Day 2 Keynote Speakers Include Executives from Binance, Ferrari, and OpenAI
CONVERGE LIVE: A Spotlight on Global Business Trends
Overview of the Event
CNBC’s inaugural CONVERGE LIVE event takes place in Singapore, featuring a range of influential figures from various sectors, including business, finance, and technology. This two-day thought leadership conference gathers industry leaders, policymakers, and investors to discuss pressing global issues such as trade conflicts, cryptocurrency trends, and the evolving landscape of the sports business.
Day Two Highlights
The event’s second day kicks off with U.K. former Prime Minister David Cameron, who is set to engage in a fireside chat. His discussion will focus on anticipated challenges for political leaders in 2025, the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) innovations, and uncertainties surrounding U.S. trade policies.
Notable Speakers
Several influential executives will also be participating on the second day, including:
- Benedetto Vigna – CEO of Ferrari
- Richard Teng – CEO of Binance
- Oliver Jay from OpenAI
- Scott O’Neil – CEO of LIV Golf
This lineup promises valuable insights from leaders across different industries.
Recap of Day One Discussions
The opening day of CONVERGE LIVE was filled with critical discussions. Notable moments included:
- Ray Dalio, a billionaire hedge fund investor, cautioned that the U.S.’s growing national debt could result in significant economic repercussions.
- Joe Tsai, Chairman of Alibaba Group, emphasized the underestimated significance of a recent meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and business leaders.
- Gan Kim Yong, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister, expressed concern about regional anxieties due to the U.S. imposing tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.
Overall, day one showcased varying perspectives on how global trade policies could affect economic climates.
Key Themes on the Second Day
Focus on Artificial Intelligence
Anthony Tan, co-founder and CEO of Grab, stressed the importance of integrating AI into business operations. He warned that individuals and companies resistant to adopting AI may be left behind. Tan noted that his company has utilized AI in their training platforms, claiming it enhances both personal and organizational capabilities.
Insights from Tech Leaders
Discussion surrounding AI continued with industry leaders offering their predictions for its future application. Some key highlights from various speakers included:
- Joe Tsai pointed out that the recent advancements in Chinese AI technology have led to a surge in applications.
- Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce, raised concerns about the sustainability of massive investments in data centers in light of new technologies like DeepSeek and others.
- Cisco’s Guy Diedrich emphasized the critical role of trust and security in AI deployment, asserting that AI will soon be a regular part of everyday operations.
Overall, there is a consensus among tech leaders that AI will continue to play a major role in various sectors, enhancing productivity and innovation.
Concerns Over Trade Tariffs
Trade policies, especially U.S. tariffs, dominated conversations. Business leaders voiced apprehensions about the potential for increased volatility and conflict among nations due to such measures. For instance, Ray Dalio warned that tariffs could incite friction between countries, influencing economic relations across borders.
In the midst of these discussions, Marc Benioff touched on the need for clarity and reciprocity in trade practices to avoid creating instability in international markets.
Continuous Developments
Each day at CONVERGE LIVE reveals essential insights from some of the leading minds in business. The discussions encompass a range of topics from AI’s transformative power to challenges posed by global trade disputes. These conversations are helping shape the future trajectory of various industries, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead.
