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Highlights from the World Gold Council’s Inaugural Investment Summit in Singapore

By World Gold Council

Published on December 10, 2021
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On November 9 the World Gold Council held its first EVOLVE APAC Investment Summit in Singapore, which brought together senior leaders and decision makers from the institutional investment and wealth management industries for a discussion on the future trends shaping the global economy and financial services industry.

With inflation a key theme emerging from the discussions, it is clear that gold could play an increased role in portfolios in the future.

Discussions for the summit revolved around the wider issue of investing and asset allocation in today’s VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous) environment. More specifically, some of the key themes addressed were:

  • Global trends shaping the future of finance;
  • Asset allocation in a post-COVID era;
  • Next generation investment – innovation in financial services;
  • ESG evolution – meaningful measurement; and
  • Emerging markets – untapped opportunities and unexpected challenges.

Speakers included Dr Nassim Nicholas Taleb, Dr Parag Khanna, Haiyan Wang, Dr Deborah Elms, Junice Yeo, and Sir Lynton Crosby.

Thank you to everyone who attended, and we look forward to hosting EVOLVE APAC again in Singapore in 2022.

World Gold Council, Singapore

It has been an active year for the World Gold Council in Singapore. We have significantly increased our research, communications, and marketing efforts, which include a series articles exploring the strategic case for investing in gold in Singapore, Australia and Japan. Consumer insights research was undertaken in Vietnam, ASEAN’s largest gold consuming market, and we are planning to launch similar consumer research in Thailand early next year.

Our institutional sales team in Singapore has been actively working with institutional investors across the region, but particularly in Singapore, Australia and Japan. Helping institutional investors understand the role of gold in a portfolio is key to ensuring gold continues to play a major role in the international financial system.

On the policy and market development front, we have been working with the domestic retail market on the launch and adoption of the Retail Gold Investment Principles (RGIPs). These are designed to increase the adoption of best practices in the sector and ensure that gold remains an asset that consumers can trust. We will be launching a local version of the RGIPs in Singapore early next year, followed by Australia.

Finally, we are working on a professional development curriculum for gold. This will be launched in Singapore in 2022, before a global roll-out. The programme is targeted at people working in the bullion industry, and covers the entire gold supply chain.

Opening of the Inaugural EVOLVE Investment Summit APAC 2021 at Raffles Hotel, Singapore on 9th Nov.
Andrew Naylor, regional CEO, APAC (ex China) and public policy of WGC welcomed delegates to EVOLVE APAC.
Our CEO, David Tait, delivering the opening address.
Dr Parag Khanna, strategic futurist, founder of FutureMap and author was one of the key note speakers and touched on Geopolitical Finance: Asia at a Crossroads.
Panel 1: Junice Yeo, executive director & head of Greater China, Eco-Business joined us remotely from China on the panel that looked at global trends shaping the future of finance.
Andrew Naylor with moderator, Sharanjit Leyl, and panelists; (L to R) Ieva Segura Cobos (Swiss Re Asia Limited, Singapore), Dr Deborah Elms (Asian Trade Centre) and Dr Parag Khanna (founder of FutureMap and author).
Panel 2 focused on asset allocation in a post-Covid world.
Jaspar Crawley, WGC’s head of institutional sales, APAC (ex China) with panelists; (R to L) Ricardo Beninatto (UBS Wealth Management Singapore), Gary Dugan (The Global CIO Office), Kheng Siang Ng (SSGA) and Steve Brice (Standard Chartered Bank) and Sharanjit Leyl, moderator.
Shaokai Fan entertaining delegate during lunch.
Close to 50 delegates attended the in-person event.
Haiyan Wany, managing partner at The China-India Institute dialed-in to share pespectives on China’s Emerging Agenda.
WGC’s chief market strategist, John Reade, spoke on the strategic role of gold.
Sir Lynton Crosby AO, CEO of C T Group shared views on redefining political landscapes and the evolution public opinion in the West.
It’s all about teamwork! Living the WGC Spirit!

* This article was published in partnership with World Gold Council

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Singapore Bullion Market Association Secretariat-Lee-Jia-Yi

Lee Jia Yi

OPERATIONS & ADMIN EXECUTIVE
Before joining SBMA, Jia Yi worked as an Admin & Reporting Officer in her previous role. She holds a Diploma in Business & Social Enterprise from Ngee Ann Polytechnic. Jia Yi is responsible for managing and maintaining physical and digital files in SBMA, supporting invoicing processes, reconciling receivables and payables, coordinating meetings and conferences. Additionally, she will provide support to the team and assist the Business Director in managing the Association’s office operations and general administrative activities.

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Emily Oh

OPERATIONS & ADMIN EXECUTIVE
Emily Oh is the Operations & Admin Executive, a seasoned professional who values teamwork and effective communication. She is skilled at adapting to new challenges and takes a proactive and resourceful approach to every task. Before joining SBMA, Emily had experience coordinating international travel arrangements and spearheading community initiatives. Her role at SBMA will be providing operational and administrative support for projects and other matters to the team.

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Clara Chang

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS EXECUTIVE
Clara Chang joins SBMA as the Marketing & Communications Executive, enriching the team with her extensive experience in content creation, social media management, and digital marketing. Prior to joining SBMA, Clara held the position of Marketing Executive at her previous job. She holds two bachelor’s degrees from the University at Buffalo, one in International Trade and another in Geographical Information Science. Her core duties will include maintaining the SBMA website, managing the quarterly Crucible newsletter, among other responsibilities.

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Mr John Levin

Global Metals
TD Securities
John Levin is the Head of Metal Sales & Trading – APAC at the Toronto Dominion Bank’s Singapore office. Prior to this role, he devoted seven years to leading precious metal sales for the ANZ banking group in his home country, Australia. Notably, from 2009 to 2011, John played a significant role on the management committee of the London Bullion Market Association while serving as the Head of Precious Metals Sales for HSBC Global Banking and Markets in the UK.

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Fabian Lew

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Fabian was a Business Development and Marketing Associate before joining SBMA. He graduated from Singapore Management University with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics.

He has joined SBMA since February, 2022.

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Margaret Wong

BUSINESS DIRECTOR

Margaret Wong, Business Director at SBMA (Singapore Bullion Market Association), brought valuable experience from her previous role at the World Gold Council (WGC). Her tenure at WGC provided her with extensive exposure to the gold community in Singapore and the broader region. This background has been instrumental in establishing strong working relationships within the industry.

Margaret’s role at SBMA encompasses a diverse range of responsibilities. She oversees office management, business support processes, finance, and administrative functions essential for the smooth operation of the team and management committee. Additionally, Margaret handles membership matters, member communications, and addresses public inquiries related to SBMA.

One of Margaret’s key responsibilities is coordinating with the Event Management Company for SBMA’s prestigious annual event, the Asia Pacific Precious Metals Conference. This flagship conference plays a crucial role in the industry, making her involvement pivotal in its success.

Described as resourceful and self-motivated, Margaret Wong brings a wealth of skills and experience to her role at SBMA, ensuring efficient operations and effective engagement within the precious metals community in Singapore and beyond.

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Albert Cheng

Chief Executive Officer

Albert Cheng joined the World Gold Council in March 1993 as a Regional Manager, becoming Managing Director, Far East in 2003. He retired at the end of March 2015 and was subsequently named its Advisor. He has also been an International Advisor to the Shanghai Gold Exchange since 2002.

His marketing career began with Dentsu Young & Rubicam, Hong Kong in the early 80’s. He began gold marketing in July 1985 when he joined the Royal Canadian Mint as a Regional Manager for Southeast Asia.

He was appointed honorary CEO of SBMA in November 2015. He is responsible for the success and strategic development of SBMA, represents the interests of the Association, and is responsible for all the legal and regulatory aspects of the work of the Association. He is the primary contact for regulators and government bodies on bullion market development.

Ms Pawan Nawawattanasub

Ms Pawan Nawawattanasub

CEO
YLG Bullion Singapore Pte Ltd

Pawan is the CEO of YLG Bullion Singapore and founder of YLG Bullion International. She has almost 40 years of experience in the jewellery industry and established YLG in Thailand in 2003. In 2012, she brought YLG to Singapore. She sits on the Board of Directors of the Thailand Gold Traders Association, the Thailand Futures Exchange’s Arbitration Committee, and the Rotary Bangkok committee. She holds a master’s degree in Political Science.

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Mr Shaokai Fan

Head of Asia-Pacific (ex China) and Global Head of Central Banks
World Gold Council
Shaokai Fan is the Global Head of Central Banks at the World Gold Council, responsible for advising governments on gold matters, and enhancing the gold market through engagement, dialogue, and thought leadership. He works directly with central banks and sovereign wealth funds on investment considerations. Prior to this position, Shaokai held multiple roles at Standard Chartered Bank, including Director for Asia Strategic Initiatives and Associate-Director for Public Sector coverage. Shaokai holds a Masters of Public Administration from Columbia University and the London School of Economics, and an undergraduate degree in finance and economics from New York University.

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Mr Alan Liew

Head of Bullion & Commodities Trading
United Overseas Bank Limited
Alan is Head of Bullion and Commodities Trading for Group Trading in Global Markets, United Overseas Bank (UOB). Alan joined UOB and started the bank’s commodities trading business in 2014, previously he spent eight years in Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) trading both precious and base metals. During his tenure at SCB, he obtained the SGE gold trader licence and was part of the pioneering team for the SGE business and the FX quantitative trading team. Prior to trading, he worked for Monetary Authority of Singapore in the Financial Risk Management Division. He holds a BSc (Hon) in Computer Science at National University of Singapore and a MSc in Financial Engineering at Nanyang Technological University.

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Mr Nikos Kavalis

Managing Director
Metals Focus Singapore Pte Ltd
Nikos Kavalis is a founding partner of Metals Focus. He has over 20 years of experience in precious metals, having previously worked for the Royal Bank of Scotland and GFMS. Since September 2019, Nikos has been based in Singapore, where he also runs the local subsidiary of Metals Focus.

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Mr Nuttapong Hirunyasiri

CEO
MTS Gold Global Trading Pte Ltd
Nuttapong Hirunyasiri is the CEO of MTS Gold Group, one of Thailand’s top 10 companies and top 3 bullion companies. He started MTS Gold Group’s first overseas office in Singapore and has been expanding the group business internationally. He focuses on product development and innovation for gold investment, with the aim of being a leader in providing the full suite of gold investment services in the ASEAN region.

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Mr Raman Walia

Executive Director, Head of Commodities Sales – APAC
JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A.

Raman is Executive Director and Head of Commodities Sales, APAC, for J.P. Morgan. He joined JPMorgan in 2008 in New York, moved to Singapore in 2011, and helped expand the precious metals business in the region. Raman has an MBA from Cornell University, and likes to travel in his spare time.

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Mr Andrew Clarke

Head of Brink’s Global Services
Brink’s Global Services Pte Ltd

Andrew Clarke is the Head of BGS (Brink’s Global Services) for Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. He has held various leadership positions throughout his career in secure logistics and risk management with Brink’s, which started in Hong Kong in 2010. Andrew relocated to Singapore in 2018 to expand the precious metals line of business along with Brink’s portfolio of services and industries.

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Mr Kazuya Naoki

Head of Metals, Asia
ICBC Standard Bank Plc, Singapore Branch

Kazuya (Kaz) Naoki is the Head of Metals, Asia of ICBC Standard Bank in Singapore and is responsible for the precious & base metals sales and trading in the region. He joined Standard Bank Plc Tokyo Branch in 2008 and was relocated to its Singapore Branch in 2013 whose controlling stake was acquired by the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China in 2015. Prior to joining Standard Bank, Kaz spent 11 years focusing on commodity trading and risk management with Mitsui & Co in Tokyo, Sydney and London. Kaz has been serving on the SBMA Management Committee since 2016.

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Mr Vinh Nguyen

Head of Precious Metals, Asia
StoneX APAC Pte Ltd

Vinh Nguyen joined StoneX Group in Singapore at the beginning of 2008 and responsible for its APAC precious metals activities since 2019 until now.

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Mr KL Yap

General Manager, Singapore Refining Business Unit
Metalor Technologies (Singapore) Pte Ltd
KL YAP is the General Manager of Metalor Technologies (Singapore) Pte Ltd’s Singapore Refining Business Unit. He joined Metalor in 2013, initially in Refining Sales. In 2014, he became Refining Business Unit Manager, leading the development of a new precious metal refinery. KL was Vice Chairman of SBMA from 2017 to 2021, now serving as Chairman. With a degree in business commerce, finance, and marketing, he brings prior experience from refinery and heavy industries.