We live in a world where disruptive forces are dramatically altering business and consumer landscapes. From rising geopolitical tensions to rapid technological advances to increasing climate risks, companies are grappling uncertainties and challenges at a scale never seen before. 

Companies that do not adapt to these global disruptions while embracing the potential opportunities created, however, are bound to get left behind. While companies’ management teams are responsible for implementation of the corporate strategy to deal with global disruptions, Boards, as stewards of the company, are responsible for setting the direction of the strategy. 

Boards must include this topic in their regular agenda to ensure that companies remain resilient in the face of such challenges. Board Directors' roles will continue to expand as a result, and Directors may find it challenging to prioritise responsibilities. As technological disruptions such as Artificial Intelligence have the power to revolutionise the way businesses operate across all industries, Boards must make it their priority. While AI innovations can result in significant efficiencies across business functions, the ethical risks cannot be ignored. Boards should therefore address inevitable changes in strategy, risk management, and HR policy in steering the corporate strategy. 

Our expert panelists and moderators led a thought-provoking discussion on the risks and opportunities resulting from technological disruptions. The speakers and participants, who came from varied backgrounds as board members, asset managers, and consultants, engaged in the discussion, adding examples from their own experiences.