Event Details

Be inspired by women making waves in the ASEAN payments industry and beyond. Join us at the 2024 Symposium! Our theme for this year is "Leading Through Volatility".


Our keynotes, panels, and break-out sessions will help strengthen your skills while keeping you on top of industry trends. Hear from women leaders on a variety of subjects including current payments issues and initiatives, fintech, and leadership. You'll also have the opportunity to network with women at all levels and with diverse backgrounds in payment and fintech. This is a must-attend event for any woman who's serious about accelerating her career in the payments industry.


The Women in Payments Symposium is a unique event that provides perspectives from key women leaders in payments, supports diversity and gender parity, and includes topics impacting all aspects of the payments ecosystem. The format includes keynote addresses, executive panel discussions, career development breakout sessions and networking breaks. This forum is an unparalleled opportunity that is empowering, current and immediately relevant to any woman pursuing a career in payments.

Oct 23 & 24, 2024 GMT+8

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Fairmont, Singapore
Singapore
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Agenda

  • Enterprise & Mercury Room
    18:00 - 19:30NETWORKING COCKTAIL RECEPTION
  • Networking Break/Stamford Foyer
    08:15 - 09:00REGISTRATION & NETWORKING BREAKFAST
    10:45 - 11:15NETWORKING BREAK
    14:30 - 15:00NETWORKING BREAK
    Main Stage/Stamford Ballroom
    09:00 - 09:05WELCOME REMARKS
    09:05 - 09:15OPENING REMARKS
    09:15 - 09:25OPENING KEYNOTE INTRODUCTION
    09:25 - 10:00OPENING KEYNOTE
    10:00 - 10:45EXECUTIVE PANEL – PAYMENTS AROUND THE WORLD
    Payment systems and methods vary widely across the ASEAN region, reflecting a blend of traditional practices and rapid technological advancements. There's a trend towards digital payments due to increasing smartphone penetration and government initiatives promoting financial inclusion and cashless transactions. However, challenges such as infrastructure gaps and varying levels of digital literacy persist, particularly in rural areas. Our panel of experts will discuss unique advancements and challenges in their regions.
    12:00 - 13:00NETWORKING LUNCH
    13:00 - 13:35GENERATIVE AI - TRENDS IN ASEAN
    ASEAN businesses are increasingly leveraging generative AI for various applications such as customer service chatbots, content creation, personalized marketing, and predictive analytics. Companies are exploring how AI can enhance efficiency and customer engagement. Overall, generative AI is poised to drive significant transformations in ASEAN, offering opportunities for economic growth, improved public services, and enhanced innovation across various sectors. However, challenges such as skill shortages, ethical concerns, and regulatory frameworks will need to be addressed to fully realize the potential of AI in the region.
    15:50 - 16:30MULTIGENERAL WORKFORCE; ATTRACT, RETAIN AND MOTIVATE
    Attracting, retaining, and motivating a multigenerational workforce in the ASEAN region requires understanding and addressing the diverse needs, expectations, and motivations of employees across different age groups. Organizations that offer flexible work arrangements such as remote work, flexible hours, and compressed work weeks appeal to younger generations seeking work-life balance and older generations transitioning towards retirement. Developing a purpose driven culture with a strong organizational purpose and alignment of business goals that contribute positively to society and the environment resonates with employees of all ages.
    16:30 - 16:40CLOSING KEYNOTE INTRODUCTION
    16:40 - 17:10CLOSING KEYNOTE
    17:10 - 18:00AWARDS PRESENTATION
    18:00 - 18:15CLOSING REMARKS
    18:15 - 19:45CLOSING COCKTAIL
    Workshop/Bras Basah
    11:15 - 12:00ISO20022 ACROSS ASEAN
    ISO 20022 adoption in ASEAN varies across member states, posing challenges to regional financial integration. While countries like Singapore and Malaysia have made significant strides in implementing ISO 20022 for payments, others are at different stages of readiness. Harmonizing standards and ensuring interoperability remains a hurdle, impacting cross-border transactions and regulatory compliance. Challenges also include upgrading legacy systems, training personnel, and managing costs associated with implementation. Despite these hurdles, ISO 20022 offers benefits like richer data exchange and improved transaction efficiency, motivating ASEAN nations to collaborate towards a standardized approach for enhanced financial interoperability and regulatory alignment.
    13:45 - 14:30EVOLVING CAREER STRATEGIES: MASTERING PERSONAL BRANDING
    The world has changed: macroeconomics have made securing a job harder, AI is screening CVs, and automation is reducing headcounts. Consequently, our approach to career progression must evolve. Building a personal brand is crucial, as the human touch helps navigate an AI-driven world. This workshop will cover how to develop a strong identity and influence within your profession, manage career transitions, and quickly build expertise in new roles. We'll also explore the importance of a consistent social media presence and best practices for creating an authentic personal brand that fits you.
    14:35 - 14:55Mastercard Sponsored Session
    15:00 - 15:40CBDC’S AND CRYPTO: WHAT IS ON THE HORIZON
    CBDCs (Central Bank Digital Currencies), cryptocurrencies, and stablecoins are gaining traction in ASEAN, albeit with varying regulatory approaches. Singapore leads with Project Ubin, exploring CBDCs for interbank settlements. Thailand permits cryptocurrencies for trading under regulated frameworks, fostering a growing crypto market. Stablecoins like USD Coin (USDC) are utilized for remittances in the Philippines, enhancing financial inclusivity. Challenges include regulatory clarity, cybersecurity risks, and consumer protection. Despite these hurdles, ASEAN countries are actively exploring these digital assets to modernize financial systems, improve cross-border transactions, and stimulate economic growth in the region.
    Fireside Chat/Orchard
    11:15 - 12:00FRAUD PREVENTION & CYBERSECURITY – FIGHTING FINANCIAL CRIME
    Managing financial crime in ASEAN involves enhancing regulatory frameworks, collaboration among law enforcement agencies, and leveraging technology. Countries like Singapore employ advanced analytics and AI to detect suspicious transactions and combat money laundering. Regional initiatives promote information sharing and capacity building to tackle transnational financial crimes. Challenges include varying regulatory standards across member states, cybersecurity threats, and emerging forms of digital fraud. Strengthening regulatory oversight, promoting cross-border cooperation, and investing in fintech solutions are crucial for mitigating financial crime risks and ensuring the stability and integrity of ASEAN's financial systems.
    13:45 - 14:30FINANCIAL ECOSYSTEMS: THE NEXT WAVE OF FINANCIAL EVOLUTION
    The financial ecosystems in ASEAN are diverse and evolving, shaped by varying levels of economic development and regulatory frameworks across member states. Key components include traditional banking sectors, rapidly growing fintech industries, and expanding digital payment systems. Countries like Singapore lead in fintech innovation and digital banking, fostering a robust ecosystem with supportive regulations and infrastructure. Other nations are catching up, spurred by rising mobile penetration and increasing demand for digital financial services. Challenges include regulatory harmonization, cybersecurity risks, and bridging financial inclusion gaps in rural and underserved areas. ASEAN's financial ecosystems are pivotal in driving economic growth and digital transformation across the region.
    15:00 - 15:40NAVIGATING NEW HORIZONS: THE POWER OF MOBILITIY
    Mobility is vital for professional growth, yet women are 20% less mobile than men, especially those with familial responsibilities. Explore the world of women and mobility, discovering how relocating sparks fresh perspectives, resilience, and adaptability essential for effective leadership. Discussions will cover lessons from moving across roles and locations, overcoming cultural differences, and using challenges as learning opportunities. We'll also touch upon the impact of returning home, building confidence, and harnessing the transformative power of assertive leadership.
    Panel/VIP B
    11:15 - 12:00NAVIGATING LEADERSHIP DYNAMICS: THRIVING TOGETHER
    Join our panel for an insightful discussion on fostering mutual growth and empowerment. Discover the power of leadership through coaching, mentoring, and supporting diverse talent to thrive together. Learn effective strategies for giving and receiving feedback, crucial for personal and team development. Hear from leaders on evolving leadership styles to drive a people-first mindset and manage large, diverse teams while promoting a culture of belonging. Explore ways to overcome inertia to change and achieve growth through incremental steps amid uncertainty. Delve into the role of emotional intelligence in leadership—self-awareness, authenticity, empathy, and fostering positive social skills for project success and talent retention.
    13:45 - 14:30AI – DRIVING CHANGE IN THE INDUSTRY
    AI is revolutionizing payments in ASEAN by enhancing fraud detection, personalizing customer experiences, and optimizing operational efficiency. In Singapore, AI-driven chatbots and predictive analytics streamline customer interactions and transaction processes. Malaysia employs AI to detect suspicious transactions and improve payment security. Indonesia explores AI-powered credit scoring to expand financial inclusion. Challenges include data privacy concerns and regulatory adaptation across diverse markets. However, AI's role in payments promises to reshape consumer behaviors and business operations, driving innovation and competitiveness in ASEAN's financial services sector.
    15:00 - 15:40SOLVING MARKET FRAGMENTATION: OPPORTINITIES AND BARRIERS TO GROWTH
    ASEAN faces challenges in harmonizing QR code standards, hindering seamless cross-border transactions. Fragmentation among member states in QR code specifications complicates regional integration efforts. Real-time payment systems encounter interoperability issues, slowing down financial transactions. Efforts to streamline QR code standards and enhance real-time payment infrastructure are crucial for ASEAN's economic cohesion and digital transformation agenda. Achieving uniformity in QR code formats and improving interoperability can foster greater financial inclusivity and efficiency across Southeast Asia, bolstering the region's economic resilience and competitiveness in the global market.
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