2008 Asia Business Center Conference

Managing Family Business in a Global Marketplace

Monday, December 1, 2008
Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Singapore

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

It is our great pleasure to invite you to join us for the inaugural Asia Business Center Conference and Gala, Monday, December 1, 2008, at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Singapore. The Conference will offer a unique opportunity for alumni, faculty, and prominent business and political leaders from Asia to gather for a day of learning and networking in the Haas School of Business tradition.

This year’s conference will focus on “Managing Family Business in a Global Marketplace,” a topic that is relevant and under-explored, and requires a multi-disciplinary approach. Family business is the cornerstone of the Asian economy; however, there are many financial and interpersonal issues that arise when running a family business. Panels and talks will include in depth discussions about:

• Managing a Large Family Business
• Managing Wealth in Family Business
• Managing Growth in a Global Economy
• Managing Group Dynamics and Succession Planning
• Interpersonal Issues in Family Business

Join us for an exploration of these issues to address and understand the complex dynamics of family business with Haas faculty and top business leaders; network with your fellow colleagues; and celebrate the founding of our Asia Business Center. Our hope is that you will leave with new perspectives, practical suggestions for your own businesses, renewed energy, and an energized network to implement changes.

Our keynote speakers include two Ernst & Young Singapore Entrepreneurs of the Year 2007, Mr. Robert Yap, Chairman and CEO of the YCH Group; and Mr. Eli Manasseh (Nash) Benjamin, Group Chief Executive Officer of F J Benjamin Holdings Ltd. Additionally, the conference will feature three deans – Richard Lyons of the Haas School of Business, Jitendra Singh of Nanyang Technological University, and Bernard Yeung of the National Singapore University. Solomon P. Lee Distinguished Professor in Business Ethics and Editor of the California Management Review, Dr. David Vogel, will address family business in a global economy and there will be many more interesting and distinguished panelists to address the many challenges of family business.

A special Haas School Gala and Global Campaign Celebration will follow the conference on Monday night.  Relax and network with fellow alumni, personally meet the Haas School’s new Dean Richard K. Lyons (former Chief Learning Officer at Goldman Sachs), and learn from students and faculty about the exciting and innovative programs at the Haas School.  The Haas School is kicking off a five-year fundraising campaign that will build the school’s endowment, create new educational facilities, and strengthen the school’s Leading Through Innovation strategy and mission. The goal for the Campaign for Haas is $300 million.

The Asia Business Center Conference is an ideal opportunity to take advantage of our strong global network. It is a chance to reconnect with friends and meet other members of the Haas School of Business community from around the world. We hope you will be able to join us in Singapore for this exciting and one-of-a–kind event.

Warm Regards,