Ali Abbasov in the Minister of Communications and High Technology of Azerbaijan. He spoke with The Prospect Group about the government’s efforts to make Azerbaijan into a regional ICT hub, ICT infrastructure development, and the push toward a fully digitized economic environment.

Lia Francisco is the Founder & CEO of CreditBPO, which leverages information technology to improve the visibility, operational efficiency, and credit worthiness of SMEs in the Philippines. She spoke with The Prospect Group about the vision behind CreditBPO and its SME Credit Rating Report, access to credit and bank loans for small businesses, and what is being done to bridge the financing gap for SMEs.

Alfredo M. Yao is the President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PCCI), the voice of business in the Philippines. He spoke with The Prospect Group about the upcoming economic integration of ASEAN countries, the Philippines growth story, and potential for the future.

John Cole is the President of Quantum Hotels and Resorts. He spoke with The Prospect Group about tourism in the Philippines, the hotel industry in the Makati area of Metro Manila, and the One Pacific Place property.

Stephen CuUnjieng is the Chairman of Evercore Asia, a premier independent investment banking advisory firm. He spoke with The Prospect Group about today’s economic realities, ASEAN competitiveness, and his macroeconomic outlook for the Philippines and the region.

Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad is a politician, businessman, and was Malaysia’s longest serving Prime Minister. He currently chairs Malaysian car manufacturer Proton. He spoke with The Prospect Group about hot-button economic issues: ASEAN trade, the future of Proton, and 1MDB.

Thailand has taken systemic measures to improve broadcasting and telecommunications infrastructure. The ongoing move to digital television is expected to have a $3bn economic impact. Mobile data consumption is growing and the transition to 4G presents new opportunities for operators, services providers, and the technology industry.

Dr. Tabassum Khan is the Managing Director of AJ Pharma Holding, an initiative of the Aljomaih Group of Saudi Arabia established to focus on investments in the healthcare and biotechnology sectors in Malaysia and the surrounding region. He spoke with The Prospect Group about the economic and social benefits of being vaccination independent, what halal vaccination really means, and where he sees the industry headed in the future.

Dato' Dr. Mohd Nazlee Kamal is the CEO of the Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation (BiotechCorp), an organization tasked with driving the country’s biotech industry. He spoke with The Prospect Group about Malaysia’s biotech industry, opportunities and initiatives in the Halal and Islamic economy, and replicating Malaysia’s bio-economy model elsewhere.

Tuna Musa Hitam is a politician, businessman, and former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia. He currently chairs the World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF). He spoke with The Prospect Group about the 10th annual WIEF that took place in Dubai, innovation in Islamic finance and business, and what Malaysia has to offer.