Strategic Advisor, Microsoft; Four-Star General (Ret.), United States Marine Corps; Member, stars Global Advisory Panel, Washington DC, United States

General John R. Allen, USMC (Ret.) is a four-star Marine Corps General and a global leader in defense strategy, emerging technologies, and international security. He commanded U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan and served as Special Presidential Envoy to the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL. A Strategic Advisor to Microsoft and Senior Fellow at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, he is also co-author of Turning Point: Policymaking in the Era of Artificial Intelligence and Future War and the Defence of Europe. He previously led the Brookings Institution and served as Director of Asia-Pacific Policy for the Pentagon, where he led regional initiatives involving China, Taiwan, and Korea. He advises on securing U.S. innovation and supply chains against geopolitical risk and helps align technology investment with national security priorities.

Dr Beh joined EDB in November 1992 and held various portfolios over the years. Dr Beh also held concurrent appointments as the Executive Director of the Biomedical Research Council at the Agency for Science, Technology & Research, as well as the Director of the Ministry of Trade & Industry’s Energy Planning Division. He was Managing Director of EDB from 1 August 2008 to 30 June 2012 before his appointment at the Ministry of Law.

Dr Beh is a medical doctor by training and graduated from the National University of Singapore. He is also a Sloan Fellow with a Master of Science in Management from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business and completed the Advanced Management Programme at the Harvard Business School.

 He is a Board Director and chairs the Nominating & Governance Committee for Singapore Exchange Limited, and also chairs the board of CapitaLand Ascendas REIT Management Limited. In addition, he is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organisation.

Digital Transformation and System Design Specialist, Ministry of Planning and Strategic Investements; stars Alumnus, Dili, Timor-Leste

Project Coordinator, Skilldream Association; stars Alumna, Kaysone Phomvihane City, Laos

Co-Founder and Financial Journalist, The Market, Zurich, Switzerland

Mark Dittli is a journalist and author in Zurich, specializing in financial markets and global economics. He is Co-Founder and Financial Journalist of The Market, a new financial media platform that was launched in April 2019. The Market publishes in-depth analytical and background articles as well as interviews on companies, global industry trends and macroeconomic issues. From 2012 to 2017, Mark was the editor-in-chief of Finanz und Wirtschaft, Switzerland’s leading financial newspaper. Prior to that, he was the editor of the international section of Finanz und Wirtschaft and has spent five years as the U.S. correspondent of the paper in New York, covering economic and monetary policy as well as company issues. Mark has studied business economics in Zurich, journalism in New York and is a CFA charterholder. He is currently pursuing a Masters degree in history at the University of Zurich. Mark is married, has two children and lives in Zurich.

Development Economist; stars Alumna, Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

Nomfundo Faith Dlamini is a seasoned urban and governance specialist with expertise in strategy development, economic governance, intergovernmental relations, and policy innovation. With a career spanning international, provincial, and local government executive levels in Sub-Saharan Africa, she brings a unique ability to bridge policy, strategy, and implementation to drive systemic impact. More recently as Head: Ecosystem Enablement, Nomfundo lead transformative initiatives that built collaborative ecosystems, foster innovation, and expand economic participation. Her focus is on strengthening urban economies, enabling job creation, and advancing infrastructure investment through spatial transformation — all with the goal of creating inclusive, resilient, and sustainable communities in the Global South. A Chevening Scholarship alumna, holding a Masters in Development Studies from SOAS University of London, she pioneered the pilot of the District Development Model as Regional Hub Manager at the Development Bank of South Africa. She went on to serve as Director: Economic Policy and Planning at the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, where she led cross-cutting economic strategies, governance reforms, and policy frameworks that shaped regional development trajectories. Driven by a passion for collaborative leadership, innovation, and impact, Nomfundo’s work is rooted in building ecosystems that unlock opportunities, transform urban spaces, and strengthen local economic governance across Africa and beyond.

CFO, Bright Capital; stars Alumna, Shenzhen, China   

Xiaofei is a venture capital CFO with nearly 20 years of USD/RMB fund management and financial operations experience. Her career reflects a steady, hands-on progression from an auditor to an in-house CFO, giving her a deep mastery of complex fund mechanics. Today, as a certified CPA and a licensed RO for Hong Kong SFC Type 4 & 9, she bridges global compliance with practical deal-making, managing finance and governance for an active, technology-focused fund.

In an era defined by "unknown unknowns" and systemic disruptions, Xiaofei views uncertainty not as an adversary to fight, but as the fundamental catalyst for tech innovation. Guided by this philosophy, she specializes in designing adaptive, resilient financial frameworks. Her work provides early-stage deep-tech innovators with the runway to explore the unknown, while ensuring that long-term institutional capital - including global pension funds and endowments - can safely participate in tomorrow’s disruptive growth. An MBA valedictorian from Peking University, she brings an approachable, low-profile leadership style rooted in financial discipline, sustainable governance, and a commitment to long-term value over temporary noise.

Secretary to the President, CCG Center for China and Globalization; stars Alumnus, Beijing, China

• 2023 - today: Head, President's Office, Center for China and Globalization, Beijing, China
• 2021 - today: Associate Research Fellow, Center for China and Globalization, Beijing, China

Director, Operations, BURO Bangladesh; stars Alumna, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Having a Master's in International Development, University of Birmingham, completed in 2015; Bachelor of Social Science, BRAC University, Major: Economics, Minor: Sociology, completed in 2013. * Been with BURO Bangladesh since 2013 and at present working at the capacity of Director of Operations, ICT, HRM, and Financial Services at BURO Bangladesh. * Leading the microfinance program operations for BURO Bangladesh across all of the 64 districts of the country since 2016, managing a combined loan and savings portfolio of $1.5 billion with 2.7 million customers, 1,400+ branches, and more than 10,000 staffs across the country. * Advocating for policies that accelerate poverty alleviation, gender equality, WASH initiatives, digitization, digital finance, financial inclusion, environment and sustainability, and some other SDG goals. * An esteemed Capstone Fellow and the leading female voice from the microfinance sector and a key advocate/ contributor/ panelist and spokesperson on Digital Finance & Transformation., I will email soon.

Chief Revenue Officer, fileAI, Singapore

Founder & CEO, AlphaGeo, Internationally Bestselling Author and Global Strategy Advisor, Singapore 

Parag Khanna is Founder & CEO of AlphaGeo, the leading AI-powered geospatial analytics platform. He is the internationally bestselling author of seven books including MOVE: Where People Are Going for a Better Future (2021), preceded by The Future is Asian: Commerce, Conflict & Culture in the 21st Century (2019), as well as a trilogy of books on the future of world order beginning with The Second World: Empires and Influence in the New Global Order (2008), followed by How to Run the World: Charting a Course to the Next Renaissance (2011), and concluding with Connectography: Mapping the Future of Global Civilization (2016). He is also the author of Technocracy in America: Rise of the Info-State (2017) and co-author of Hybrid Reality: Thriving in the Emerging Human-Technology Civilization (2012). Parag was named one of Esquire’s “75 Most Influential People of the 21st Century,” and featured in WIRED magazine’s “Smart List.” He holds a Ph.D. from the London School of Economics, and Bachelors and Masters degrees from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. Born in India and raised in the UAE, New York and Germany, he has traveled to more than 150 countries and is a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum.

Group CEO, Peak Re, Hong Kong, China

Victor Kuk is the Head of Client Markets for P&C reinsurance business in SID, comprises of Southeast Asia, India, Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan, in Swiss Re. Assuming the role on 1 July 2017, he is responsible for driving Swiss Re's non-life reinsurance business in the SID markets together with a team of Client Managers across the region. Victor is based in Hong Kong.

Prior to this, Victor was the Head of Hub Casualty Asia in Swiss Re, a position he held since January 2016. He brings with him more than 17 years of experience in general insurance management especially in strategic planning, operational management and business management.

Before joining Swiss Re, Victor was Chief Risk Officer of Emerging Markets at QBE Insurance Group Limited since October 2014; responsible for risk management, compliance, actuarial and reinsurance strategy to ensure prudent strategic business planning and decision making across the 23 markets in the Emerging Markets Division. Prior to that, he joined QBE Insurance Group Limited, as Chief Risk Officer, Asia Pacific in December 2012.

Victor had also held various senior positions with AXA for more than 12 years. His last roles with AXA included serving as Chief Business Development Officer and Regional Chief Executive Officer.

Outside work, Victor is a keen sailor and enjoys playing tennis regularly.  He is also interested in drones, boats and fast cars.

Chairman and CEO, Wilmar Group, Singapore

Mr Kuok Khoon Hong, 69, is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Group. He is overall in charge of the management of the Group with a particular focus on new business developments. He has extensive experience in the industry and has been involved in the grains, edible oils and oilseeds businesses since 1973. Mr Kuok has completed many projects involving the establishment of oil palm plantations in Asia and Africa, as well as the processing of grains, edible oils and oilseeds. Mr Kuok graduated from the then University of Singapore with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Mr Kuok was appointed to the Board on 24 March 2006 and was last re-elected on 26 April 2017.

Executive Chairman, PwC Singapore; stars Alumnus; Member, stars Asia Advisory Panel, Singapore

Grounded by purpose and values, Marcus LAM is a 26-year veteran at PwC Singapore and served as Assurance Leader for the past four years. During his tenure, the firm focused on building trust and transparency in the audit profession through focusing on audit quality and technological enablement. He has also been on PwC Singapore’s leadership team since 2016.

Outside of PwC, Marcus is active in contributing to the development of the accounting profession. He is a council member of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants and is a board member of the Accounting Standard Council Singapore. Passionate about education and giving back to the community, he also serves as the Deputy Chairman of the Singapore Polytechnic Board of Governors, the Chairman of the Edusave Advisory Council under the Ministry of Education, and the Vice President of the Parkinson Society of Singapore.

Marcus holds a Bachelors degree in Accountancy (First Class Honours) from Nanyang Business School, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst, a practicing member of ISCA and a member of the ASEAN Chartered Professional Accountant (ASEAN CPA).

Head, International and Global Accounts Switzerland and Austria; stars Alumna, Ricoh Schweiz AG, Zurich, Switzerland

• April, 2025 - current: Head of International Accoutns Switzerland & Austria, Ricoh Schweiz AG / Switzerland
• April, 2023 - April, 2025 Head of International & Global Accounts Switzerland, Ricoh Schweiz AG / Switzerland
• November, 2018 - April 2023:International Account Manager / Manager International Business, Ricoh Schweiz AG / Switzerland

Country Manager, Oatside; stars Alumna, Beijing, China

• 2022 - today: Country Manager, OATSIDE Private Limited, China
• 2018 - 2022：Marketing & Application Director, ANDROS, China
• 2014 - 2018: National Food Service Sales Director, ANDROS, China
• 2008 - 2014: National Food Service Sales Manager, ANDROS, China
• 2005 - 2008: Imported Product Manager/Hampers Manager, METRO, China

Former Group President, GIC; Former Head of Singapore Civil Service; Member, stars International Board, Singapore

Siong Guan Lim was Group President of GIC from 2007 until the end of 2016, after which he was Advisor to GIC's Group Executive Committee until March 2019. The GIC manages the financial reserves of the Singapore Government. He was Chairman of the Singapore Economic Development Board from October 2006 to June 2009. The Board is the Singapore government’s lead agency for planning and executing strategies to enhance Singapore’s position as a global business centre. Much of its work is attracting international corporations to set up manufacturing and services activities in Singapore as critical links in the global supply chain.

Siong Guan was Professor in the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore from 2005–2023, instructing on leadership and change management, as well as a Senior Fellow of the Civil Service College from 2006–2023.

He was the Head of the Singapore Civil Service from September 1999 to March 2005. Siong Guan was the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defense (1981-1994), the Prime Minister’s Office (1994-1998), the Ministry of Education (1997-1999) and the Ministry of Finance (1999-2006). In every appointment he introduced innovative policies and practices which enhanced the drive, capacity, capability and performance of the organization. Siong Guan has chaired the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (2004-2006), the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (2004-2006) and the Central Provident Fund Board (1986-1994), and was a board member of many companies including Temasek, the other sovereign wealth fund manager of Singapore.

Dr. Tom Ludescher is an experienced CEO and board member of regulated financial services companies. He holds a Ph.D. in financial market regulations and has been working in the intersection of finance, insurance, and technology for over 25 years, helping businesses to grow by making them bankable and insurable.

His Ph.D. and profound background in financial market regulations add to his profile as a builder and enabler, making tech start-ups fit for working with regulated partners and investors.

Tom’s pro-bono activities include serving as the Chairman of the Swiss Chamber of Commerce & Industry in Singapore, Vice President of the European Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, Ambassador ASEAN of the International Insurance Society, and Co-Chair of the stars Stein am Rhein symposium Singapore alumni chapter, adding to his strong network to MNCs in Singapore, Europe, and the APAC region.

For the past 15 years, Tom has been an active angel investor and adviser in tech start-up companies with a focus on sustainability and financial inclusion, including ESG, insurtech, fintech, and novel food technologies. With this first-hand experience as a tech investor and co-founder, Tom gained a deep understanding of both sides of a successful tech start-up partnership. He knows the needs and challenges of successfully building a tech business, particularly in highly regulated industries such as financing, insurance, or food manufacturing.

Head of Business Development, WIZ.AI, Singapore

Allan Ong is currently a Head of Business Development and Partnerships at WIZ.AI. Allan Ong brings experience from previous roles at Insignia Ventures Partners, tryb Group, Rabobank N.A. and Ey. Allan Ong holds a Anglo - Chinese Junior College.

Assistant Professor and Academic Researcher, University of Santo Tomas; stars Alumnus, Manila, The Philippines

Founder and CEO, Diaflow, Singapore

CEO and Managing Director, Uni Graca Gloess; stars Alumnus, Dili, Timor-Leste

CFO of Temasek International and President of Temasek Singapore, Singapore

Chin Yee joined Temasek in July 2011. She was appointed President of Temasek Singapore on 1 April 2026, and is concurrently the Chief Financial Officer, a position she has held since 1 January 2023.

Chin Yee has helmed pivotal roles in Temasek, including leading Financial Services and taking on senior positions in China as well as in the Portfolio Strategy and Risk Group. Her leadership stretches beyond financial expertise; she is also a founding member of the Temasek Women’s Network.

Prior to Temasek, Chin Yee was at UBS AG, where she co-headed the Financial Institutions Group for Asia investment banking.

Professor, Entrepreneurship and International Business, Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences; stars Alumnus, Zurich, Switzerland
Markus Prandini is Professor for Entrepreneurship & International Business at Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences/Switzerland. He is also a regular guest lecturer at Shenzhen Technology University. He has over twenty years of experience in higher education and over ten years of industry experience in the field of management development at various international companies. In his current position at Kalaidos, Professor Prandini is the Director of Know-How Transfer Services between the university and companies. His lecturing, research and consulting activities focus on the internationalization of small and mid-sized companies, innovation and entrepreneurship, strategic management and the impacts of the digital transformation on businesses., Since 2022: Director Transfer Services, Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences
2020 - 2021: Academic Director Quality Management Online Programs, IU International University
2012 - 2020: Head of Center Asia-Pacific, Zurich University of Applied Sciences

Director, Jimbaran Hijau Estate, Bali, Indonesia

Regional CEO, Southeast Asia, PSA; stars Alumnus, Singapore

Member, stars Foundation Board, Zurich, Switzerland

• Professional Career
  • Independent Board Director (since 1.7.2024)
    • Georg Fischer AG – Chair of the Audit Committee / Member of the Nomination & Sustainability Committee
    • TAKKT AG - Member of the Supervisory Board / Member of the Audit Committee
    • Family Office – Independent Director
  • PricewaterhouseCoopers AG (PwC) 1.1.1994 – 30.6.2024
    Relevant roles:
    • Since 2002, Partner (Lead Audit Partner / Global Client Partner)
    • Up to 2012, Industry Leader for the Market Segment Industrial Products (Industrial Manufacturing, Chemicals, Transportation & Logistics and Business & Professional Services)
    • From 2013 - 2015, Regional Leader; leading the PwC Assurance practice in Zurich & Eastern Switzerland / Ticino with 6 offices and > 350 employees
    • From 2015 – 2018, Markets Leader Switzerland in Assurance and Member of the Executive Team (“Geschäftsleitung”)
    • From 2019 – 2022, Chairman PwC Switzerland
    • From 2023 - 2024, co-responsibility for ESG reporting / assurance in PwC Switzerland
  • Industry experience
    • 30 years of relevant experience in Trade, Industry & Services
    • Ambition for deep understanding of clients’ business, strategy, operating model and management teams to ensure optimal support and delivery capabilities (“listen / understand / execute”)

  Other Activities / Experience

  • International assignments (London, Madagascar, Montreal). Madagascar was a co-sponsored assignment with the United Nations to look into the topic of better access to safe drinking water (UN SDG)
  • Extensive client related business travels and building-up a relevant personal network in Europe, the US and China
  • Former Governance leader PwC Switzerland; initiating and leading the PwC Audit Committee Forum (flagship client event of Assurance in Switzerland); board assessment projects
  • Activities in professional organisations (recent and past): Avenir Suisse, IMD, Liechtenstein dialogue for development, Liechtenstein Finance Forum, Rive reine, Swiss Global Entreprise, Swissmem, the stars – leaders of the next generation, Zurich Commercial Chamber (Zürcher Handelskammer), Zurich Economic Society (Zürcher Volkswirtschaftliche Gesellschaft)
  • Worked with Korn Ferry International as management consultant after completion of university

Member, stars Foundation Board, Zurich, Switzerland

• 1986 – present: Wenger & Vieli AG, Attorney-at-law; Partner since 1989
• 1985: Arnold & Porter, Foreign Associate, Washington DC
• 1982 – 1984: District Court of Meilen (Zurich)
• 1979 – 1982: Ringier AG, Legal Department
• Concurrently: Member of the Board of various companies and foundations in Switzerland

Founder and Executive Chairman, stars Foundation, Weinfelden, Switzerland

• 2014 – present: Executive Chairman and Founder of the stars Foundation Board, Weinfelden, Switzerland
• 2008 – 2014: Chairman and Co-Founder of the stars Foundation Board, Weinfelden, Switzerland
• 1994 – 2016: Member of the Board of UBS Wolfsberg and Congress Hotel Seepark AG
• 1994 – 2014: CEO, UBS Wolfsberg. Emphasis on Business Development, i.e. initiating, supervising, and conducting UBS Briefings, UBS Health Forum, UBS Arts Forum, UBS Study Trips, UBS Think Tanks, Wolfsberg Podium (www.wolfsberg.com)
• 1981 – 1994: Various responsibilities for UBS Management and Executive Development, Member and Chairman of the Board of UBS Art Collection
• Concurrently: Member of the Board of various companies and foundations in Switzerland

Head, Human Resources, Dux Recruitment and Training; stars Alumnus, Vientiane, Laos

Head, Private Equity Asia, GIC, Singapore

Chair, James Cook University Singapore; Board Director – SGX-Listed companies and Kemin Industries (USA); Adjunct Professor, National University of Singapore; Member, stars Asia Advisory Panel, Singapore

Su-Yen is an experienced Board Chair and independent director who has served for over 15 years on the Boards of multiple listed, family-controlled, private equity-held, government-linked and not-for-profit organisations in Australia, Asia, and the United States. She is Chairperson of James Cook University Singapore, and immediate Past Chairperson of the Singapore Institute of Directors. Previously she was also Independent Chair of SGX Mainboard-listed Nera Telecommunications.

Currently, she is an Independent Director at Yoma Strategic Holdings, CSE Global, and First Resources. In addition, she serves on the global board of privately-held Kemin Industries, and is a Board Director of the Infocomm Media Development Authority, which is a statutory board under the Singapore Ministry of Communications and Information.

She is an Adjunct Professor at the National University of Singapore Business School, a member of the Executive Education Faculty at Duke University, and a keynote speaker who engages audiences worldwide on leadership, transformation, and the future of work.

Previously Su-Yen was CEO of the Human Capital Leadership Institute, Chairman for Marsh & McLennan Companies (Singapore), and Senior Partner and Managing Director, Southeast Asia at Mercer. Earlier, she was Asia Managing Partner for the Communications, Information & Entertainment practice at Oliver Wyman.

She holds a B.A. (summa cum laude) in music and computer science from Linfield University, and an M.B.A. from the Kenan-Flagler Business School, University of North Carolina. She is a Senior Accredited Director of the Singapore Institute of Directors, and a member of the Young Presidents' Organization. She is an avid adventure traveller and has ventured to some of the most remote parts of the world, including Antarctica and Timbuktu.

Director, MBA Center, National School of Development at Peking University; stars Alumnus, Beijing, China

MBA Center Director 2022 Mar. - Now
MBA Center Acting Director 2020 Dec. -2022 Mar.
Career Development Cetner Director 2020 Apr. - Now, 2015-Now, Assistant Dean of BiMBA, MBA Center Director, NSD, Peking University, China
2010-2013, PR Manager，ZTE Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia
2007-2010, Subcontract Manager, Sinopec Middle East, Saudi Arabia
2006-2007, Key Account Officer, UPS Dalian, China

President, Growth Markets Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Latin America, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS); Member, stars Asia Advisory Panel, Singapore

In this role, he is responsible for strategy, growth and business operations in Australia, New Zealand, ASEAN, Greater China and Korea. Under his leadership, TCS APAC has consistently contributed to TCS’s industry-leading growth.

Girish joined TCS in 1994 and in his 24- year career with TCS, has held a wide variety of leadership positions across key parts of TCS’s business. Girish personifies TCS’s commitment to helping its clients “Experience certainty”. As Head of TCS Europe for 9 years, he leveraged on his strength of developing strong client relationships, backed with a disciplined focus on operations and execution to enable TCS Europe achieve record growth in revenues and margins. Subsequent to his stint in Europe, Girish headed TCS’s Middle East, Africa and the Mediterranean region. He later took up the position of Corporate Vice-President in the CEO’s office in Mumbai where he rolled out several global strategic initiatives setting the tone for TCS’s rapid growth.

A proven leader and a strong proponent of Business 4.0 philosophy, Girish’ passion and commitment to innovation and technology extends beyond the world of business. Girish serves on the board of Amsterdam based Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), a pioneer in global sustainability reporting. He is a member of CII International Council and also serves on the International Boards of Nyenrode University in Netherlands. He is a recipient of the Frans Banninck Cocq Medal from the Mayor of Amsterdam in recognition of his meritorious service to the city of Amsterdam. In 2017, The Australian Government appointed Girish as the Business Champion for New Colombo Plan. In 2018, Singapore Human Resource Institute (SHRI) recognized Girish with the “Leading CEO” award amongst a list of top CEOs.

Girish holds a Master’s degree in Management from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai and a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Technology from PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore.