Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS) is proud to launch Vital Topics Global as part of its 60th anniversary celebrations in 2025, generously sponsored by Renaker, Manchester’s leading property developer.
This global edition of our flagship lecture series will take place in five key global centres: Dubai, Hong Kong, Manchester, Shanghai, and Singapore.
In Singapore, AMBS is pleased to partner with the British Chamber of Commerce Singapore to host an engaging panel discussion exploring the implications of President Trump’s recent policy announcements on global business, trade, and tariffs – and their direct and indirect effects on Southeast Asia.
As the region faces heightened uncertainty in trade relations, sustainability goals, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, senior industry leaders and our distinguished senior alumni will share their insights on how businesses can adapt and thrive.
Topics of discussion will include:
Strategic business responses and risk mitigation in key industries
Shifts in regional markets and investment strategies
Evolving trade policies and tariff impacts on Southeast Asia
Challenges to sustainability, innovation, and DEI under new regulatory dynamics
Don’t miss this high-impact event that brings global perspectives straight to Singapore — with plenty of time for lively discussion and quality networking!
8.30am - Registration & Networking
9.00am - Panel discussion commences
10.00am - Q&A
10.30am - Networking over breakfast
11.30am - End of Event
Venue
The University of Manchester South East Asia Centre
80 Robinson Road, #13-01, Singapore 068898
Fee
Complimentary, inclusive of breakfast
MODERATOR Asif Chaudhury Managing Director, Asia The Economist UoM Alumnus
Asif Chaudhury is the Managing Director for Asia at The Economist Group, overseeing operations across the region. He previously led several of the Group’s businesses, including EuroFinance and Commercial Payments International. Before relocating to Singapore, Asif held senior roles in London and spent five years in Dubai managing the Middle East & Africa region. His earlier career includes roles at Euromonitor and Gartner. Born in Luxembourg, Asif has lived and worked globally, with experience spanning Washington DC, Johannesburg, Dubai, London, and Singapore.
PANELIST Christy Tan Managing Director, Investment Strategist, APAC Franklin Templeton UoM Global MBA Alumna
Christy Tan is the Managing Director, Investment Strategist for Asia Pacific at Franklin Templeton with nearly 20 years of experience in financial markets, specializing in FX, fixed income analysis, and portfolio strategy. She leads macroeconomic and thematic investment research across Asia Pacific. Previously, she headed Markets Strategy and Research at National Australia Bank and was Director of Asian FX and Fixed Income Strategy at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Christy is passionate about delivering innovative investment solutions and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in finance.
PANELIST Paul Griffiths Partner, Operating Model Effectiveness Ernst & Young Solutions
Paul Griffiths is a Partner at EY Singapore and Asia Pacific leader for Operating Model Effectiveness, with over 25 years of transfer pricing and business restructuring experience. He has worked in London and Melbourne, advising clients across industries such as consumer products, automotive, oil and gas, and healthcare. Paul specialises in helping Asian-based private companies design effective operating models for international expansion.
PANELIST Chris Wright Founding Partner Resonate Global Advisors
Chris Wright is a Founding Partner at Resonate Global Advisors, a consultancy focused on impactful content and events for global finance. With nearly 30 years of journalism experience across four continents, he has reported from nearly 100 countries. Chris has worked with top publications like Euromoney and the Financial Times, won four national journalism awards, and authored No More Worlds to Conquer and The Millionaires’ Factory.
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