“Asia - Emerging Dragon,” Says Asian Business Leaders Forum 2009

 

ALD is a chain of prestigious forums for leading Asian business leaders. It is also the place to honour Asian leaders – personalities and entrepreneurs elected by business communities and governments for dynamism and leadership in their fields of activities. In each country, there is only one speaker and in 2009, Mr Don Lam, Director General of VinaCapital is selected.

 

ALD provides opportunities for national leaders to share experiences, doctrines as well as forecasts on the future of Asia. In particular, business communities can discuss on business opportunities, challenges, change and develop markets in countries, regions and the world over. Besides contributing to socio-economic development in Asia, ALD also focus on corporate responsibilities toward the community. The discussion dealt with vital issues and market opportunities, improving business planning and efficiency. ALD has in fact brought leaders and businesses together to make joint efforts for the common prosperity in Asia.

 

With experiences of a Director General in the time of economic crisis, Mr. Don Lam make a statement on “Leadership in a new Asia” and together with 9 other speakers have attracted great interest of the audience.

 

Mr. Don Lam also shared his views and experiences with over 150 participants on the current economic crisis. The crisis causes many problems for governments and businesses but also highlight opportunities in Asia and a bigger role for Asia in the world economy. Asian governments and businesses are making faster and bigger investments in the world market. Even Vietnamese businesses though small are investing in foreign countries. Vietnamese businesses should double their efforts when the time comes. One should not adopt a negative attitude, must look to the future and find ways to achieve their objectives. In domestic market, Vietnamese businesses must be prepared for harsh competition with foreign companies. Mid-income Vietnamese will become more demanding customers and Vietnamese businesses must also improve their business activities.

 

For his part, Mr Lionel Lee, Chairman of Platinum Circle, focused on the attitude of Asian countries on their new role. The fact that Asian countries could get out of the crisis faster than other regions shows the centre of the world economy moving from the Atlantic to the Pacific. However, Asian states are not ready for the leading role in the settlements of global issues necessary for a stable world. While there are signs showing the rising of the Asian economy and increased consumption in Asian markets, the world economy will be less dependent on American consumption and more opportunities will be open for Asia.

 

Asian countries should overcome nationalism and increase regional cooperation such as APEC, ASEAN and make 21st century a Asia-Pacific century.

 

At the meeting, Platinum Circle announced a new project to select 300 Vietnamese students from 16 to 20 years of age to be trained by 20-30 Asian leaders on economic management and direct dialogue with Asian leaders. The project will open up a new prospect for young Vietnamese generation, the future of the nation.