BNP Paribas WM Hosts Asia NextGen Event in Singapore
The private banking unit of BNP Paribas hosted the 19th edition of its next generation event in Singapore. The event brings together Asia's next generation of entrepreneurs and family business leaders.
BNP Paribas Wealth Management brought together next-generation entrepreneurs and members of business families from Singapore, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Europe for its 19th Asia NextGen Experience, a two-day program focused on entrepreneurship, family business legacies and the role of capital.
The event, held at Temasek Shophouse and New Bahru in Singapore, featured discussions with established business leaders, founders and participants from the next generation. The program examined how younger leaders are reshaping established companies, launching businesses of their own and using their influence and resources to pursue social and philanthropic goals.
Speakers included Kuok Khoon Hong, chairman and CEO of Wilmar International; Loh Lik Peng, founder of Unlisted Collection; Chloe Tong, co-founder of A.C.E. Foundation; and Joycelyn Ong, head of Co-Axis at Temasek Trust.
Sessions explored topics ranging from reinventing established businesses and building new ventures to philanthropy and identifying opportunities in areas others may overlook.
Garth Bregman, Head of Wealth Management Singapore and Southeast Asia, BNP Paribas ; Chloe Tong, Co- Founder, A.C.E. Foundation; Sophia Shaw, Co -Founder, The Confluence Circle; and Rebecca Eu, Founder, Mei's Own, discuss "The Architecture of Influence". (Image Provided)
“For this generation, leadership is not simply a future responsibility,” Arnaud Tellier, CEO of Asia Pacific at BNP Paribas Wealth Management, said in a statement. “Many are already transforming family enterprises or building businesses of their own. They are not simply preparing for a future role, they are defining it today.”
Tellier said the bank aims to support clients whose business decisions are closely connected to family wealth and to provide access to leaders who can offer perspectives beyond traditional networks.
Philanthropy brings people together
Philanthropy was another recurring theme during the event. Participants discussed how younger generations are increasingly viewing philanthropy not only as a way to provide financial support, but also as a means of bringing people and resources together around common causes.
Tong, whose A.C.E. Foundation works to strengthen support systems for children and young people, said philanthropy can help build communities and amplify the impact of individual initiatives.
“I've come to believe that when good people come together, great things can happen,” Tong said. “To me, philanthropy isn't just about giving; it's about bringing together people, ideas and resources to multiply their impact.”
The Asia NextGen Experience is part of BNP Paribas Wealth Management’s broader NextGen platform, which is aimed at engaging younger members of entrepreneurial and business families.
In August 2026, the bank held its inaugural Peak Week, a four-day program in Hong Kong for younger members of the next generation. The initiative extends BNP Paribas Wealth Management’s NextGen activities to an earlier stage of participants’ personal and professional development.
