"Engaging with Asia: The Challenges and Opportunities for the UK"

Tuesday night saw the launch event for FLAG (Future Leaders in Asia Group), the UK's first dedicated pan-Asian networking and leadership training forum. The event took place at the Cass Business School and the topic under discussion for the evening's four prestigious panelists and 60+ guests was "Engaging with Asia: The Challenges and Opportunities for the UK".

The four panelists were: 

 

Lord Desai, Professor Emeritus of the London School of Economics (LSE, former Director of LSE Global Governance and founding member of the LSE's Development Studies Institute (DESTIN)

Lord Flight, Chairman of Arden and Partners, former Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury and former Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party

Sir David John KCMG, Chairman of BSI Group, co-founder of the Association of MBAs and former member of the CBI's International Advisory Board

Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah, Deputy Malaysian High Commissioner and former Counsel General of Malaysia to Mumbai

Each of the panelists has extensive experience working in Asia, and they were able to draw upon observations from the fields of industry and finance, diplomacy and politics. Having initially spoken individually, the panelists then entered into combined discussion on the changing nature of the UK´s relationship with Asia, the responsibility of individuals as well as governments to actively seek engagement, and the differences between doing business with smaller Asian nations as opposed to BRIC countries.

Members of the audience then ploughed into the discussion with their own questions, drawing attention to controversial subjects such as the challenges presented to businesses by the UK's new bribery and corruption legislation. The panelists responded frankly and with good humour. 

Once out of the auditorium, the drinks flowed and discussion continued. The attendees, a mix of professionals, MBAs and masters students all with an active interest in Asia,  found plenty to talk about, so much so that a significant number moved on to All Bar One and then the late-opening B@1 on Bishop's Square.

For more information about FLAG or to sign up for future events, go to www.flagnetwork.org.