GGI Asia-Pacific Regional Conference Perth, WA, Australia
Perth might be known as “the most isolated big city in the world” but it didn't deter just over 40 participants – mostly from the Asia-Pacific region – from meeting up in the capital of Western Australia, in order to strengthen their business network, stay informed on the latest trends and developments, and jointly discover the treasures of the area, while enjoying that familial GGI spirit.
Early arrivals started with a golf tournament on Thursday morning at the Araluen Golf Club. Not an easy course, but just a walk in the park for GGI member Mike Bowden apparently. Those who were not so inclined to get up at 6:00 am started their adventure a little later that afternoon, with a culture and art walking tour of the city.
Officially, the conference kicked off with a welcome cocktail reception and dinner on Thursday evening. On behalf of our sponsoring host firm Westcourt, Craig Seddon welcomed everyone to this beautiful corner of Australia.
Friday morning's proceedings began with a Presidential Welcome by GGI Chairman and Founder, Claudio G. Cocca, followed by Fabian Grass, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Switzerland in Australia, who shared his thoughts informally on Australia, bilateral relations with Switzerland, the larger geopolitical context of the region, and of course current challenges. Further words of welcome from Westcourt followed, this time by Ross Forrester, who warmly welcomed all guests and thanked everyone for making the big trip over.
Juerg Kiener, well-known to many of our members, delivered a keynote speech titled “Quo Vadis? Global Rebalancing”. Juerg is presently the Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer at Swiss Asia Capital (Singapore) Pte Ltd and has more than 40 years’ experience in the banking industry, with extensive knowledge in the private banking, asset management and securities industries. Juerg has gained considerable global investment experience, having taken up positions in Zurich, Geneva, Johannesburg, London, Guernsey, Hong Kong and Singapore with two leading Swiss banks, Credit Suisse and Union Bancaire Privee, and has been instrumental in establishing the Private Banking offices in Asia and as a CIO for both. For the past 22 years at Swiss Asia Capital (Singapore) Pte Ltd, his investment emphasis has been global resources focusing on hard-rock mining and in particularly precious and green metals. His specialty is targeted at investing in late development-stage and producing resource companies for portfolio inclusion into in-house funds and tailor-made investment structures like managed accounts/bespoke mandates and investment certificates as well Private Equity investments.
Bethan Winn's very timely keynote on “Leading Through Uncertainty: Navigating Global Economic Challenges” provided some thoughts on the core leadership traits for uncertainty, such as adaptability and resilience. Bethan demonstrated how vision and purpose can inspire and empower teams navigate uncertainty. As a group, we looked at strategies for successful innovation in uncertain economic times, as well as mental models and frameworks for decision-making when there's unpredictability.
Before lunch, Peter Kaeser, GGI Regional CEO Asia-Pacific & MEA, provided a GGI update, and also introduced some special guests at the conference.
In the afternoon, Ross Forrester took the stage (or rather the microphone) once again, as Regional Chair Asia-Pacific of the International Taxation Practice Group (ITPG). The group discussed various case studies, looking at how the different scenarios might be handled in different tax jurisdictions.
Following this, Wiljadi Tan (from GCG member Protemus Capital in Jakarta, Indonesia) presented on “The Asia-Pacific M&A Odyssey”, looking at the shaping factors and strategic moves during 2018-2023. This was a really interesting look at the general trends, as well as the sector trends, deal size trends, cross-border vs domestic trends, financing trends, and sector dynamics.
Finally, to close out the meeting element of the conference, Bethan Winn provided some useful tips for everyday life (business and private) with her interactive workshop on “Inter-Cultural Communication: Unlocking Global Success”. Members were happy to share how their expectations varied from real life experiences during this session. Beth also introduced some essential models to better understand intercultural communication and showed how global collaboration and teamwork can be improved.
The informal dinner in the evening was held at the Grand Orient Restaurant in the Melbourne Hotel – where “the best Peking Duck in Australia” certainly stood out for everyone.
Saturday provided the group with a splendid opportunity for networking and building relations, while at the same time discovering the best of what the Swan Valley has to offer. This was truly a memorable Australian experience. In Caversham Wildlife Park, we petted a koala and a wombat, we hand-fed kangaroos, and observed so many more strange and unusual animals. The group also enjoyed lunch at the Mandoon Estate, followed by a wine-tasting at Lancaster Wines and a chocolate-tasting at the Margaret River Chocolate Company.
Finally, to close the event, there was a closing dinner at the Shore House, overlooking a most spectacular sunset. What a fabulous weekend. Certainly nothing “lonely” about this city at all this weekend, surrounded by such wonderful GGI colleagues and friends.
