Vijay Eswaran represented the QI Group of Companies at the World Economic Forum on ASEAN 2016 which was held from 1-2 June in Kuala Lumpur.
The second day of the Forum saw lots of excitement particularly on the topic of ‘Unity in Diversity, Powering ASEAN’s Future’. The topic posed a very important question – Do we need a unified ASEAN identify and where would such a shared vision lead the region?
Undoubtedly, the panel discussion on this topic witnessed Eswaran standing out as one of the most compelling speakers for his disruptive opinions, suggestions and more so, his view on the way forward for ASEAN to overcome differences and be recognised as one body.
The panel was moderated by Astro Awani Executive Editor Bahrin Haron Kamarul, and also comprised Secretary General of Amnesty International Salil Shetty, Singapore Management University’s Annie Koh, Malaysia’s Governance and Integrity minister Datuk Paul Low Seng Kuan and Laos’ Foreign Minister, Saleumxay Kommasith.
Eswaran said, “There is a whole new wave happening right now. We have to ether join the millennials or the millennials are going to leave us behind.”
“As a company, we see ourselves as a global village and we have built our business across all regions. Within ASEAN, we are truly ASEAN,” noted Eswaran, referring to the QI Group, which is a multi-cultural, multi-racial conglomerate.
Referring to ASEAN, he said “our forefathers started ASEAN primarily because of security reasons, but today it is economic consideration that we need to take into account. The connectivity between ASEAN has to improve drastically, while communication is the other factor that can bridge the grouping with emphasis on English.”
“ASEAN needs to recognise that we actually need to start talking to each other and work as a family. We need to come together as one in every world forum and as one voice”, said Eswaran, to applause from the floor audience.
Bahrin’s lively moderation of the session kept both the audience at the venue and those who watched the screening live on Astro Awani channel entertained.
If you missed it, you can watch the telecast here:
Vijay Eswaran YouTube
