Programme

Following the Covid-19 crisis, demand recovery stemming from a long period of unprecedented policy support, coupled with supply chain challenges, have resulted in elevated inflationary pressures and further worsened social inequality. Also, as policymaking normalises in more markets, another material round of stimulus (absent a negative shock) is unlikely in the short term, resulting in a shift towards the private sector as the key driver of growth. In China, however, we see this moving in the opposite direction with easier policy aimed at macro stabilisation.

Given record high public debt, stretched valuations, and increasing geopolitical fragmentation, the transition path is unlikely to be smooth. What are the actions needed in the major economies to sustain growth that is also resilient and equitable, and how will this impact the investment environment?

Covid-19 has helped accelerate widespread digitalisation in many areas, including commerce, operations, systems, services, data and content. Rapidly advancing technologies such as blockchain, web 3.0 and the metaverse will transform the ways we consume, work and do business globally, further intensifying disruption risks in the years to come. There are also growing concerns about the evolving means of economic activity, competition, online data privacy, and cybersecurity. As we transition towards an ever digitalised economy, what are the implications for regulation and the role of big tech, and which sectors will see greater risks and opportunities?

Sustainability is a key investment issue given its impact across every asset class and sector. While it is critical to support companies in their efforts towards more sustainable business practices, significant capital is also needed to invest in and scale up the low-carbon solutions required to accelerate the green transition. During this session, two innovative companies – each making a meaningful difference in the ESG space – will share more about their businesses, challenges and the broader implications the sustainability transition has had on their respective industries.

Balancing Resilience and Agility to Deliver Long-term Performance

Companies were rewarded in the past for perceived efficiencies and lean balance sheets, tight supply chains, just-in-time delivery, and returning capital to shareholders to the fullest extent possible. Now, companies are facing disruptions across many fronts including shifting macroeconomics, rapid technological change, sustainability imperatives, or other important trends. As a result, companies are trying to build resilience, or the ability to withstand or adapt to disruption, into their operations and their balance sheets. The challenge is that many diversified investors see resilience as bloat. Activists see opportunities to come in and cut. And boards may look for the short-term returns that efficiency can bring. How can companies best build long-term resilience into their business to manage big shifts in our environment while staying agile and lean? How can investors evaluate and appropriately value that resilience, enabling companies to maintain a focus on long-term performance?

To address these questions, GIC is partnering FCLTGlobal to bring its unique roundtable format to GIC Insights 2022. Following an introduction by FCLTGlobal CEO Sarah Williamson and a firestarter by FCLTGlobal Board Chair Theresa Whitmarsh, the session will involve an interactive discussion among GIC Insights guests on how to create more resilient and agile organisations in response to today’s challenges.