Steward Leadership Summit 2025
Steward Leadership Summit 2025: Creating a Collective Better Future will be held at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, Singapore.
As SAC's annual flagship event, the summit is a high-profile invite-only event bringing together global leaders from the public and private sectors.
The theme of this year's summit is Happiness and Compassion for Prosperity.
In today's volatile landscape - shaped by heightened economic uncertainty, climate change, and rising inequality - organisations must rethink what it means to thrive.
The most effective and impactful leaders today embrace a win-win-win mindset, delivering benefits for business, society, and the environment. Happiness and emotional well-being empower these leaders to act with empathy, build resilience, make better decisions, and drive sustainable prosperity. In an interdependent world, they act with compassion to turn complexity into opportunity and foster long-term prosperity for all stakeholders.
This summit will feature thought-provoking dialogue and visionary keynotes, inspiring leaders to do well by doing good in a rapidly changing world.
Please see our summit programme here.
Speakers
Mr Abel Ariza
Managing Director of Sodexo Singapore and Malaysia
Abel Ariza is the Managing Director for Sodexo Singapore and Malaysia, leading a 2,000-strong team across diverse sectors and driving transformation in the region’s food and facilities services industry. With over two decades of experience across Europe and Asia Pacific, Abel has held senior leadership roles spanning operations, business development, and corporate strategy — including postings as Country President for Sodexo Korea and Segment Director for Corporate Services in Singapore and Vietnam.
He has spearheaded complex regional portfolios, including Unilever’s Asia Pacific footprint, and played a pivotal role in repositioning business units for growth and profitability. Abel brings a distinctive blend of commercial acumen, operational excellence, and cultural fluency to the table — with a track record of scaling businesses while building high-trust, people-centric cultures.
Abel holds an MBA from INSEAD, along with master’s degrees in Market Research and Naval Engineering. He is fluent in English, Spanish, and Catalan.
Ms Annisah Smith
Senior Research and Advocacy Manager, Stewardship Asia Centre
Ms Annisah Smith is Research and Advocacy Manager at Stewardship Asia Centre (SAC), where she helps lead and develop sustainability-related engagements and content. With a background in environmental policy and sustainable agriculture, she brings experience in conducting sustainable development research, preparing due diligence and policy analyses, and building public-private partnerships.
Before joining SAC, Ms Smith was based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as a Fulbright Research Scholar. She examined the inextricable challenges linked to sustainable and equitable palm oil development in Southeast Asia and Latin America. Her research interests have further explored the nexus between environmental governance and private sector engagement and has enabled her to work and live in the US, Costa Rica, Indonesia, and now Singapore.
Ms Smith is a graduate of American University’s School of International Service, where she pursued a BA in International Relations and an MA in Global Environmental Policy.
Prof Arnoud De Meyer
Chairman, Stewardship Asia Centre
Professor De Meyer is a global academic leader with more than 35 years of experience in top academic institutions in Europe and Asia. Until December 2018, he served as President of Singapore Management University (SMU). Before joining SMU, Professor De Meyer was from 2006 until 2010 Director (Dean) of the Judge Business School at the University of Cambridge.
Earlier on he was a faculty member at INSEAD and assumed several management positions, among others as founding dean of INSEAD’s Asia campus in Singapore. He has additionally been an Independent Director of various international companies and non-profit organisations. He is currently Independent Director of Viva Energy Pty Ltd, Banyan Tree Holdings Limited and upGrad Tech Pte Ltd.
Professor De Meyer is an internationally recognised researcher in the areas of Research & Development and Innovation Management, Manufacturing Strategy and International Management. He has published more than 100 academic articles and 12 books. His most recent books are “Ecosystem Edge: Sustaining Competitiveness in the Face of Disruption” (Stanford Business Press) and “Building Excellence in Higher Education: Singapore’s Experience” (Routledge).
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Dr Harald Link
Chairman, B.Grimm; President, B.Grimm Power
Dr. Harald Link is the third-generation leader of B.Grimm, Thailand’s longest-established company, founded in 1878. Over 147 years—spanning six reigns from King Rama V to the current reign of King Rama X—B.Grimm has contributed significantly to the country’s medical, infrastructure, and energy development, always guided by the philosophy of "Doing Business with Compassion."
B.Grimm has evolved into a multinational conglomerate spanning energy, industrial systems, healthcare, transportation, lifestyle, and real estate. Its vision extends beyond business success to creating a positive impact on society, emphasizing the interconnectedness of economic growth, environmental stewardship, and human well-being. B.Grimm believes that true prosperity is not just measured by financial success but by fostering happiness, balance, and longevity in the communities B.Grimm serves.
In the 1990s, B.Grimm entered the energy sector with its first greenfield industrial power plant in Amata City, Chonburi. Today, B.Grimm Power is a key player in Thailand’s energy landscape, with 56 operational projects and an ambitious goal of achieving 7,200 MW of secured power purchase agreements by 2025, further expanding to 10,000 MW by 2030. B.Grimm Power is actively driving the transition towards net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
B.Grimm’s dedication to compassion-driven progress extends to it’s deep engagement in education, environmental conservation, equestrian sports, classical music, and the arts. B.Grimm’s efforts in environmental initiatives includes spearheading Thailand’s "Saving the Tigers" campaign to restore ecological balance and protect endangered species. Through B.Grimm’s cultural and philanthropic efforts, it actively fosters a spirit of happiness through shared prosperity, promoting education, music, and sports as powerful tools for social harmony and well-being.
Beyond business, Dr. Link serves as Chairman of the Association of Private Power Producers, Chairman of the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, Chairman of the Princess Mother’s Charities Fund of Thailand, and President of the Thailand and Southeast Asia Equestrian Federation. He is also a board member of the Thai Red Cross Society and the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, continuously working to create lasting positive change for future generations.
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Prof Ivy Ng
Board Director, Temasek Trust; Senior Advisor, SingHealth Board
Professor Ivy Ng is Senior Advisor, SingHealth Board. Prior to her appointment as Senior Advisor, she was the Group Chief Executive Officer of SingHealth (2012-2024). She was also previously Chief Executive Officer of KK Women's & Children's Hospital (KKH) and Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer of SingHealth.
Hospital, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Changi General Hospital, Sengkang General Hospital, 5 National Specialty Centres (Cancer, Eye, Neurosciences, Dental and Heart), SingHealth Community Hospitals and 9 primary health polyclinics. SingHealth has also been charged to develop Eastern General Hospital.
She was inducted into the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame in 2025 by Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO), conferred the National Day Award Public Administration Medal (Gold) (Bar) 2024, President’s Science & Technology Medal 2021, National University of Singapore (NUS) University Outstanding Service Award 2020, NTUC May Day Medal of Commendation (Gold) Award 2020, Her World Woman of the Year 2012, Public Administration Medal (Gold) 2011, International Management Action Award 2010 and Singapore Human Resource Institute Leading CEO Award 2008. She is Chair of the KKH Fund Committee and member of the Boards of SingHealth Fund, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore Management University, Temasek Trust, National Research Foundation (NRF) Singapore and Precise Health Research Singapore (PRECISE) Board Oversight Committee (BOC).
She holds a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and Master of Medicine (Paediatrics) from the National University of Singapore. She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (FRCP, Edinburgh), Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (FRCPCH, London) and Academy of Medicine, Singapore (FAMS). She is Clinical Professor, Duke-NUS Medical School and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore and Adjunct Professor, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore.
Dasho Dr Lotay Tshering
Governor, Gelephu Mindfulness City; Former Prime Minister of Bhutan
Dr. Lotay Tshering, born on May 10, 1969, is currently serving as the Governor of Gelephu Mindfulness City. His distinguished career includes serving as the Prime Minister of Bhutan from November 2018 to 2023 and as President of Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa from May 2018 to 2024.
(2014-2018).
Dr. Tshering has received prestigious recognitions, including the Druk Thuksey medal in 2017 and the Lungmar scarf awarded by His Majesty The King in 2020 for his outstanding efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On a personal note, he is married to Dr. Ugyen Dem, a Child Psychiatrist, and they have three daughters and two adopted children (a son and a daughter). Beyond his professional life, Dr. Tshering enjoys biking, reading, and cooking.
Mr Rajeev Peshawaria
CEO, Stewardship Asia Centre
Rejecting platitudes and theoretical models, Rajeev combines 22 years of global Fortune 100 experience with research-based insights to provide unique and practical approaches to personal leadership, ethics, governance, sustainable business growth, and stewardship. A sought-after speaker and consultant, he is the CEO of Stewardship Asia Centre, Singapore, and President of Leadership Energy Consulting, Seattle, WA, USA.
Author of the Wall Street Journal and Amazon bestseller Open Source Leadership (McGraw Hill), Too Many Bosses, Too Few Leaders (Simon & Schuster), Sustainable Sustainability (Penguin Random House), co-author of Be the Change (McGraw Hill) and a regular contributor for Forbes, he constantly challenges conventional wisdom on leadership, management, stewardship, sustainability, and corporate governance. He has pioneered unique practical concepts such as Leadership Energy and Emotional Integrity for personal growth, the Brains-Bones-Nerves model for enterprise leadership, and the Steward Leadership model for driving sustainable business growth in the 21st century.
Rajeev is a high-energy, inspirational speaker who provides coaching, consulting and advisory services to corporate and public sector clients globally. He also serves as guest faculty at leading US, Europe and Asia business schools. He has been widely featured in international media such as CNN, Bloomberg TV & Radio, National Public Radio, Harvard Business Review, CNBC, Fast Company, Leader to Leader, American Management Association magazine, Leadership Excellence magazine, The Times of India, The Straits Times, Business Times, and many more.
Before joining SAC and starting LEC, he was the CEO of the Iclif Leadership & Governance Centre. He was formerly the Chief Learning Officer of Coca-Cola and Morgan Stanley and has also held senior positions at American Express, HSBC, and Goldman Sachs. At Goldman, Rajeev helped found Pine Street − the firm’s acclaimed leadership academy − and headed Pine Street for Europe and Asia. In his early career, he was a banker and currency trader.
In 2014 and 2017, he was named one of the Top 100 Global Thought Leaders for Trustworthy Business by ‘Trust Across America.’
A few of Rajeev’s videos and articles can be found on the links below:
- CNBC Interview
- Overview
- Interview on CNN’s Quest Means Business
- Forbes Article: Will G Save Us from E and S Challenges
- TED Talk
- TED Talk
Tan Sri Dr Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria
Former Executive Director, APEC Secretariat, Singapore
Until 31 Dec 2024, Tan Sri Datuk Dr Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria was the executive director of the APEC Secretariat based in Singapore, which serves as advisory body, implementation arm and custodian of institutional memory for the 21 member economies that make up the APEC forum. Prior to joining the APEC Secretariat, Dr Sta Maria was a top-level Malaysian civil servant and trade negotiator.
She began her career in the Administrative and Diplomatic Service in 1981 and served in various capacities in the then Ministry of Trade and Industry. She retired from the Malaysia Civil Service in 2016, having served as Secretary-General of the Malaysian Ministry of International Trade and Industry from December 2010 to July 2016. In this capacity she oversaw the formulation of Malaysia’s international trade policies and positions. She often took the lead in their implementation as chief negotiator for bilateral and regional free trade agreements such as the TransPacific Partnership and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
Dr Sta Maria played an integral role in Malaysia’s participation in multilateral forums such as APEC, where she often represented her economy during the APEC Ministers’ Responsible for Trade Meetings and the Small and Medium Enterprises Ministerial Meetings. In the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Dr Sta Maria chaired the body that drafted the ASEAN Economic Community 2015 Blueprint as well as the ASEAN Economic Community 2025 Blueprint.
An accomplished academic and writer, Dr Sta Maria’s scholarship has been recognized through awards from the American Academy of Human Resource Development (Malcolm Knowles Award for the best dissertation of the year in the field of human resource development) and from the University of Georgia. In 2017, she authored a book about her personal slice of Malaysian heritage and cuisine, called The Smell of Home.
In 2024, she was featured in Forbes’ third annual 50 Over 50: Asia list, which showcases 50 inspirational women over the age of 50 from across the Asia-Pacific region. Dr Sta Maria was the first woman executive director of the APEC Secretariat. Before 2010, the position of executive director of the APEC Secretariat rotated yearly among officials assigned by the incumbent host economy. Starting in 2010, the appointment was opened to applications from highly qualified professionals who will, when appointed, lead the Secretariat in fixed three-year terms with an option to renew.
Mr Shaun Tan
Co-founder, Inclus
Shaun co-founded Inclus in 2018, a social enterprise empowering people with disabilities to achieve their fullest potential through gainful employment and independent living. He has over a decade of experience building businesses with social impact within South East Asia, spanning across business development, operations, and technology. Shaun currently leads growth and capabilities development at Inclus where he develops resilient and innovative models and partnerships that will create more sustainable social impact.
He drove the initiative to build an ecosystem to align the people, public, and private partners where greater value is created for people with disabilities with higher synergy, collaboration, and productivity amongst partners. He is currently leading Inclus's largest project to-date to allow professionals to engage and create more value with people with disabilities through technology that automates and supports data-driven decisions through machine learning.
Shaun is passionate about creating equal access to opportunities which led him to co-founding his first social enterprise with one of his current co-founders back in 2012. Along the years, they have successfully created social impact for different target groups, but not always successfully achieving business sustainability. His experiences led to development of one of the key foundations of Inclus where they have built business and social models with a single aligned bottom line. For his work, Shaun was accepted as Fellow into the Philip Yeo Innovations Programme in 2021.
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Watch the highlights from last year’s
Steward Leadership Summit
Catch a glimpse of last year's Steward Leadership Summit, featuring the Steward Leadership 25, along with inspiring keynote speeches and dynamic panel discussions.
.jpg?sfvrsn=7889bef7_5 "Steward Leadership Summit")