5 Speakers You Can’t Miss At Rise 2019

The "largest tech conference in Asia" will take place July 8-11 in Hong Kong

Starting next Tuesday, some the world's biggest names in tech will convene in Hong Kong for the Rise conference.

Now in its fifth year, the 2019 edition of Rise will draw over 350 speakers and more than 16,000 attendees to the Hong Kong Convention And Exhibition Centre to attend a series of keynotes, panels, workshops and Night Summits

Here are a few highlights from the programme.

Tony Fernandes

Above Tony Fernandes

Co-founder, AirAsia

The company AirAsia is a low-cost airline headquartered in Kuala Lumpur.

Who? Known as a master of transformation, Tony Fernandes is one of Asia’s most notable businessmen, renowned for reviving AirAsia and making it the billion-dollar industry leader it is today.

Quote this “My philosophy has been organic growth, I generally don’t believe in acquisition because it comes with a lot of inherent issues. When you import through acquisition, it comes at a risk, so it’s not my preference.”

Topic Fernandes will shed light on how how he transformed AirAsia, as well as his aims to continue growing it into a full-fledged travel tech company.

Did you know? Fernandes took AirAsia from a near-bankrupt company to Asia’s largest budget carrier in less than two decades. The airline now flies 320 routes at the lowest unit cost in global aviation industry.

Tony Fernandes will be at Centre Stage, Tuesday July 9, 14.55-15.15.

Min-Liang Tan

Above Min-Liang Tan

Co-founder and CEO of Razer

The company Founded in 2005, Razer is the world’s leading lifestyle brand for gamers.

Who? Tan was an attorney before co-founding Razer. Today he's a cult-like figure in the gaming world, known for his trademark black t-shirts, razor-sharp wit on Twitter, and for creating a brand that has millions of devoted fans.

Did you know? Razer’s software platform has approximately 60 million users, and it’s zGold is one of the world’s largest virtual credit services for gamers.

Topic How do you take mobile gaming to the next level? Tan will discuss Razer’s strategic move beyond hardware, and its development of software and services.

Min-Liang Tan will be at Centre Stage, Tuesday July 9, 16.35-17.00.

Eric Gnock Fah

Above Eric Gnock Fah (Image: Courtesy of CNBC)

Co-founder and COO, Klook

The company In just four years, in-destination travel app Klook has grown from idea to one of the region's most successful startups, with more than 800 employees in 16 countries.

Did you know? Gnock Fah found his business partner through LinkedIn. Comparing finding the right co-founder to dating, he highlights the importance of taking chances while making sure everyone in your team is working towards the same goals.

Topic Eric will discuss the origin story of Klook as well as the company's future plans.

Humble brag He's a Gen.T honouree.

Eric Gnock Fah will be at Centre Stage, Thursday July 11, 10.30-10.50.

JP Gan

Above JP Gan (Image: Courtesy of Forbes)

Managing partner, Qiming Venture Partners

Who? Venture capitalist JP Gan has backed some of Chinese biggest tech startups, including video sharing site BiliBili, China tech giant Meituan-Dianping and fashion social site Mogu. In the past he's also worked with a variety of Chinese companies, including image editing app Meitu and travel booking platform Ctrip.

Topics JP Gan will share insights into to how he decides where to place his bets and the best way for entrepreneurs to pitch their startups in new and exciting ways. In another talk, he will also highlight how he can spot a ‘special entrepreneur,’ while also giving advice for high growth companies as they scale.

Did you know? JP Gan coined the term ‘intersumer,’ combining ‘internet’ and ‘consumer’ to encompass the early stage portfolio investments he has made.

JP Gan will be at Venture Stage on Thursday July 11 (12.25-12.45) and Centre Stage on Thursday July 11 (14.00-14.25).

Wendy Yu

Above Wendy Yu (Image: Courtesy of Forbes)

Founder and chief executive, Yu Holdings

Who? Investor and philanthropist Wendy Yu is one of the most influential figures in the Chinese fashion world.

The company Yu Holdings is headquartered in Shanghai, with has a focus on cross-territory business and cultural exchange. This is conducted through three entities that make investments in innovation and creativity: Yu Fashion, Yu Capital and Yu Culture.

Quote this “As a millennial, I’m passionate about philanthropy and supporting social and cultural impact as much as entrepreneurship and making money. I want all that I do to be new and refreshing.”

Wendy Yu will be at Centre Stage, Wednesday July 10, 11.55-12.15.

Topics

Rise Conference Hong Kong