The Straits Times: Jacob Hook On Boao Forum

At the Boao Forum for Asia 2023, China’s biggest international conference since its reopening, the only physical reminders of the pandemic are the masks worn by staff, and booths offering alcohol wipes and masks that participants have largely ignored.

This year’s theme is “An Uncertain World: Solidarity and Cooperation for Development Amid Challenges”. The number of in-person attendees this year has also rebounded to some 2,000 people – similar to levels before the pandemic.

Business leaders, heads of think-tanks and academics have packed their schedules to attend talks, with topics ranging from how global supply chains are being shifted as tensions between the United States and China continue to rise, to opportunities that China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) can provide.

Jacob Hook, managing partner of consulting firm Oliver Wyman, is attending the forum for the first time. He told The Straits Times that the discussions he attended, especially those on supply chains, have been helpful for his work. The turn-out has also been bigger than expected, with much optimism in the discussions.

“There is a can-do spirit in the air despite the uncertainty in the global environment,” said Mr Hook, who is based in Sydney.

Read the full article on: The Straits Times