The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and Enterprise Singapore (ESG) announced on Nov 19 that more than 40 global satellite events will take place across the world as part of the Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF) x Singapore Week of Innovation & TeCHnology (SWITCH) 2020.
To be held from Dec 7-11, SFF x SWITCH 2020 will feature a unique hybrid format that combines a 24-hour online event platform with global satellite events around the world. This new hybrid model will provide participants with greater access to the global FinTech and deep tech communities who are looking to discover partnerships, draw investments, and boost sales cycles.
Sopnendu Mohanty, Chief FinTech Officer, MAS, said, “The global pandemic has led to a reimagination of how we can deliver SFF x SWITCH as a global platform. To recreate the connectivity, collaboration and networking that have become the hallmarks of SFF x SWITCH, this year’s unique hybrid format will break new ground to create a truly global and inclusive event for the FinTech community. We are delighted to work with key global partners to deliver over 40 global satellite events for attendees across the globe, and Microsoft and Accenture to design this first-of-its-kind global platform for the FinTech community to innovate and forge new connections, anchored on the delivery of a powerful, new digital experience at scale.”
See: MAS bans former insurance agent and former bank employee for fraud and dishonest conduct
We are told to watch out for a two-hour slot on Dec 7, when Satya Nadella, group CEO of Microsoft, and Sundar Pichai, group CEO of Alphabet and Google, will be giving live presentations, along with the heads of state of two global countries which will be announced later.
Bill Winters, group CEO of Standard Chartered, Mike Wells, group CEO of Prudential, Larry Fink, founder and chairman of Blackrock, and Jane Fraser incoming CEO of Citi are some of the storied names that will make an appearance, albeit digitally. The Winklevoss twins will surface on Dec 8, and we will also get to meet - remotely - Vitalik Buterin of Ethereum fame.
Physical interactions are very limited. In Singapore, Slingshot, where top start-ups will make their pitch to venture capitalists and other investors will be held at Expo, and some of the SFF’s overseas partners in Southeast Asia, China and Japan will have selected physical events.
“This digital format not only enables the deep tech and innovation community to access deep market knowledge; it allows us to connect across geographies and time zones at a much faster pace, making this event a truly global one,” said Edwin Chow, Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Innovation & Enterprise), Enterprise Singapore.
