Insights from BNP Paribas’ first NextGen Experience in Singapore held over two days included how young leaders can effectively navigate the issues of food security, climate change, a burgeoning AI industry and taking over a family empire
After more than 15 years of successful editions in Hong Kong, Singapore played host to this year’s BNP Paribas NextGen Experience for the first time.
The two-day event, held at W Singapore Sentosa Cove, was attended by next-generation family business owners, who are professionals in their own right, keen to learn from industry experts about the evolving global landscapes of business and innovation.
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Designed to bridge knowledge gaps and foster meaningful connections to empower its clients beyond their everyday banking needs, the NextGen Experience features networking opportunities, talks and forums that enable its clients to connect with like-minded individuals and potential business partners, while gaining an understanding of industry trends and opportunities.
The 2023 edition in Singapore, titled Igniting Impact in Entrepreneurship, Sustainability and Family Business, had panel discussions, workshops and experiences on a diversity of topics—from how to build more sustainable food and retail ecosystems, to analysing the challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence, to balancing tradition and innovation in family businesses.
The lineup of speakers featured topic experts from healthcare, foodtech and sustainability, including Gen.T honourees such as professor Dean Ho of the Institute of Digital Medicine at the National University of Singapore (NUS); Woo Qiyun, founder of The Weird and Wild, an educational media platform making complex climate information easy to understand; Stephanie Dickson, co-founder and editor-in-chief of media platform Green Is The New Black focused on sustainability issues; Blair Crichton, co-founder and chief commercial officer of alternative protein startup Karana; and John Cheng, founder and director of Innovate 360, a food accelerator and venture capital firm.
Here are some of the key takeaways from the sessions.