of Money-Minded Singapore, ANZ’s flagship financial literacy program.

Giao Pik is passionate about diverse leadership, perspectives and inclusion in the wider community and sits on BoardAgender Management Committee, a Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO) initiative. She is also a champion and mentor with Financial Women’s Association.

Frankie Phua
Managing Director
Group Head
Group Risk Management
UOB

Mr Frankie Phua is the Managing Director and Head of Group Risk Management at UOB. In this role, he oversees various risk management functions including credit risk, market risk, operational risk, technology risk, and ESG/climate risk. He has over 30 years of extensive experience in the banking sector, having spent over a decade in corporate and commercial banking before moving into risk management.

Frankie is highly active in the risk management community, serving as Chairman of the Risk Management Practitioners Association (RMPA) in Singapore and as a lecturer at the National University of Singapore’s Risk Management Institute (RMI). He has also been recognised as an IBF Distinguished Fellow, an honor given to leaders with significant contributions to the financial industry in Singapore.

Janet Young
Managing Director
Group Head
Group Channels and Digitalisation, Group Strategic Communications and Brand
UOB

Ms Janet Young heads Group Channels and Digitalisation, Strategic Communications and Brand for UOB. She is responsible for delivery channels serving retail and business customers across branches, self service banking, websites and champions Fintech and ecosystem partnership initiatives across the UOB group. She also oversees brand management, strategic communications, community stewardship teams across the group to build strong community relationships and achieve the ambition of being the most preferred bank in Asean.

Janet is a Board member of Singapore National Environment Agency, Singapore National Council of Social Service, Innoven Capital, Accuron Technologies and serves on the Advisory Councils of Nanyang Business School, NTU Singapore and Elevandi.

She has more than 25 years of banking and corporate experience. Prior to joining UOB, she held senior roles at global banks and European MNC.

Eric Lim
Managing Director
Chief Sustainability Officer
Group Corporate Sustainability Office
UOB

Mr Eric Lim is the Chief Sustainability Officer at UOB. He leads a dedicated corporate sustainability office that is focused on achieving the Bank's sustainability objectives of helping businesses to advance responsibly, steering consumer wealth to sustainable investments and fostering social inclusiveness and environmental well-being.

Concurrently, Eric is also the Head of Group Finance, where he is responsible for the Bank’s core finance functions spanning financial strategy, capital management, regulatory and financial reporting, tax management, business finance and performance management.

Eric holds a Bachelor of Accounting from the Nanyang Technological University and an Executive Master of Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University.

Yong Khee Jin
Executive Director
Blockchain and Digital Assets
UOB

Mr Yong Khee Jin is the Executive Director, Blockchain & Digital Assets at UOB. Based in Singapore, Khee Jin is responsible for driving initiatives and building capabilities through the application of new technology across the suite of financial services. 

Prior to this, Khee Jin was a corporate and investment banker, and has also worked in a start-up environment. He is privileged to have worked on multiple transactions across different products, sectors and jurisdictions throughout his professional career.

Shannon Lung
Senior Vice President
Head of UOB FinLab
Group Channels and Digitalisation
UOB

Mr Shannon Lung is the Senior Vice President of Group Channels and Digitalisation at UOB and Head of UOB FinLab, an innovation accelerator powered by UOB. The FinLab helps businesses scale across ASEAN by connecting them to industry experts and mentors and by facilitating the right technology solutions to power their growth, maximise their efficiency and enable long-term success.

Shannon brings over two decades of professional experience across FinTech and Logistics. He has a Masters in Business Administration. He enjoys meeting new people and hearing new perspectives on emerging tech and digital trends. In his personal time, he likes exploring new recipes to cook for his family. His personal goal is to finish a full Ironman race.

Marianne Tan
First Vice President
Programme Director of UOB FinLab
Group Channels and Digitalisation
UOB

Ms Marianne Tan is a dynamic professional with over 14 years of experience in innovation, sustainability, and banking. 

Currently, she is the First Vice President of Innovation Lab and Partnerships at UOB and the Programme Director of The FinLab, UOB’s innovation accelerator. She leads key initiatives in sustainability, innovation, and regionalisation, driving impactful strategies across the ASEAN region.

Before joining UOB, Marianne was the Assistant Director of Sustainability and Open Innovation at SP Group, where she played a pivotal role in managing a global energy programme, overseeing investments in several global funds, and leading the Group’s sustainability reporting efforts.

Marianne also served as the Director of Ecosystem Development at the Action Community for Entrepreneurship (ACE), where she has extensive experience in the startup ecosystem in Singapore and beyond. She led a cross-functional team to develop strategies, initiatives, and programmes that helped startups scale and expand internationally.

Before delving into innovation and sustainability, Marianne was working in private banking and wealth management at HSBC and Julius Baer.

Jay Chan
Executive Director
Head of Talent Acquisition
Group Human Resources
UOB

Mr Jay Chan is currently Head of Talent Acquisition for UOB. He has been working in UOB for almost 10 years, with over 20 years of experience in recruitment. Jay is an engineer by training and started his career in IT for 3 years, before starting his career in recruitment.

Janet Young
Managing Director
Group Head
Group Channels and Digitalisation, Group Strategic Communications and Brand
UOB

Ms Janet Young heads Group Channels and Digitalisation, Strategic Communications and Brand for UOB. She is responsible for delivery channels serving retail and business customers across branches, self service banking, websites and champions Fintech and ecosystem partnership initiatives across the UOB group. She also oversees brand management, strategic communications, community stewardship teams across the group to build strong community relationships and achieve the ambition of being the most preferred bank in Asean.
 

Janet is a Board member of Singapore National Environment Agency, Singapore National Council of Social Service, Innoven Capital, Accuron Technologies and serves on the Advisory Councils of Nanyang Business School, NTU Singapore and Elevandi.
 

She has more than 25 years of banking and corporate experience. Prior to joining UOB, she held senior roles at global banks and European MNC.

Paul Kan
Country Head
Business Banking Singapore
UOB

Mr Paul Kan is the Country Head for Business Banking Singapore in UOB, with over 20 years’ banking experience in leading banks across markets such as China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

Prior to this, he has held positions such as the Group Product Head leading SME-focused product strategies across ASEAN, and Country Head for Business Banking Indonesia at UOB, leading the small business segment in the regional market. His experience has allowed him to build deep knowledge in strategising, developing and commercialising products and solutions, and in developing specialist teams.

Paul is a regular speaker at business forums, sharing his insights with SMEs and start-ups. He believes in empowering his team to pilot ground-up ideas and in bringing people together to maximise opportunities.

Paul holds a Master of Business Administration and an Honors Degree in Engineering.

Henry Choi
Managing Director
Group Head
Group Retail TMRW
UOB

Mr Henry Choi assumes the role of Head of Group Retail TMRW in 2024, holding the functional responsibility of TMRW’s strategic development in its digital capabilities, platform design and holistic customer experiences.

Henry has worked in various international foreign banks focusing on Asia Pacific markets, and held a range of positions across Credit, Risk Management, and Retail Business.

He joined UOB in 2013 and has served various key positions in Thailand and Indonesia before moving to Singapore in 2024. Henry was the Head of Retail Credit at UOB Thailand from 2013 to 2019, Head of Risk Management at UOB Thailand from 2019 to 2021, and Consumer Banking Director at UOB Indonesia from 2021 to 2023.

Henry holds a Bachelor of Engineering and a Master of Science in Finance from Hong Kong.

Eric Lim
Managing Director
Chief Sustainability Officer
Group Corporate Sustainability Office
UOB

Mr Eric Lim is the Chief Sustainability Officer at UOB. He leads a dedicated corporate sustainability office that is focused on achieving the Bank's sustainability objectives of helping businesses to advance responsibly, steering consumer wealth to sustainable investments and fostering social inclusiveness and environmental well-being.

Concurrently, Eric is also the Head of Group Finance, where he is responsible for the Bank’s core finance functions spanning financial strategy, capital management, regulatory and financial reporting, tax management, business finance and performance management.

Eric holds a Bachelor of Accounting from the Nanyang Technological University and an Executive Master of Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University.

Melissa Moi
Executive Director
Head of Sustainable Business
Group Corporate Sustainability Office
UOB

Ms Melissa Moi is the Head of Sustainable Business in the Corporate Sustainability Office at UOB. In her role, she supports the delivery of a sustainable business strategy across UOB’s footprint including the management and mitigation of ESG risk, development of sustainable business strategies and frameworks, supporting sustainable product innovation, and driving the bank’s leadership in sustainable finance.

Prior to joining UOB, Melissa spent a decade at Bank of America where she led the firm’s ESG efforts in Asia Pacific. Her role included client facing advisory on sustainability, driving a sustainable finance strategy in the region as well as the implementation of corporate ESG initiatives across risk, social investment and environmental footprint.

Melissa has also spent a decade in the NGO sector in the education and healthcare sectors in Canada and Asia in both program implementation and organizational leadership roles.

Melissa is a member of the Board of Directors of the Children’s Medical Foundation, a charity focused on improving healthcare for newborn babies in rural China. She holds a Master’s Degree in Human Systems Intervention from Concordia University and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Ottawa.

Dean Tong
Managing Director
Group Head
Group Human Resources
UOB

Mr Dean Tong joined UOB in August 2018 and is the Head of Group Human Resources. He is responsible for leading the people and organisation transformation strategy across the Group.

Dean has more than 25 years of consultancy experience, specialising in talent and leadership management across Asia, Europe and North America. Prior to joining UOB, he headed Boston Consulting Group (BCG)’s People and Organisation Practice in Southeast Asia. He was also an executive member of BCG’s global People and Organisation Practice.

Dean has vast experience consulting across multiple industries including financial services, industrial goods, consumer goods, and telecommunications. He played an instrumental role in the creation of an award winning low-cost banking model in Malaysia, and a number of multi-finance businesses in Indonesia.

Dean holds a Master of Business Administration (Finance) (Palmer Scholar) from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

Adrian Ow
Managing Director
Head of ESG Solutions & Business Enablers
Group Wholesale Banking
UOB

Mr Adrian Ow is the Managing Director and Head of ESG Solutions at UOB. Adrian established the ESG Solutions team in Group Wholesale Banking and is responsible for the development of sustainable banking frameworks and solutions for corporate, institutional and SME clients. 

Adrian is a member of the UOB Group Sustainability Committee and represents the bank at the Singapore Sustainable Finance Association. Adrian has over two decades of banking experience in transaction banking, risk management and business transformation. Adrian has an EMBA with Distinction (Dean’s List) from INSEAD.

6 Nov 2024 | 12:35PM - 1:20PM
Talent Stage
Hall 4, Singapore EXPO

Join us for the launch of our FinTech in ASEAN report, as we reflect on the last decade of FinTech evolution in the region. Hear firsthand experiences from industry leaders on navigating the funding landscape, discuss challenges posed by the global slowdown, and how FinTechs can continue to drive innovation despite economic pressures.

Speakers:
Janet Young, Group Head, Channels and Digitalisation, Strategic Communications and Brand, UOB
Shadab Taiyabi, President, Singapore FinTech Association
Walter de Oude, Founder Singlife & Chocolate, Chocolate Pte. Ltd.
Wong Joo Seng, Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer, Spark Systems

Moderator:
Wanyi Wong, FinTech Leader, Financial Services Partner, PwC

Download report

Tobias Gondrom
Head of Group Information Security
Group Technology and Ops
UOB

Mr Tobias Gondrom joined UOB in 2018 and is the Group Chief Information Security Officer. He is responsible for ensuring the end-to-end information security in UOB and implementing all cyber security initiatives across the Bank.

Tobias has more than 20 years of experience in information security, software development, application security, cryptography, electronic signatures and global standardization strategies. He has held various roles in independent software vendors and large global corporations in the technology, financial and government sectors. Prior to joining UOB, Tobias was the Chief Technology Officer (Security) at Huawei.

He holds a London Business School Sloan Masters degree in Leadership and Strategy. 

Since 2021, Tobias is the chair of the ABS (Association of Banks in Singapore) Standing Committee on Cyber Security (SCCS) and in 2022 has been awarded by the Institute of Banking and Finance Singapore (IBF) as IBF Fellow. From 2014 to 2018, Tobias was a member of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) Administrative Oversight Committee (IAOC) and the chair of the IETF Trust. From 2004 to 2018, he was also the chair of multiple IETF workings groups in the security domain, the latest one being the chair of the DDoS Open Threat Signaling (DOTS) working group and a member of the IETF security directorate until 2018.

Since 2007, Tobias has also held leadership roles for the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), a global not-for-profit organization aimed at improving software security, including as a member of the board from 2014 to 2017 and former global chairman. In addition, Tobias is former a board member of the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) Hong Kong and Macau Chapter and a former member of the NIS Platform of the European Commission, where he advised the European Union on Cyber Security and Risk Management.