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Masterclass 1: The Macroeconomic & Equity Market Implications of Artificial Intelligence for Asia

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a transformative force with far‑reaching implications for economies and financial markets, particularly across Asia.

As the infrastructure buildout and adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) gain momentum, questions arise as to the macroeconomic and equity market implications of this General Purpose Technology. How could growth and labor markets, inflation, interest rates, inequality and government balance sheets be affected, especially in Asia? Which countries stand to benefit, and why? Equity markets globally have already responded, favoring companies that provide or operate the underlying AI infrastructure, pushing valuations of some stocks to potentially “bubbly” levels. Will markets eventually transition towards rewarding AI adopters, and if so, what sectors might outperform?

This masterclass is designed to equip senior investment professionals and board members with a comprehensive understanding of potential macroeconomic effects of the adoption of AI, as well as of the public equity market impact at the overall index and industry levels. The discussion material will be grounded in the latest academic literature, as well as market research by brokers, funds and others.

Masterclass 2: ETF - Tools for Modern Asset Management

The global ETF market has surged past USD 18 trillion, reshaping how investors access markets, manage portfolios, and express investment views. In this Masterclass, industry experts will unpack what’s driving this phenomenal growth, explore the evolving dynamics between active and passive investing, and examine how Factors and Thematic strategies are redefining indices.  

Whether you represent a sovereign wealth fund, pension fund, insurer, private bank, or asset manager, this session will equip you with the knowledge to navigate today’s sophisticated ETF landscape with confidence. 

Masterclass 3: Retirement Reimagined: Multi-Asset Strategies for a Longer Life

As Asia’s investor base matures and longevity reshapes financial planning, retirement investing is no longer a niche—it is a critical pillar of wealth management. This masterclass explores how multi-asset solutions can address the dual challenges of accumulation and decumulation, delivering resilient outcomes for individuals and institutions.

Masterclass 4: Unlocking Value and Broadening Participation in Singapore Equities

The IMAS Equity Market Development Programme (EQDP) Masterclass is a practitioner focused programme designed to provide participants with practical insights into value creation for Singapore listed companies and the development of a broader, more resilient market. Given the diverse audience profile comprising buyside, sellside, issuers and other market participants, the session adopts a case study led and discussion based format.

Participants will learn through real world case studies presented by selected listed companies, highlighting what has worked in practice, challenges encountered, and key lessons learnt in unlocking value and engaging investors. These case studies are delivered through fireside chats and moderated discussions, encouraging candid dialogue and crossstakeholder perspectives.

The masterclass brings together perspectives from consultants, exchange representatives, issuers, and investment professionals to examine collective actions required to strengthen participation and longterm interest in Singapore equities.

Masterclass 5: AI in Global Markets: Opportunities & Portfolio Implications

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a transformative general-purpose technology with significant implications for the global economy and financial markets. As investment in AI infrastructure accelerates and adoption broadens across industries, investors are increasingly examining how AI could reshape productivity, labour markets and corporate profitability, while also influencing equity market dynamics.

This masterclass will explore observed shifts in capital expenditure, labour market developments and policy responses linked to AI adoption. It will also review trading patterns in global equity markets, differentiating between “AI Infrastructure” providers and “AI Adopters”, and examining phases of momentum such as “AI Summers” and “AI Winters”.

From a practitioner’s perspective, the session will discuss what AI means for investment decision-making globally and how investment professionals are incorporating AI tools and insights into their investment processes.

Masterclass 6: Gold as Strategic Capital: Risk, Preservation, and Power in a Multipolar World

In an era of rising geopolitical risk, currency debasement, and structural uncertainty, gold continues to play a critical — yet often misunderstood — role in institutional and family office portfolios. This masterclass examines gold through a due-diligence lens, separating myth from mechanism.

Rather than focusing on price speculation, the session explores gold as strategic capital: its behavior across regimes, its function in portfolio construction, and its relevance in a multipolar financial system. Attendees will leave with a clearer framework for evaluating gold allocations, understanding its limitations, and asking better questions when assessing gold-related strategies and products.

Masterclass 7: A Deep Dive into Performance Attribution to Optimize Investment Decision-Making

The investment community across Asia-Pacific are navigating an increasingly complex investment environment, where achieving transparency, aligning stakeholders, and measuring true value creation have become strategic imperatives.

Participants will gain insights into contemporary Performance and Attribution Measurement practices, including methodologies for identifying sources of return and value add from various investment decisions across multi-asset and multi-currency portfolios. Drawing on real-world experience working with eight Australian superannuation funds, together representing around 50% of total industry AUM, over engagements spanning since 2012, Ortec Finance will share how it supports asset owners and asset managers in establishing comprehensive attribution frameworks to enable better decision-making and stakeholder reporting.

This session aims to equip asset manager, asset owners, CIOs, performance teams, and risk professionals with practical frameworks and proven approaches to elevate performance measurement and attribution capabilities in a rapidly evolving investment landscape.