Defining Asia in Transition

The renaissance of Asia is at the center of the world’s attention. Fueled by its robust growth, Asia has embarked on a multi-faceted evolution of becoming a global powerhouse witnessed through its rising middle class and its rapid shift from manufacturing to services arena. The 2006 Wharton Asia Business Conference seeks to examine the progress to date of Asia’s transition and its impact across industries throughout the world, and also explore the underlying opportunities and challenges in the future.

PANELS

Capital Markets in Emerging Asian Markets
Asian capital markets, notably China, has seen an emergence onto the global scene as opportunites for investments and high returns. The roles of capital markets in supporting the economic advances of Asian countries, as well as improvements needed for future development are discussed in this panel.

Private Equity and Hedge Funds in Asia
Global private equity houses and hedge funds have been hanging up signs in Asia as the region improves its capital market liquidity and access to debt financing tools. This panel explores topics ranging from the impact of continuous privatization, capital market reforms and restructuring of companies in Asia by private equity firms.

Consumer Marketing in Asia
The challenge to market brands to the mass markets of Asia is emerging as the huge middle classes of Asia grows in purchasing power and achieves a higher standard of living. The panel will discuss the strategies amongst foreign and local producers in the issues they face in understanding and targeting Asia's varying and changing market segments

Asian companies going global
The balance between globalization and localization for Asian companies as they seek to fuel growth is of great interest to firms as they strategize on their future. Strategies and case studies of successful companies as they make this transition from local to global are discussed in this panel.

Entrepreneurship and VC
The Asian formula for successful entrepreneurship is explored in this panel, and the growing relationship between Venture Capital and entrepreneurship is highlighted. The interplay between the two groups is necessary for Asia to execute a transition from imitation to innovation into the future.

High Growth Industry panel: Telecom, Media, Technology
Asia's adoption of mobile technology and a great involvement and interest of firms in this sector reflects an intensely competitive market. The panels discusses developments to the TMT industry and the opportunities present for firms and individuals alike.