Event Details

Among the major economies in the world, China is taking the leading role in implementing central bank digital currencies (CBDC). The sanctions inflicted on Russia by America and its allies were a reminder that China's dependence on the dollar underscores its vulnerability not only to sanctions, but also to America's macroeconomic whims. China's development and early implementation of e-CNY, its own digital version of the yuan, will be of international and business relevance. Join us for a timely consideration to understand how CBDCs will work, what their advantages are compared with conventional currencies and if e-CNY will help China overcome its reliance on the US-controlled international financial system.

Please note that this event is limited to senior-level executives and per invitation only. If you are not an existing member of The Economist Corporate Network, but would like to learn how you can attend our events, please contact us.

Agenda

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Registration & Drinks
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Lunch and Discussions

Speakers

  • Prof. Michael Sung (Chairman/CEO of FreeFlow Finance)

    Prof. Michael Sung

    Chairman/CEO of FreeFlow Finance

    Prof. Michael Sung is a technology venture builder and investor, having founded various companies in diverse high-tech industries ranging from AI, blockchain, semiconductor, and new materials industries. Prof. Sung is Chairman/CEO of FreeFlow Finance, a cross-border payments company focused on regulated digital currency interoperability and FX infrastructure solutions for financial institutions. He has a strong background in cross-border technology transfer, strategic industry engagement, commercialisation strategy, business model innovation, and hi-tech entrepreneurship.

    Prof. Sung is the founding Co-Director of the Institute of Digital Finance Innovation at the Zhejiang University International Business School. His applied research includes digital finance, fintech policy & regulation, AI and Blockchain innovation, digital asset investment banking, asset-backed securitisation, tokenomics systems, digital economy business model innovation, and cryptoeconomics. In addition, Prof. Sung is faculty at the Chinese Institute of Economics and Finance, a national-level think tank focused on thought leadership for finance innovation and fintech policy and best practices.

    Prof. Sung has served in numerous advisory roles over the years for the HK, Taiwan, and China governments on international tech transfer, innovation ecosystem building, AI, blockchain, and fintech policy for various top city and minister-level officials. He is a world-recognised expert on digital currencies, in particular the digital RMB/e-CNY. He is frequently invited to speak at over 100 high-profile international events including at the UN, Vatican, Economist, OECD, C100, OMFIF, Money20/20, CFC, GBBC, etc. and has organised and hosted high-profile events including the One World Blockchain Forum and an annual Future of Fintech and Finance Forum at Davos. Prof. Sung is a member of the China Digital Finance Advisory Group for the UN Task Force on Digital Financing of the SDGs, CBDC Committee for the World Digital Economy Council, China Ambassador for the Global Blockchain Business Council, and the Digital Economy Task Force for the UN ESCAP Sustainable Business Network. He was also the chairman of the steering committee for MIT Tech Review’s Emtech HK Conference. Prof. Sung has received various awards for technology entrepreneurship, including MIT Enterprise Forum’s Most Visionary Technology Award and Google’s Solve for X Prize. Prof. Sung received his Ph.D. in EECS at the MIT Media Lab/CS & AI Laboratory as well as a graduate financial engineering degree from MIT Sloan Business School.

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  • Mattie Bekink (China Director of the Economist Intelligence Corporate Network)

    Mattie Bekink

    China Director of the Economist Intelligence Corporate Network

    Mattie Bekink is responsible for the Economist Intelligence Corporate Network’s China strategy, including programme development and client engagement across China.

    Ms Bekink has extensive experience in the public, private and policy sectors. Prior to joining The Economist Group, she was the Executive Director of the Fulbright Commission in the Netherlands. She also ran an eponymous consulting business, advising businesses, universities and non-profit organisations on China policy, strategy, public affairs, and CSR. Ms Bekink practiced law at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, has worked with the US-Asia Law Initiative at NYU Law School and the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative China Program, and served in the legal department at General Motors China.

    Ms Bekink has a BA in International Relations from Stanford University and a JD from the Georgetown University Law Center.

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  • Edward Chui (Hong Kong Director of Economist Intelligence Corporate Network)

    Edward Chui

    Hong Kong Director of Economist Intelligence Corporate Network

    Mr. Edward Chui is the Hong Kong Director at the Economist Intelligence Corporate Network.

    Mr Chui has worked in the Greater China region for over 20 years. Before coming to The Economist Group, he was a consultant with Chesapeake Pacific Capital Management overseeing a range of thought leadership projects on the ultra-high net worth, family office, philanthropy, and next generation wealth succession. He was also Vice President at The Private Bank at JP Morgan in Hong Kong working with senior management in the expansion of the Asia Pacific business through special programs and wealth management publications for clients. Mr Chui also possesses extensive experience in the media and technology sectors having worked at Star TV, a subsidiary of News Corp, Alter Ego Networks in Silicon Valley and EF Education focusing on the China mobile business.

    Mr Chui has a BA in Government from Wesleyan University and an MBA from the USC Marshall School of Business.

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