Vietnam to welcome over 800 participants to WEF on ASEAN

GENEVA, Aug 9 (Bernama) -- Vietnam expects to welcome over 800 leaders of governments, global leading groups, civil society organisations and the media to the World Economic Forum (WEF) on ASEAN slated for September in Hanoi.

The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reported the forum will take place on Sept 1 to 13 under the theme ASEAN 4.0: Entrepreneurship and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Eight ASEAN countries will be represented by their prime minister, president or state counsellor.

Among those registered are President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines; Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad of Malaysia, and Aung San Suu Kyi, State Counsellor of Myanmar, said the WEF’s press release.

WEF's head of Asia Pacific and member of the executive committee, Justin Wood said the ASEAN region is one of the world’s bright spots for economic growth, and their presence shows the commitment, as the Fourth Industrial Revolution expands and the geopolitical environment around them changes rapidly.

Participants will discuss issues ranging from the region’s geopolitical friction points to entrepreneurship and employment in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

They will do so with the help of leaders of 100 early-stage start-ups, whose companies represent the dynamic nature of entrepreneurial spirit of ASEAN.

Issues to be discussed at the forum include Asia’s New Balance of Power, Factory Asia’s Next Frontier, the Future of Jobs in ASEAN, Asia Economic Outlook, Accelerating the ASEAN Economic Community, ASEAN Pluralism and Designing Cities 4.0.

Topics surrounding the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including emerging technologies like autonomous vehicles, blockchain, drones and fintech, will also be highlighted. The meeting will also include workplace sessions on topics such as Sexual Harassment at Work and Workplace 4.0.

-- BERNAMA