September 5, 2021

Technology Is The Future: Region’s Top Tech Leaders To Headline The Ninth Virtual Conclave Of The ABLF Talks In 2021

Over the last 12 months, the ABLF Talks Virtual Conclave, the powerful monthly leadership series bringing together top Asian leaders in conversations of consequence, has featured 85 global leaders and 12 Incumbent Ministers.

On September 7, the series, which proved to be a game-changer in leadership events in the region, will host its last fully Virtual Conclave at the ABLF City, the cutting-edge virtual venue developed by SMART IEDEA. From October 2021 to March 2022, the ABLF Talks, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh NahayanMabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, UAE and in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Economy, will pivot to a hybrid format at the Expo 2020 Dubai featuring in-person and virtual sessions with top global leaders across sectors.

The September 7 ABLF Talks Virtual Conclave will once again bring together important voices from the industry as they discuss crucial socio-economic challenges brought on by the pandemic.

There will be a deep focus on technology and its impact on business and lives in the post-COVID era as the Conclave brings together an impressive lineup of global leaders including H.E. SaksayamChidchob, Minister of Transport, Thailand; Khalid bin Hadi, Managing Director, Siemens Energy Oman; Reem Asaad, Vice President – Middle East and Africa, Cisco; Alexis Lecanuet, Regional Senior Managing Director, Accenture Middle East; Amit Bouri, CEO and Co-Founder, Global Impact Investing Network and Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, Author, India.

Here is a brief profile of the Speakers:

H.E. SaksayamChidchob, Minister of Transport, Thailand

As Minister of Transport, H.E. SaksayamChidchob has spearheaded several mega projects that have enhanced Thailand’s infrastructure to turbocharge cross-border connectivity. His Excellency’s session will explore strategies through which other Asian nations can revive their economies using Thailand as a shining example of cutting-edge development.

Khalid bin Hadi, Managing Director, Siemens Energy Oman

As a prominent voice leading Siemens Energy Oman, Khalid bin Hadi has extensive experience across the oil and gas and power industries, gained from senior positions in leading energy companies. At his session, Bin Hadi will discuss key strategies that helped the firm streamline the energy value chain in a sustainable, reliable and affordable manner.

Reem Asaad, Vice President – Middle East and Africa, Cisco

Reem Asaad is the first female and local leader to hold the position of Vice President at Cisco Middle East and Africa. She is responsible for overseeing 2,500 employees and contractors, while driving the company’s position as a leading technology provider and consultant across 74 markets. Asaad’s session will explore the ways in which innovative use of technology aids in surmounting the problems posed by the pandemic.

Alexis Lecanuet, Regional Senior Managing Director, Accenture Middle East

Alexis Lecanuet is the Regional Senior Managing Director for Accenture in the Middle East. In his role, he is responsible for Accenture’s business in the region, including executing strategy, leading clients’ portfolio and managing the local operations. During his 24 years of career with Accenture, he has commanded large complex transformation projects across Europe and MENA.

Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, Author, India

Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni has carved a unique niche for herself among lovers of Indian literature with her reimagining of mythology and emphasis on empowered female characters in her works. The US-based award-winning author, poet and academician will discuss her latest book The Last Queen in a riveting session. Her other famous works include the Forest of Enhancements, The Palace of Illusions and Sister of My Heart.

Amit Bouri CEO and Co-Founder, Global Impact Investing Network

Amit Bouri leads the largest global community of impact investors dedicated to increasing the scale and effectiveness of impact investing. A passionate advocate for using investment as a tool for ensuring a sustainable and equitable future for all, Bouri frequently engages with industry leaders, foundations and leading financial institutions to press for greater integration of social and environmental factors in crucial investment decisions.

Along with Platinum Partner Aditya Birla Group, the global Indian Conglomerate and Fortune 500 company, the ABLF Talks Virtual Conclave continues its journey with the legacy Presenting Partner DP World, the multinational global supply chain solutions provider. The Virtual Conclave is also supported by a prestigious line-up of partners including Etisalat as the Official Telecom Partner, CNBC Arabia as the Broadcast Partner, MAA & Partners and Cicero &Bernay Public Relations as Official Partners, as well as Strategic Partners, UNICEF, FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry) and Dubai Cares.