ASEAN integration and the real game changer

It’s been a record-breaking week. And it feels appropriate to be bringing events in Singapore to a close by exploring the topic of ASEAN integration.

ASEAN Day: Showcasing a burgeoning economy ASEAN, or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is a political and economic organisation created on 8 August 1967. It now consists of ten member countries: Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Brunei Darussalam.

In December 2015 the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) officially comes into operation. It is estimated that member countries will have achieved 85% readiness in their legislative and logistical preparations.

Commentators have rightly heralded this achievement. It highlights the sheer scale of the endeavor, realising harmonisation while tackling the huge economic and social diversity throughout the region.Integrated financial and capital markets are key to the AEC. Financial services liberalisation is crucial to the development of the community. In practice, this includes the removal of capital controls, and the development of a currency swap facility by the end of 2015.

We today feature an in-depth programme which looks at harmonisation and integration in the region – and how you can capitalise on the growing economic significance of ASEAN.

The ASEAN growth story has been remarkable. Why not become a part of it?

The real game changer may be closer than you think This year’s final Big Issue Debate takes place in the plenary room at 11:30 today.

The Chinese economy has blossomed in recent years. Its expansion has been underpinned by the increased international use of the Renminbi (RMB) currency.

The global RMB network offers international corporations and investors a greater degree of access into Chinese markets, with RMB hubs also driving the growth of the currency well beyond Chinese borders.

Join us as leading figures from across Asia’s financial landscape come together to debate the internationalisation of the RMB and the implications for the industry.

Closing plenary: 16:00-17:15 Ravi Menon, Managing Director, Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), will today close Sibos 2015 Singapore, providing his insights on global FinTech trends and ASEAN-specific challenges.

A leading authority on ASEAN integration, in June 2015 Menon delivered the keynote address at the ASEAN Banking Council Meeting.

Don’t miss the chance to hear from one of the most respected financial leaders in Asia.

Gearing up for next year Sibos 2016 Geneva will take place between 26 and 29 September 2016.

We are excited to be returning to Geneva, following successful events in 1993 and 2002.

Switzerland is one of the most important financial centres worldwide. The country’s financial marketplace features over 325 banks and it manages 27% of transnational assets. More than 35,000 people are employed in the financial industry in Geneva alone, making it a great place to connect.

With over 106,000 square metres of contiguous exhibition space, our host venue Palexpo is one of Europe’s largest, fully-integrated convention and exhibition centres.

Find out more at our Geneva stand in the exhibition area.

Sign off from Sibos 2015 Singapore in style We hope that you can join us this evening at S.E.A. Aquarium.

Eat, drink and network with your fellow delegates whilst enjoying the sights through our planet’s largest and most impressive window to the ocean.

Please remember to bring your Sibos badge to gain entry to the aquarium, and casual dress is recommended.

Shuttle buses leave the official Sibos hotels from 19:00, and return from 22:00 onwards. Check the transportation schedule on Sibos.com.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for joining us this week. We hope that you found Sibos 2015 Singapore as enjoyable and productive as we did.