The DIIIGEST March 2025 | Page 8

Hong Kong continued from page 7 of economic highs and lows. Jason Bedford, a man who has accurately predicted China bank collapses and shadow bank blowups in recent years, was kind enough to fly in from Singapore where he explored the recent collapses and the shadow banking blowups that have sent shockwaves through the financial world. The session was a dive into the complexities of China’ s economic landscape, revealing the intricate web of factors that have led to its current state. It was a sobering reminder of the volatility and unpredictability of global finance. And then, to my favourite topic— the biggest and most bizarre scandals and frauds in Asia. The famous Hong Kong historian, Jason Wordie, gave us a session that was nothing short of a thriller, with tales that could rival any Hollywood blockbuster. These sessions were not only forward-thinking and highly relevant but also incredibly engaging, leaving attendees both informed and entertained.
Judges Jonathan Harris( of the High Court of Hong Kong) and Anselmo Reyes( of the Singapore International Court) shared experiences and challenges they have faced, providing technical updates and sectorfocused solutions for cross-border issues.

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These were well-received, providing attendees with actionable takeaways. One of the other standout sessions was a look into the recent developments on the Mainland, its cooperation with Hong Kong, and the evolving landmark rulings. Experts provided predictions and analyses on the future direction in this area.
Another highlight of the conference for me was the talk by Mark Agnew, extreme sportsman, speaker, journalist and European Adventurer of the Year, who flew in from the UK. He regaled us with his tale of being the first to kayak the entire Northwest Passage in 103 days( yes, you read that right— 103 days!), capturing the imagination of the audience with tales of fighting to escape trapped sea ice and facing down polar bears.
The day concluded with a presentation from the Hong Kong Companies judge, the Honourable Madam Justice Linda Chan. She spoke from the courts’ perspective to provide valuable guidance, and with such conviction it felt as though she was delivering a masterclass in judicial wisdom. Her insights were both enlightening and inspiring, leaving the audience with a renewed appreciation for the Hong Kong legal system’ s role in maintaining economic stability.
The evening ended with drinks on the roof garden, on a beautiful cool and clear autumn evening.
All in all, it was a pleasure to witness attendees connecting, sharing ideas, and discussing the day’ s insights. I would say this of course, but this conference was a resounding success. It was incredibly rewarding to see the event come to life and provide valuable knowledge, practical tips, and excellent networking opportunities for all who attended. A heartfelt gratitude to the panellists, speakers and all those in attendance for making this event a remarkable success. A special thank you goes out to our sponsors: Alvarez & Marshal, Appleby, Burford, Des Voeux Chambers, Grant Thornton, Kroll, Maples Group, Perun Consultants, PWC, Sidley, South Square, Temple Chambers, Teneo, and Tanner De Witt. Their support made this conference possible and helped us create an enriching experience for everyone involved. We also appreciate the backing from our partner organisations, IWIRC and HKICPA. Their collaboration and support were instrumental in bringing this event to life.
This has been an incredible journey, and I was thrilled to have shared it with such a distinguished group of professionals, all in wonderful Hong Kong.

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