Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What led to the creation of the Asia Business Council?

In May 1999, 37 business leaders from across Asia and the United States gathered in Hong Kong in response to the economic crisis buffeting the region. This group realized that the private sector needs to be more effectively engaged in the changes brought about by globalization During that meeting, consensus was reached to explore the creation of an on-going membership organization to allow the private sector to take on this role. The Asia Business Council is the organization that has evolved from this initial meeting.

Who can be a member of the Asia Business Council?

Members of the Asia Business Council will primarily be comprised of individuals from companies or corporations with operational headquarters in Asia. Up to one-third of members can be from companies or corporations with operational headquarters outside Asia.

A member must be the chairman, chief executive or the top decision-maker of a company or corporation which is not a subsidiary of another enterprise. Additionally, prospective new members must be nominated by two members of the Council and approved by the Board of Trustees.

How is the Council financed?

The Council relies on its annual membership fees

What issues does the Council address?

The overarching issue we address is the continued economic development and competitiveness of the region. One of the greatest values the Council provides both for our members and the public is the comparative perspective across the region. Asia is a vast continent with great differences as well as commonalities. The Asia Business Council seeks common ground while facilitating a greater understanding and appreciation of the differences on key issues affecting the region

Within that, the Council takes on yearly themes that assist our members in understanding the changes brought about by globalization, the continuing integration of Asia’s economy, and the role of the private sector as a change agent.

  • In 2008, our research will focus on climate change and corporate social responsibility.

  • In 2007 we capped our research on energy efficiency with the publication of a book, Building Energy Efficiency: Why Green Buildings Are Key to Asia’s Future. We also conducted our second annual survey of members.

  • Our subjects for 2006 energy efficiency, impact of technology on all industries in the region and on corporate social responsibility.

  • Our major themes for 2005 were: innovation within Asian firms; intellectual property rights; and energy efficiency.
  • In 2004, we conducted a scenario planning exercise that provided our members an opportunity to envision various realistic scenarios and prepare themselves for a viable range of outcomes for Asia by the year 2010.

    In addition, we held a workshop on Branding in Asia , where members mixed theory with their own experiences and examined the role of branding in addressing strategic and operational challenges.
  • In 2003, we sought to understand the impact of China’s growth on our members’ companies both within China and throughout the region.

    The task force on corporate governance also concluded its work and developed a set of governance guidelines for our members. This effort, which included a series of discussions and commissioned research, enabled our members to evaluate aspects of corporate governance that are appropriate and beneficial to companies in Asia.
  • In 2002, we analyzed ways the private sector can best facilitate continued growth of knowledge-based economies from an education and training perspective.  A key finding of this work showed that while large Asian companies on average spend the same for internal training as their American and European counterparts, the money is not leveraged as effectively due to the dearth of effective public-private partnerships.
  • In 2001, we deepened our understanding of how the private sector influences trade policy across the region. The effort culminated in a report on Asian companies and the WTO. The primary finding of this work is that too an extraordinary degree many Asian companies do not advocate for specific outcomes with their home governments onWTO policy formulation.

One of the greatest values the Council provides both for our members and the public is the comparative perspective across the region. Asia is a vast continent with great differences as well as commonalities. The Asia Business Council seeks common ground while facilitating a greater understanding and appreciation of the differences on key issues affecting the region.

How will the Council accomplish these goals?

Through two forums per year, subject-specific task forces, research projects and member surveys. Forums consist of a series of roundtable dialogues, member commentaries, and informal conversation. They provide an opportunity for corporate leaders to share views and voice concerns. The results from Council research projects and membership surveys will be presented to the public on an annual basis.

Where is the Council based?

The Council is established as a non-profit corporation in Hong Kong. The contact information is as follows:

22A-B On Hing Building
#1 On Hing Terrace Central
Hong Kong

Phone 852.2899.2782
Fax 852.2899.2932

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