AMRO successfully delivered, in partnership with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), the inaugural Financial Leadership Training program in Hong Kong, China on December 11-14, 2023. The People’s Republic of China Technical Assistance Trust Fund at AMRO provided financial support for the program.

The program hosted more than 20 senior officials from the central banks, ministries of finance and their equivalents in Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The participants were welcomed by Mr. Kenneth Hui, Executive Director (External) at HKMA, as well as by Dr. Kouqing Li, Director, AMRO and Dr. Seungju Baek, Deputy Dean, ADBI. Their remarks underscored the significance in cultivating financial leadership amidst today’s intricate and challenging economic landscape, emphasizing the necessity for foresight and proactive solutions, particularly in addressing global challenges such as climate change. They also highlighted the multifaceted nature of leadership such as in inspiring, guiding, and empowering individuals, leveraged through partnerships, social capital, and integrated resources.

The training course provided a platform for developing leadership and professional skills, exchanging insights, and growing the cooperative network for the participants. It commenced with discussions on the current macroeconomic challenges in the ASEAN+3 region and topics of key importance, such as climate and nature related risk, sustainable finance and financial digitalisation. The remainder of the program was focused on developing leadership, collaboration and partnership skills for public sector officials. Participants also had the opportunity to explore the potential of technology in industry through site visits to the Hong Kong Science Park and the Mass Transit Railway Corporation.

The Financial Leadership Training program is one of the new Technical Assistance initiatives under AMRO’s Strategic Direction 2030. Together with our partners, AMRO hopes to make the Financial Leadership Training program a flagship program in the region.