Panels

China
This country of 1.3 billion consumers has enticed businesses ever since its doors were opened, but few foreign companies have been able to profit from the China market. During the 2013 China Panel, we will explore the ever-changing economic landscape of China and learn from market leaders on how profit from these changes.
Speakers
- Yuen Yuen Ang, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Michigan
- Stefan Wu, General Manager, Asia Pacific, Transportation Business Unit, Southco
- Raj Sapru, Director, Advisory Services, Business for Social Responsibility (BSR)
Moderator
- Feng Li, Jones Research Scholar & Associate Professor of Accounting

Japan
After two lost decades, Japan still seems to be struggling to recover its economic power. What should Japanese companies do to recover their position? How can Japan tap into growing markets across Asia? How can Japan leverage its technology in new era of digital convergence and sustainability?
Speakers
- Hitoshi Saimyo, Executive Director, New York Office, East Japan Railway Co.
- Ryohei Oikawa, Deputy General Manager Industry Research Division, Head of Global Corporate Advisory Americas, Mizuho Corporate Bank
- Shoichiro Nakahama, Vice President, Cable Technologies North America (Tokyo Seiko)
Moderator
- Kiyoteru Tsutsui, Assistant Professor in Sociology, University of Michigan

India
As one of the fastest growing economies in the world, India is a rapidly rising international power, and is increasingly becoming a key leader in global discussions about trade, climate change and social issues. However, there are questions related to India that experts in the academic and business world still struggle with: What are the most promising industries in India and which will enjoy the greatest future growth? What are the critical success parameters in building viable, sustainable businesses in India? How successful has India been in balancing rapid economic growth with environmental protection and growing income disparities? What are the challenges for Indian companies as they pursue their vision of becoming global leaders in their respective industries?
Speakers
- Angela Chitkara, CEO, US–India Corridor
- Sukant Acharya, Senior Director (Manufacturing), Infosys
- Krishna Mohan, Head of Strategic Solutions and Large Deals, Infrastructure Services for North America, Tata consulting (TCS)
Moderator
- M.S. Krishnan, Accenture Professor of Computer and Information Systems; Faculty Director of India Initiatives; Professor of Technology and Operations, Stephen M. Ross School of Business

ASEAN/Finance
Asia has been leading the global economic recovery since the recent financial crisis. In the wake of the financial crisis, leaders from economies across the region have proposed various financial reforms. How will Asia’s public policies affect the financial landscape in the post-crisis era? What does this mean for the growth and maturation of Asian financial services companies?
In addition, the panel will cover the ASEAN region which is one of the fastest growing regions in the world with a combined GDP (PPP) of US$3.3 trillion. Questions on the role of the ASEAN countries in the world economy and challenges that ASEAN faces will be explored.
Speakers
- John D. Ciorciari, Assistant Professor, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan
- Zachary Emig, Director, Securitized Product Trading, Deutsche Bank
- Robert Pfaff, Global Digital Strategist, Global Team Ford
Moderator
- Uday Rajan, Associate Professor of Finance, Stephen M. Ross School of Business

Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurs and their ventures are becoming a driving force behind financial growth, innovation, and social responsibility within the global economy and Asia specifically. The Entrepreneurship panel will provide a forum to learn from entrepreneurs and academic professionals about their perspectives and experiences in Asia, and how they can be applied to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Speakers
- Edy Sulistyo, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, eEvent
- Grace Lee, CFO, Logic Solutions and Vice Chair/President, Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce
- Hon Mun Yip, President, China Operation & Corporate Vice President, Thaicom
Moderator
- Aneel Karnani, Professor of Strategy, Stephen M. Ross School of Business

Technology
Convergence of hardware, software, and services to create integrated IT infrastructure solutions is rapidly gaining popularity. Competition among hardware makers, software developers, and service providers is continuing to intensify. The Technology panel will seek to understand the market dynamics and competitive forces, among various players within Asia, which will be the key to determining the outcome of these trends.
Speakers
- Craig Nastanski, Business Operations Manager, South Asia and Korea, Intel Asia Pacific
- Michael J. Schmedlen, Director of Worldwide Commercial and Public Sector Strategy & Marketing, Lenovo
- Hon Mun Yip, President, China Operation & Corporate Vice President, Thaicom
Moderator
- Puneet Manchanda, Isadore and Leon Winkelman Professor of Marketing, Chair of Marketing, Stephen M. Ross School of Business

Transportation
Like an untamable dragon, Asia is heavily influencing the world’s future, especially in terms of energy and the transportation industry. Currently, the demand for energy among developing nations in Asia is rapidly increasing. Between 1996 and 2006, Asia saw a 59.6% increase in total energy consumption. This trend not only offers significant business opportunities, but also poses great threats to energy sustainability. Our panelists will share their insights on energy and transportation trends in Asia, strategies to tackle challenges, and the global influence of Asia’s transportation and energy development.
Speakers
- Alan Sbarra, SVP, Seabury Group - Aviation Consulting
- Alan Taub, Professor, Materials Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Michigan & Retired Vice President, GM Global Research and Development, General Motors Company
Moderator
- S. Jack Hu, J. Reid and Polly Anderson Professor of Manufacturing Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial and Operations Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Michigan
