（Singapore, 17 May 2024）In a time marked by economic flux and uncertainty, the Singapore Venture and Private Capital Association (SVCA) hosted its 2024 Annual Conference under the theme “Restoring Equilibrium: Seeking Balance in a Turbulent World.” The event, held at Fairmont Singapore on 16th May 2024, gathered industry leaders and stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the private capital sector.
The conference commenced with an opening address from Sunil Mishra, the SVCA Chairman, who welcomed the guests and noted the serendipitous timing of the event, coinciding with the appointment of Singapore’s new Prime Minister, Mr. Lawrence Wong. The Chairman highlighted Wong’s emphasis on continuity and renewal, values that resonate deeply within the venture and private capital industry.
The keynote speech underscored the transformative decade that the venture and private capital industry in Asia has experienced, with Singapore at its epicenter. The city-state has emerged as a hub for global innovators and investors, navigating geopolitical uncertainties and socio-economic challenges. The Chairman praised the SVCA’s role in this evolution, citing the association’s expansion to over 300 members, including 75 new members in the past year.
The lineup of speakers featured industry luminaries such as Prakash Kannan from GIC, Frederick Chavalit Tsao from Tsao Pao Chee, and Ganen Sarvananthan from TPG, among others. These experts provided valuable insights into the state of the buyout and venture industry across Asia-Pacific, discussing everything from portfolio management to private credit and fund structuring.
Prakash Kannan, Chief Economist and Director of the Economics and Investment Strategy Department at GIC, delivered the opening session, offering his perspective on the global investment environment and asset allocation strategies.
The SVCA Annual Conference has grown significantly, now attracting more than 50% additional attendees compared to the previous year. The association’s efforts to elevate the conference into a key regional event reflect its commitment to fostering a robust private capital ecosystem in Singapore.
As the industry continues to navigate a landscape marked by higher interest rates, portfolio challenges, and a prolonged funding winter, the conference theme “Restoring Equilibrium” aptly captured the prevailing sentiment. The day concluded with a lively debate on whether the current times are indeed different, leaving participants with much to ponder as they seek balance in an ever-changing world.
