We look at some of the big infrastructure projects aimed at kickstarting growth in Asean economies – can ambitious projects like the Eastern Economic Corridor and Thailand 4.0 help countries work their way out of the middle income trap? What impact will BRI have on Asean economies?

Thailand’s largest retail conglomerate is expanding its footprint both domestically and internationally. The company, which already has a presence in Europe and Vietnam is eyeing big investment opportunities in neighbouring Asean countries specially Cambodia, Lao and Myanmar as it plans to double the number of stores in Vietnam by 2022. What about the giant in the neighbourhood, China? Central Group has announced a $500 mn joint venture with JD.com, China’s online behemoth.

Asean’s future will be defined by how it handles external challenges such as shifting trade dynamics and Beijing’s growing dominance in Asia. Could it counter China’s rise or will be a beneficiary? What will play an even greater role in determining Asean’s relevance, however, is how its ten members co-operate between themselves. Given the stark linguistic, cultural, religious and political differences that range from authoritarian regimes to democracies, many member states do not see eye-to-eye. Do differing national priorities mean it is time to abandon the Asean principle of consensus?

In addition to the recent national elections in Malaysia, the region also faces upcoming elections in Thailand, Cambodia and Indonesia. This panel looks at the potential and challenges for the Asean region through a geo political lens.

The Governor of the Bank of Thailand, Veerathai Santiprabhob shares insight into his plan to support economic growth and preserve financial stability.

Asean will have a significant impact on energy and commodities in the coming decade due to the region’s insatiable demand and its favourable geography and demographics. As the regions young population grows and creates a burgeoning new middle class, demand for housing, infrastructure, appliances, cars will rise. All of this will require energy and steel among other commodities. Does Asean have the resources to meet this demand? What impact will sanctions on Iran have on Asean countries where millions of people still live in the dark? We check the status of Asean’s push towards renewable energy, keeping in mind coal is expected to become the region’s predominant fossil fuel in another 15 years, and we get the view from environmentalists – in our commodities conclave.

We sit down with some of the regions most exciting cross border businesses to gain insight into how Asean businesses can succeed internationally – and we hear from companies that have chosen to cross borders or entered into cross border partnerships to achieve success.

We look at the spending habits of Asean’s growing middle class – what are they buying? Where are they investing their money? What defines the Asean millennial consumer? We look at the changing order of household balance sheets.

We discuss the constantly looming and very real threat of cybersecurity. Are tech powered companies prepared?

The executive chef behind Asia’s best restaurant shares his story and tells us what it takes to create a globally renowned business. Known as a master of reinvention, Gaggan Anand has created an experimental international menu that draws inspiration from his Indian heritage. He speaks to us about his journey that started with him arriving in Bangkok with two pairs of jeans and some petty cash to 2018 – the year he was awarded the title of Asia’s Best Restaurant for the 4th year in a row.

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The founder of the global charity Room to Read speaks about his new book Purpose, Incorporated. His message: cause and capitalism don’t have to be mutually exclusive – in fact, corporates can do better by doing good in the world.

Investors and market makers offer their vision for how global and regional markets will play out into the second half of 2018 and onwards.

A formidable businesswoman, she is the CEO of Indonesian conglomerate Sintesa, one of the nation’s largest distributors of consumer products.

South-east Asia’s travel and tourism industry has incredible potential to transform the region by generating growth, creating jobs, boosting infrastructure and enabling development. We look at how tourism can be a key growth engine in the ASEAN region.

One of the fastest growing regions in Asia Pacific, Asean is projected to become the world’s fourth largest economy by 2030. Growth will be heavily powered by the digital economy. Technology, which is indispensable in every area of our life, has the potential to change businesses and society. The possibilities are infinite.