The importance of sustainability is increasingly recognized by companies, with more environmental and social considerations integrated into business strategies. The impact of COVID further accelerates the driving forces, with the emergence of new technologies, the growing threat of climate change, and the impact of demographic shifts in economics and employment. To forward-thinking company leaders and management, the need to integrate sustainable development goals into strategic plans and operational activities is becoming ever more apparent. Today’s challenges for sustainable development are complicated and interconnected, requiring collaborations across different sectors and industries to form a cohesive ecosystem to achieve common sustainability goals.

The panel will explore how business leaders and corporates can work together to create opportunities for sustainable development by revisiting their strategies and business models. With Asia’s unique blend of cultures, traditions, and innovation, companies in the region are well-positioned to lead the change in sustainable growth.

Asia's rapid economic growth over the past few decades has been a double-edged sword, lifting hundreds of millions out of poverty and creating new opportunities for prosperity, while also exacerbating environmental degradation, social inequality, and other challenges. As we look towards the future, the outlook for Asia is mixed with both opportunities for growth and significant challenges ahead. Asia’s rich cultural heritage is deeply rooted in the philosophy of harmony between humanity and nature, which reflects a longstanding pursuit of sustainable growth by striking a delicate balance between economic development and environmental and social responsibilities.

The panel will draw inspiration from this philosophy and delve into social development initiatives and policies, economic outlooks, and how to fight the challenges ahead, driving sustainable growth and benefiting all stakeholders of the societies.

The world of work is undergoing a seismic shift, with the future of work in Asia poised to be shaped by a confluence of technological advancements, changing demographics, and evolving employee preferences. As automation and artificial intelligence continue to evolve, the demand for a knowledge-driven, data-savvy, and digitally fluent workforce is set to skyrocket.

Against this backdrop, the panel aims to explore innovative strategies that enable us to navigate the rapidly changing working environment and co-create a more sustainable future workplace – one that provides fair and meaningful work, implements new technology ethically and responsibly, and operates with high levels of empowerment, transparency, trust, equitability, diversity, and inclusiveness.

The fashion industry, like many others, has undergone a profound transformation in the wake of the COVID pandemic as lifestyles and philosophies shifted in response to this unprecedented global issue. Consumers become increasingly aware of the impact of their choices. Facing the post-COVID challenges and opportunities, it is clearly a wake-up call that today’s fashion should be pursued sustainably. Different stakeholders in the industry must play a proactive role in influencing consumer behavior and driving innovation in sustainable practices, focusing on minimizing the industry’s environmental footprint and promoting ethical and responsible businesses.

This panel will explore the vast and complex landscape of environmental sustainability in fashion. It will address the wide array of applications from culture and heritage preservation, technology utilization, sustainable arts and design, and use of materials that will shape the sustainability of the industry.

This immersive experience is designed to provide a unique exploration opportunity to discover the world of sustainable fashion and traditional Chinese minority group heritage - China Blue Natural Dye which has been used by several minority groups in China for centuries. The technique involves using natural indigo dye to create a deep blue color that is distinctive and highly sought after.

In this session, you will be introduced to its rich cultural history in traditional textiles. As part of the experience, you will have the chance to learn the process of creating natural dyes and experiment with different techniques to produce your own unique designs. We will also take you to our natural dye plantation to see how these plants are cultivated and harvested. By exploring the world of sustainable fashion and traditional dyeing techniques, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural history and craftsmanship that goes into creating sustainable fashion.

The young generation holds the key to a sustainable future. This session provides a unique platform to hear their voices and perspectives on the critical issues of our time. Looking back at the insights shared by the young generation over the last decade on Integral Conversation, value diversity, equity, inclusion, well-being, and environmental concerns are some of the keywords widely mentioned. It is essential to understand from these topics what changes and gaps have emerged in the past and present, and what will the future look like for Guilin, China, Asia and beyond. It is also key to consider how the reflection of COVID has sharpened the young generation’s value system and lives, and how it influenced their aspirations for the future. As we answer these questions, we are working towards building a sustainable future for the generations to come.