Avanade appoints Bhavya Kapoor as new Growth Markets Area President 

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In: Technology
  • Achieves Rodrigo Caserta, then Avanade’s Global Technology Business Group direct
  • Responsiblilities include accelerating progress, expanding Avanade’s business management

Avanade appoints Bhavya Kapoor as new Growth Markets Area President 

Avanade, the leading Microsoft solutions provider, has announced that it has appointed Bhavya Kapoor ( pic ) as the new area president for Growth Markets. Most recently, Bhavya, the company’s Southeast Asia handling director, succeeds Rodrigo De Queiroz Caserta in his novel capacity as Avanade’s Global Technology Business Group leader. Both sessions take effect on June 1st, 2024. &nbsp,

In his fresh position, Bhavya is responsible for Avanade’s proper way and priorities, accelerating business development, expanding the company’s market- leading position, and creating an inclusive culture across Avanade’s most different regions that include Asia- Pacific, Japan and Latin America. Bhavya reports into Pamela Maynard, CEO of Avanade, and joins Avanade’s international Executive Committee. He continues to be based in Singapore.

Bhavya joined Avanade in 2021 as its Southeast Asia handling producer, with over two decades of experience in business management, technology and auditing. Under his management, Avanade’s Southeast Asia firm has experienced twice- digit growth, recognized as an inclusive company, and named Microsoft’s leading partner in the region. &nbsp,

Bhavya graduated from Harvard Business School, holds a bachelor’s degree in electronics and communications, and is a graduate of Harvard Business School. He also serves on the board of directors of the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction, a global non-profit firm whose goal is to inspire rural individuals to develop resilient communities and achieve social equality through innovative and community-led action.

Pamela Maynard said” With Bhavya’s proven track record of creating and ramping businesses in large- development regions, complemented by his love for inclusion, diversity and sustainability, I am convinced that he will continue to drive our business to new heights. Rodrigo Caserta deserves special appreciation for the tremendous impact he has had on our Growth Markets business over the past four years. I look forward to Caserta’s application of Growth Markets ‘ learnings and experiences to his new position as Avanade’s Global Technology Business Group Lead.

Growing Markets is an exciting fusion of the world’s most dynamic and diverse territories, according to Bhavya, and I’m honored to lead our people and business into the next chapter of growth. I’m eager to embark on this journey together with our people, clients, communities, and ecosystem partners because these areas are filled with exceptional talents and organizations with enormous potential. Through the use of AI, data, and human ingenuity, we will empower people and businesses to make a real human impact.

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Bank of Singapore creates global advisory council; appoints chief portfolio strategist | FinanceAsia

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In: Asia, Finance, South-East Asia

To support the bank’s Chief Investment Office’s ( CIO ) research capabilities and to gain client insights, Bank of Singapore established an independent investment advisory council.

According to a declaration from the bank, eight members of the CIO Global Advisory Council have been chosen based on their track records in finance, public policy, political research, resource allocation, and investment management. &nbsp,

The members are: Belinda Boa, head of Apac engaged investments and key investment officer of emerging markets, BlackRock, Ken Caplan, world co- key investment officer, Blackstone, Fabiana Fedeli, key investment officer, equities, multi- asset and sustainability, M&amp, G Investments, Robin Hu, Asia chair, Milken Institute and advisor senior director, Temasek, Stewart James, co- head, office of government affairs Apac, Goldman Sachs, Yuichi Murao, chief investment officer, Nomura Asset Management, Adam Posen, president, Peterson Institute for International Economics, and Paula Campbell Roberts, chief investment strategist for global wealth, KKR.

Jean Chia, global chief investment officer, Bank of Singapore, said in the statement:” Building intellectual capital is a key part of the bank’s strategy to become the top private bank in Asia. In today’s knowledge-driven economy, we are strengthening our competitive advantage by utilizing our research capabilities, including creating a global advisory council that complements our internal insights.

Since January 2024, the CIO has reported to Bank of Singapore’s chief executive officer Jason Moo. According to the statement, the CIO manages client assets while the advisory and discretionary portfolio management teams manage client assets. &nbsp, &nbsp,

While the CIO Global Advisory Council will offer insights, the Bank of Singapore’s house view– which guides investment decisions – uses the CIO’s in- house research, investment strategy and asset allocation expertise, the bank explained. &nbsp,

The CIO established a wealth management and investment management technology earlier this year that asset managers and institutional investors use. One of the first private banks in Asia to use the platform for clients of private banking is Bank of Singapore. &nbsp,

Bank of Singapore is owned by OCBC, and has offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the UK, Luxembourg and Dubai, and a representative office in the Philippines, according to its website. &nbsp,

Rickie Chan introduced the position of the Hong Kong branch’s chief executive on April 17. Chan added it to his role as head of private banking, Greater China, and replaced Cindy Wong, whose last day at the bank was May 31, 2024. She became the Hong Kong branch’s CEO in 2021 after joining the Bank of Singapore in November 2015. &nbsp,

New chief portfolio strategist

Additionally, the Bank of Singapore has appointed a chief portfolio strategist. Owi Ruivivar, who has over 30 years of experience in economics, investment strategy and portfolio management, has assumed the new role, starting on June 3.

Ruivivar, who is based in Singapore, will be a member of the bank’s investment committee, which decides on client calls for strategic and tactical asset allocation. She reports to Chia.

The newly created position will assist in the creation of a” systematic, robust, and risk-based multi- asset allocation framework that will guide clients as they build long-term investment portfolios,” according to a statement.

Ruivivar comes to Singapore from GIC, where she oversaw the department’s department’s department’s investment and investment strategy department’s investment-oriented thematic research. She also served as the head of the team responsible for investing in future markets, which managed multi-asset investments in emerging markets countries. Prior To GIC she spent 17 years with Goldman Sachs Asset Management.

Chia said:” In today’s knowledge- driven economy, we aim to enhance our competitive advantage by hiring and developing talent in research and portfolio management capabilities”.

¬ Haymarket Media Limited. All rights reserved.

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Bank of Singapore creates global advisory council; hires chief portfolio strategist | FinanceAsia

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In: Asia, Finance, South-East Asia

To support the Chief Investment Office’s ( CIO ) research capabilities and gain insight from clients, Bank of Singapore established an independent investment advisory council.

According to a statement from the bank, eight members of the CIO Global Advisory Council have been chosen based on their track records in finance, public policy, political research, resource allocation, and purchase control. &nbsp,

The members are: Belinda Boa, head of Apac engaged investments and key investment officer of emerging markets, BlackRock, Ken Caplan, world co- key investment officer, Blackstone, Fabiana Fedeli, key investment officer, equities, multi- asset and sustainability, M&amp, G Investments, Robin Hu, Asia chair, Milken Institute and advisor senior director, Temasek, Stewart James, co- head, office of government affairs Apac, Goldman Sachs, Yuichi Murao, chief investment officer, Nomura Asset Management, Adam Posen, president, Peterson Institute for International Economics, and Paula Campbell Roberts, chief investment strategist for global wealth, KKR.

Jean Chia, global chief investment officer, Bank of Singapore, said in the declaration:” Building intellectual money is a vital part of the company’s strategy to become the best personal bank in Asia. We are investing in research capabilities in today’s knowledge-driven economy, including creating a global advisory council that complements our internal insights.

Since January 2024, the CIO has reported to Bank of Singapore’s chief executive officer Jason Moo. According to the statement, the CIO oversees the asset allocation framework, investment views, and securities research, while the advisory and discretionary portfolio management teams oversee client assets. &nbsp, &nbsp,

While the CIO Global Advisory Council will offer insights, the Bank of Singapore’s house view– which guides investment decisions – uses the CIO’s in- house research, investment strategy and asset allocation expertise, the bank explained. &nbsp,

The CIO established a wealth management and investment management technology earlier this year that asset managers and institutional investors use. One of the first private banks in Asia to adopt the platform for private banking clients is Bank of Singapore. &nbsp,

Bank of Singapore is owned by OCBC, and has offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the UK, Luxembourg and Dubai, and a representative office in the Philippines, according to its website. &nbsp,

Rickie Chan introduced the Hong Kong branch’s position as its chief executive on April 17. Chan added it to his role as head of private banking, Greater China, and replaced Cindy Wong, whose last day at the bank was May 31, 2024. She became the Hong Kong branch’s CEO in 2021 after joining the Bank of Singapore in November 2015. &nbsp,

New chief portfolio strategist

Additionally, the Bank of Singapore has appointed a chief portfolio strategist. Owi Ruivivar, who has over 30 years of experience in economics, investment strategy and portfolio management, has assumed the new role, starting on June 3.

Ruivivar, who is based in Singapore, will be a member of the bank’s investment committee, which decides client requests for strategic and tactical asset allocation. She reports to Chia.

The newly created position will assist in the creation of a” systematic, robust, and risk-based multi-asset allocation framework that will guide clients as they build long-term investment portfolios,” according to a statement.

Ruivivar started at the department of economics and investment strategy at Singapore’s GIC, where she oversaw the department’s investment-focused thematic research. She also served as the head of the team responsible for investing in future markets, which managed multi-asset investments in emerging markets countries. Prior To GIC she spent 17 years with Goldman Sachs Asset Management.

Chia said:” In today’s knowledge- driven economy, we aim to enhance our competitive advantage by hiring and developing talent in research and portfolio management capabilities”.

¬ Haymarket Media Limited. All rights reserved.

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Huge Pride parade has extra meaning this year

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In: South-East Asia

The section of the marriage equality act is anticipated by the Thai LGBTQ group and supporters.

PUBLISHED: 1 Jun 2024 at 21: 24

Huge Pride parade has extra meaning this year
On Saturday, the Bangkok Pride Parade members are greeted by a gigantic kaleidoscope banner above their heads along Rama I Road. ( Photo: Reuters )

As Thailand gets closer to acknowledging same-sex relationships, rainbow colors adorned the streets of Bangkok on Saturday as the country celebrated its first-ever gay marriage.

For the Bangkok Pride Parade, which attracted thousands of participants and spectators along Rama I Road, dozens of LGBTQ revellers and protesters gathered.

Avorawan Ramwan, who joined the festival with her lover, said,” This month’s Pride Parade can be considered one of the biggest because it coincides with the departure of the same-sex marriage.”

As the wedding equality bill moves to its ultimate observations in the Senate later this month, the nation is gearing up to be the first in Southeast Asia and just the third in Asia to legalize same-sex unions.

Srettha Thavisin, the prime minister, donned a rainbow clothing for the festival.

In a post on the social media platform X, he wrote,” It is a fundamental right to choose who to love.”

The bill passed largely in the Senate in April after passing second reading in the House in March. This month’s lower room may take its second and third observations.

” The Senate may probably pass the bill on June 18″, Senator Wallop Tangkananuruk, chairman of the Senate committee on similar- sexual relationship, told Reuters.

According to Mr. Wallop, the state will take the law to the royal registry for approval if there are no changes, adding that it will take effect 120 days after it is published in the Royal Gazette.

” Pride events are important, and Thailand is known worldwide as a sanctuary for the Transgender community. So, we may help promote and advocate for it, as well as implement regulations to help the LGBT community”, said trans woman Aunchanaporn Pilsauta.

At the Bangkok Pride Parade, a handful from China poses on a rainbow symbol. ( Photo: Reuters )

Srettha Thavisin, the prime minister, attends the Bangkok Pride Parade on Saturday. ( Photo: Reuters )

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IN FOCUS: With a critical election on the horizon, Singapore gears up to tackle intensifying online threats

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In: South-East Asia

ELD reported that the state is still working closely with major social media websites to make sure there are election integrity plans in place for content restraint during elections.

Our political processes are regularly reviewed by ELD and various government agencies, including taking lessons from international best practices, to make sure they are accurate and up-to-date, it continued.

The ELD and other government organizations simultaneously issued an consulting to presidential election prospects last year that warned of security threats and foreign interference.

Ms Kasthuri, &nbsp, who specialises in elections in Singapore and Southeast Asia, stressed the importance of voting training in both promotion issues as well as how elections work, as a barrier against propaganda.

Political topics and elections are much more difficult to deal with, according to Associate Professor Pang of NUS, while the state and schools have been working hard to improve online literacy.

Citizens perhaps be reluctant or hesitant to discuss them openly in our society, she said. The humor is that they can become more vulnerable to spreading falsehoods and conspiracy theories.

VIEW FROM THE GROUND

Mr Neo, the blogger, today has a rule of thumb when it comes to assessing whether a piece of information is reliable: Cross- verify and validate with at least two separate options.

He feels more stress to ensure the accuracy of his production as a producer of political information.

” This is why for each episode, we meticulously research before drafting questions for our guests, put sources for the information that we mention in our show notes, and when phrasing certain questions, try our best to make sure that even if taken out of context, it ca n’t be construed as misinformation”, said Mr Neo.

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IN FOCUS: As a crucial election looms, Singapore braces for torrent of ‘highly problematic’ online threats

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In: South-East Asia

According to ELD, the state is still working closely with major social media websites to implement strategies for election integrity and content moderation.

Our political processes are regularly reviewed by ELD and various government agencies, including taking lessons from international best practices, to make sure they are accurate and up-to-date, it continued.

The ELD and other government organizations simultaneously issued an advisory warning of security risks and foreign intervention to presidential poll candidates last season.

Ms Kasthuri, &nbsp, who specialises in elections in Singapore and Southeast Asia, stressed the importance of voting training in both promotion issues as well as how elections work, as a barrier against propaganda.

Political topics and elections are much more difficult to deal with, according to Associate Professor Pang of NUS, while the state and schools have been working hard to improve online literacy.

Citizens may be reluctant or hesitant to discuss them openly in our society, she said. The humor is that they can become more prone to spreading falsehoods and conspiracy theories.

VIEW FROM THE GROUND

Mr Neo, the blogger, today has a rule of thumb when it comes to assessing whether a piece of information is reliable: Cross- verify and validate with at least two separate options.

He feels more stress to ensure the accuracy of his production as a producer of political information.

” This is why for each episode, we meticulously research before drafting questions for our guests, put sources for the information that we mention in our show notes, and when phrasing certain questions, try our best to make sure that even if taken out of context, it ca n’t be construed as misinformation”, said Mr Neo.

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US presence crucial to regional peace, says Philippines’ Marcos in Shangri-La Dialogue keynote address

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US- Chinese Relationships

China’s officials in Beijing are irritated by the US’s expanding presence in the area and its normal deployment of warships and fighter planes in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea.

China has accused the US of using the Philippines as a “pawn to stir up trouble in the South China Sea.”

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and China’s Defense Minister Dong Jun met earlier on Friday in Singapore on the heels of Asia’s most important defense conference.

According to a Pentagon statement released after the conference, Austin emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation under international law, particularly in the South China Sea.

According to his spokeswoman, Dong responded by telling reporters that the US was stoking tensions by operating military forces in the area.

Marcos argued that Southeast Asia’s conflicts were causing the US and China to become unstable, and that Washington and Beijing should work harder to solve disputes.

Their conflict is limiting the regional state ‘ strategic decisions. Their competition is causing more flashpoints and creating new security problems, Marcos claimed.

China and the United States must maintain their competitiveness in a responsible manner in order for this region’s continued stability.

Manila and Beijing have a long history of sea territorial issues, but tensions have gotten worse under Marcos, who has vowed to keep the Philippines from robbing them of every inch of their country.

The South China Sea dispute is a problem that extends beyond the Asia-Pacific area, according to Marcos ‘ statement on Friday.

” The freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and the peace and stability of the South China Sea are a global issue,” Marcos said.

” It is not just ( about ) ASEAN member states. It is quite obvious that the universe has actually taken control of the situation.

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Bank of Singapore creates independent global advisory council | FinanceAsia

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In: Asia, Finance, South-East Asia

To support the Chief Investment Office’s ( CIO ) research capabilities and to gain client insights, the Bank of Singapore established an independent investment advisory council.

According to a declaration from the bank, eight members of the CIO Global Advisory Council have been chosen based on their track records in finance, public policy, political research, resource allocation, and investment management. &nbsp,

The members are: Belinda Boa, head of Apac engaged investments and key investment officer of emerging markets, BlackRock, Ken Caplan, world co- key investment officer, Blackstone, Fabiana Fedeli, key investment officer, equities, multi- asset and sustainability, M&amp, G Investments, Robin Hu, Asia chair, Milken Institute and advisor senior director, Temasek, Stewart James, co- head, office of government affairs Apac, Goldman Sachs, Yuichi Murao, chief investment officer, Nomura Asset Management, Adam Posen, president, Peterson Institute for International Economics, and Paula Campbell Roberts, chief investment strategist for global wealth, KKR.

Jean Chia, global chief investment officer, Bank of Singapore, said in the statement:” Building intellectual capital is a key part of the bank’s strategy to become the top private bank in Asia. We are investing in research capabilities in today’s knowledge-driven economy, which includes convening this global advisory council in addition to our in-house insights.

The Chief Investment Office has received a direct report from Chief Executive Officer Jason Moo since January 2024. The advisory and discretionary portfolio management teams manage the clients ‘ assets in accordance with their return expectations and risk appetite, while the chief investment office establishes the asset allocation framework, investment views, and securities research.

While the CIO Global Advisory Council will offer insights, the Bank’s house view– which guides investment decisions – is built upon the Chief Investment Office’s in- house research, investment strategy and asset allocation expertise, the statement said. &nbsp,

Asset managers and institutional investors use wealth management and investment management technology, which the Chief Investment Office established earlier this year. One of the first private banks in Asia to adopt the platform for clients of private banking is Bank of Singapore. &nbsp,

The Bank of Singapore is owned by OCBC and has offces in Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the UK, Luxembourg, Dubai and a representative office in the Philippines, according to its website. &nbsp,

Rickie Chan introduced the Hong Kong branch’s position as its chief executive on April 17. Chan replaced Cindy Wong, whose last day at the bank was May 31, 2024, by adding it to his role as head of private banking, Greater China. She became the CEO of the Hong Kong branch in 2021 after joining the Bank of Singapore in November 2015. &nbsp,

¬ Haymarket Media Limited. All rights reserved.

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Counterterrorism, non-conventional threats on agenda as regional defence bloc expands cooperation

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In: South-East Asia

SINGAPORE: The Five Power Defence Arrangements ( FPDA ) will be expanding cooperation into non- conventional areas, such as counterterrorism, maritime security, humanitarian and disaster relief, as well as cyber and drone warfare. The FPDA- formed in 1971 against the scenery of military conflict across Southeast Asia- comprises Singapore, Malaysia,Continue Reading

Japan’s service firms to hurt the worst in China split – Asia Times

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In: Asia

In recent years, the Chinese government has made its desire to leave China in response to growing Sino-American economic rivalries.

The Shinzo Abe administration has already provided grants worth 70 billion renminbi ( US$ 445. million ) to Chinese companies in order to move their output from China to Southeast Asia or back to Japan as of 2020.

The Chinese government could conduct more in-depth examination of trade in sympathetic goods with China on national security grounds, frequently in cooperation with US and European authorities, thanks to changes to the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act that year. &nbsp,

However, it has been proven by numerous assessments that the two nations ‘ long and extensive trading relationship poses a significant barrier to dispersion. In fact, the supply chains that Japan’s and China’s latest economic partnership are characterized by are intricately intertwined.

As Japan’s largest trading partner, China buying more than 21 % of Japan’s export while providing more than 24 % of the products that support the Chinese economy bite on. These figures must be cut in order for Japan to truly detach itself from China. &nbsp,

Articles show Chinese production is decoupling from China, if slowly and cautiously, according to several factors. The most pronounced is a worry of being barred from the attractive US market as China enacts more stringent tech and trade sanctions and begins to censor China’s transshipment and different roundabout efforts to evade the disciplinary measures.

A kills of big Chinese companies are eager to establish new production facilities in the US, while only 27 % of Japanese businesses with business relationships to China expressed a desire to grow those relationships. Toyota and Panasonic are two examples of US companies that have received grants for their further growth in the US. &nbsp,

The difficulty of Japan Inc.’s ability to compete in China is also making their move toward the Chinese business more difficult. Japanese car sales in China dropped to an unprecedented 17 % next year as a result of a rapid shift toward EVs produced by Chinese companies like BYD.

Toyota and Nissan have collaborated with local Chinese companies to succeed while Mitsubishi has to cut back on its manufacturing in China. Japanese carmakers ‘ losing battle with Chinese EV manufacturers is suggestive of Chinese home electronics manufacturers that were once common in Chinese stores and were being overtaken by companies like Haier, Xiaomi, and Hisense.

Opponents of Japan’s decoupling from China also benefit from the wider restructuring of the two nations ‘ various trading partners. The slowing expansion in China, combined with concern for wider US and EU punishment, is altering global supply chains in ways that could lower Japan’s deal with the Middle Kingdom.

News from TSMC’s opening of new semiconductor factories in Japan, India, Mexico, and ASEAN’s attempts to entice companies away from China and a slow but steady flow of reshoring by US companies all point to a prospect where Japan must less rely on “made in China” products.

However, these evaluations, which are based on the patterns in producers and made goods, ignore a significant portion of the factor that will ultimately decide whether Japan’s large decoupling from China will succeed or fail.

The same cannot be said of the numerous Chinese companies that operate restaurants, stores, companies, and clinics that are based in China, although Chinese manufacturers that produce in China for Chinese markets may possibly still sell to China when factories are moved abroad.

Considering that manufacturers only account for about 40 % of the roughly 12, 000 Japanese companies that are currently active in China, ignoring this enormous presence of the Japanese service sector paints an incomplete picture of decoupling trends and potential outcomes.

Indeed, a casual look shows that Japanese service providers are deepening, not uprooting, their presence in China amid all the talk of decoupling. For instance, Japanese chain of convenience stores have steadily increased their presence in China since 2019, with Lawson almost tripling its number of locations over the same time period.

Meanwhile, fast- fashion giant Uniqlo’s presence in China grew from 711 stores in 2019 to 925 in 2023. Restaurant chain Saizeriya grew from 120 stores in 2016 to 387 over the same period. Aeon, the owner of a shopping mall, opened its first branch in 2010 and now has 22 locations in China.

These businesses ‘ growing presence in China has not been seen on a comparable scale in any other nation. The” China- only” success of the Japanese service industry is glaring from any perspective.

Among Lawson’s 7, 344 foreign outlets, 6, 288 are in China, representing 86 %. The equivalents for Uniqlo, Saizeriya and Aeon are respectively 57 % (925 out of 1, 634), 81 % ( 387 out of 478 ), and 59 % ( 22 out of 37 ).

Decoupling is a difficult task because Japan’s rapidly shrinking population makes it more urgent for these companies to expand abroad.

Japan Inc. will need to pay more attention to businesses in the services sector, not just its manufacturers, as it looks at ways to lessen its economic reliance on China.

The Japanese government should invest the same effort in helping Japanese service providers navigate a transition that could disproportionately harm their interests while implementing policies to reduce the volume of goods traded with China.

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