Forbes Asia 100 To Watch Forum

FORBES ASIA 100 TO WATCH FORUM
Future Driven

Since 2021, Forbes Asia has published four editions of the 100 to Watch list, which spotlights notable small companies and startups on the rise across the Asia-Pacific region. Under the theme "Future Driven," the Forbes Asia 100 to Watch Forum will convene founders, CEOs and senior executives from the 100 to Watch companies, leading VCs, top investors from the region and members of selected Forbes lists. They will share their insights and strategies for growth and long-term success as the startup and funding landscape undergoes significant transformation.

2025 SPEAKERS

Min-Liang Tan

Cofounder and CEO, Razer

Annabelle Yu Long

Founding and Managing Partner, BAI Capital

Magnus Grimeland

Founder and CEO, Antler

Jing Hong

Founding Partner, Gaocheng Capital

Adrian Li

Founder and Managing Partner, AC Ventures

Jennifer Zhang

Cofounder and CEO, WIZ Holdings

Dino Setiawan

CEO, AwanTunai

Sagar Khatri

Cofounder and CEO, Multiplier

Tubagus Syailendra

Cofounder and CEO, Chickin

Mark Lim

CEO, Aliena

Annu Talreja

Founder and CEO, Accacia

Bryan Oh

Cofounder and CEO, NEU Battery Materials

Anirudh Sharma

Founder and CEO, Digantara

Kawal Preet

President, Asia Pacific, FedEx

Rich Karlgaard

Futurist and Columnist, Forbes Asia

Rana Wehbe Watson

Editorial Director/Special Projects, Forbes Asia

John Kang

Senior Editor, Forbes Asia

View Speakers

AGENDA

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 13:00 – 19:30 (Singapore time)

13:00

Registration

14:00

Welcome Remarks

14:15

Session I: Scaling Smart and Tough

The startup ecosystem is fast evolving. As venture capital funding works its way out of a rough patch, startups must grow with limited resources, often placing a greater emphasis on cash flow profitability vs. top-line expansion. What strategies are startup CEOs adopting to survive, adapt, grow and build long-term value? How do they compete against rivals, some larger or better funded, in this increasingly tough environment? A panel of battle-tested alumni from the 100 to Watch list will share their insights and perspectives.

Moderated by John Kang, Senior Editor, Forbes Asia

Confirmed speakers:
Sagar Khatri, Cofounder and CEO, Multiplier
Dino Setiawan, CEO, AwanTunai
Tubagus Syailendra, Cofounder and CEO, Chickin
Jennifer Zhang, Cofounder and CEO, WIZ Holdings

15:00

Session II: FedEx Small Business Grant Contest

Selected from the latest 100 to Watch list, four founders will pitch LIVE to a panel of judges.

Mark Lim, CEO, Aliena
Bryan Oh, Cofounder and CEO, NEU Battery Materials
Anirudh Sharma, Founder and CEO, Digantara
Annu Talreja, Founder and CEO, Accacia

15:30

Coffee and Networking Break

16:00

Session III: Funding The Future

The world is shifting on several fronts: Technology is progressing shockingly fast, with resulting sharp pivots in business needs and consumer preferences. A panel of leading investors will discuss the risks, challenges and opportunities that lie ahead – how they are leveraging these shifts, and what factors will guide their decisions. They additionally will share advice on what startups must do to stay lean and focused, alert and aligned to these shape-shifting trends for greater success.

Moderated by Rana Wehbe Watson, Editorial Director/Special Projects, Forbes Asia

Confirmed speakers:
Magnus Grimeland, Founder and CEO, Antler
Jing Hong, Founding Partner, Gaocheng Capital
Adrian Li, Founder and Managing Partner, AC Ventures
Annabelle Yu Long, Founding and Managing Partner, BAI Capital