Programme

09.00am - 09.30am

Registration

09.30am - 09.40am

Welcome address

Jane Cheng, Head of ACCA Hong Kong

09.40am - 10.15am 

Opening address

The past decade has seen many important advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learnings and robotic applications. Given the promise that AI holds for economic growth and societal advancement, it is critical that policymakers actively support its further development and use.

While the government is committed to facilitating the development of technology, how can we strike an appropriate balance that encourage innovation while protecting human’s best interests? As digital disruption is the new normal for businesses across all sectors today, we all need to develop a whole new set of expertise, to solve new problems, and enhance our uniquely human skills in doing high value added tasks beyond the capability of machines.

Guest of honour:

The Hon Nicholas Yang, GBS, JP, Secretary for Innovation and Technology, The Government of Hong Kong SAR

10.15am  - 11.25am 

Panel session 1: Harnessing the power of EQ to overcome fear from the rise of machines

Headlines often warn that AI and robots will soon take over the world, or at least steal jobs. A diverse cast of critics, driven by fear of technology, opportunism, or ignorance, has jumped into the intellectual vacuum to warn the public that AI will produce a parade of horribles: mass unemployment, the end of privacy, and even the destruction of humanity, as machines decide the world is better off without human.

Is this only indulgence in fantasy? While the level of uncertainty is on the rise, anxiety looms over the new responsibilities for the executive leadership teams. As business leaders approach these changes and disruptions with a rational mindset, balanced attitude and better-informed view, one’s ability to influence and empathise with others can be harnessed to drive transformation forward. When facing failures which are inevitable, how can leaders with high EQ instill reassurance and exemplify a clear vision of the future?

Panelists: 

• Edwin Hui, Head of Data & Analytics solution, KPMG
• Sean Lee, Managing director, digital transformation, Dell Technologies
• Alison Sim, Associate director, finance and technology, Crown World Mobility
• Dr Mark Lee, Research director, Asia Pacific, Institute for Strategy (Moderator)

11.25am  - 11.40am 

11.40am  - 12.35pm 

Panel session 2: The primacy of human intelligence and culture in a digital age

AI and robots are tools in the service of humans, making our lives vastly better. How should companies deploy technologies to create value to the benefit of human and at the same time retain the ethical call and cultural value of human? What is the impact of machine on human culture? How can we retain purpose of life and fulfilment? Would there always be preference for human regardless of machine benefit? Does the digital age require a fundamental belief that technology can be trusted?

With AI taking over the tasks requiring memorisation and logic, how can we ensure that our emotional intelligence remain one of the core advantages of us humans?

Panelists:

• Dr Toa Charm, Chief public mission officer, Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited
• Steve Monaghan, Founder, GenLife
• Dominic Wu, Managing director and senior risk manager, The Bank of New York Mellon
• Teddy Liu, FCCA, Head of the corporate and talent development department, New World Development Company Limited (Moderator)

12.35pm - 01.00pm 

Presentation and conclusion: Being human in a digital world – emotions and accountancy

Leveraging our emotional intelligence in the fast-changing digital work environment has never been more important. It’s an inherent competitive advantage for humans over machines and a source of value through which professional accountants can have real impact.

ACCA will share with you the findings and insights from our latest thought leadership report – Emotional Quotient in a digital age. Based on an extensive global research which involved 4,500 accountants, the report looks at the growing significance of EQ in the digital age. It considers various technology trends that may impact on a number of areas (cognition and learning, change readiness, ethics and beliefs, human-machine interaction, increased diversity and shifting power), and their implications for a number of emotional competencies (adaptability, empathy, identity, influence and self-knowledge).

Presenter:

Narayanan Vaidyanathan, Head of business insights, ACCA

01.00pm  - 01.10pm

Closing remarks

Natalie Chan, FCCA, Chairman of ACCA Hong Kong

01.10pm - 02.30pm