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TOPEX: An Overview

The 2017 Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation Top Executive (TOPEX) conference covered a wide range of topics. The 170 plus delegates who attended would certainly have a lot to think
26 Jun 2017 11:09
TOPEX: An Overview
International Advisor and Trainer AusAsia Training Institute PTY Limited Rachael Mar, Sun Insurance CEO Lolesh Sharma and Pacific Risk Consulting Engineering managing director Ray Paris at the Topex Conferene at the Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort on Yanuca Island. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA

The 2017 Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation Top Executive (TOPEX) conference covered a wide range of topics.

The 170 plus delegates who attended would certainly have a lot to think about, plan about and implement if they can as they return to their desks today.

Below are summaries of what the two-day conference offered.

 

Topic: Climate Change

Speakers:  Executive Chairman of Brother International (NZ) Ltd, Graham Walshe

 

Mr Walshe emphasised that sustainability was for good business.

“It is becoming a prerequisite for profitability, therefore sustainable practices are mandatory for modern business success.”

He gave examples of what businesses could do to contribute to sustainable development.

Top of the list was good corporate social responsibility (CSR) by delivering economic, social and environmental benefits to all stakeholders.

He said this would attract better employees, better public image, cost savings and customer engagement.

 

Director of the Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, Professor Elizabeth Holland

 

Ms Holland shared some of the research conducted by climate science on Global Warming and Green House Gas (GHG) Emission.

“Their analysis paints a very different picture, if GHG emissions continue to grow; they concluded that multi-metre sea level rise would become practically unavoidable, probably within 50–150 years.

“The message climate science has delivered to the society, policy makers, and the public alike is this: we have a global emergency. Fossil fuel CO2 emissions should be reduced as rapidly as practical.

“The ocean was given to us by our ancestors to manage so that we could pass it on to our children and future generations.  It is our common responsibility and moral obligation for our children.”

 

TOPIC: ‘Managing Risks’,

Speakers: Rachael Mah, Managing Director, AusAsia Training Institute Pty Ltd

 

Rachael Mah highlighted the need to focus on integrating risk management into different business processes.

“Everyone in the business should think of managing risks as part of their job and have the best tools to help them do so.

“There are a few ways to improving business risk management including training in ethics and compliance for all employees and second line defence to effectively challenge the business.”

She said staff needed to update staff on new or potential risks the company may face.

 

Lolesh Sharma, CEO Sun Insurance

Mr Sharma, CEO for Sun Insurance defined insurance as the equitable transfer of the risk of a potential loss, from one entity to another, in exchange for a premium and duty of care.

He said the insurance market data analytic is the central position. It is the glue between supply and demand.

However, more data could impact risk and insurance, he said.

 

Topic: ‘Technology and Innovation’

Speaker: George Fonua, founder and coach of Locomotive Consultation

Mr Fonua said previous technological revolutions were characterised by bursts of innovation, followed by periods of relative stability.

“Big organisations and government entities had the competitive advantage which includes high barriers to entry, fixed costs  and scale were very high.

“But with the exponential changing times, young people think a magazine is an iPad that’s broken.”

He also said that innovation is not a system, it’s a mind-set.

“It’s not what you SAY that people hear, it’s what you DO that people hear.”

The conference ended on Saturday at the Shangri La’s Fijian Resort and Spa.

 

Feedback:  selita.bolanavanua@fijisun.com.fj

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