2022 Asia Pacific Roundtable
Welcome Letter

Dear Colleagues:

In recent decades, the world has grown accustomed to relying on the Asian economic engine of growth. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) economies are becoming an increasingly central part of this story, with economic and demographic growth stalling in other markets, which have traditionally served as the prime drivers of prosperity. As the relative gravity of the ASEAN bloc grows, so does its engagement in world affairs and its ability to influence (and be influenced by) numerous international developments.

Surrounded by opportunity and challenge, ASEAN’s geographic location feeds into a nexus of trends. The allure of India, the power of China, the richness of the Gulf states, the resources of East Africa, and growing domestic consumer markets each have the potential to deliver partnerships and promise for investors. How this bloc navigates various challenges such as infrastructure needs, pandemic response, and carbon emissions, among other issues—both collectively and within their respective societies—holds significant repercussions at the national, regional, and global levels.

The global economic and financial outlook is uncertain at best. The war in Ukraine rages on, with potentially vast implications for commodity prices and supply-chain disruptions. Central banks are pumping their brakes to curb inflation, raising interest rates and concerns that global markets are headed into a recession. U.S.-China ties continue their downward spiral, with almost non-existent political and diplomatic engagement between the world’s two largest economies. The urgency of transitioning to a post-carbon economy remains ever-present. Global attention will be focused on Egypt and the 27th Conference of the Parties (COP27) for signs of political courage to make meaningful (and achievable) commitments to curb emissions drastically.

We are pleased to return to Singapore for our first in-person convening in the region since the fall of 2019. The Asia Pacific Roundtable is PPI’s flagship program. We will use this time to delve deeply into many of these topics, question our assumptions, and gain invaluable insights from our colleagues. Singapore’s unique global commerce position provides a fascinating vantage point to explore several issues with significant consequences for the international community of investors.

The PPI platform is a fertile environment for conducting these discussions, with membership sourced from diverse backgrounds, geographies, and perspectives. The sessions we will hold are designed to be dynamic and interactive, and I hope you will take advantage of our speakers and subject matter experts to learn, engage, and share your insights and perspectives.

As always, if there is anything my staff and I can do to make your time with us more beneficial, please make sure to reach out to us. We know you have many options for how to spend your limited time and resources, and we are grateful that you have joined us both in-person and remotely. I hope you find your participation in the 2022 Asia Pacific Roundtable worthwhile and that we again justify your investment and active involvement in the PPI Community.

Sincerely yours, 

Lionel C. Johnson
President