Hazel Oh, VP of Account Management, APAC at Thredd, recently attended Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF) 2024. In this Q&A, she shares her experiences, insights, and recommendations from this landmark event in the fintech calendar.
Q: Was this your first time at SFF? What were your expectations going in?
A: Yes, this was my first time attending the Singapore FinTech Festival. I had high expectations based on stories from colleagues and industry friends. They talked about walking 10-15K steps daily and reconnecting with long-lost industry contacts. The event's reputation as a convergence point for tens of thousands of industry professionals from around the world over three days was certainly intriguing.
Q: What was your first impression of the event? Did it live up to your expectations?
A: The sheer scale of SFF 2024 was astounding. Spread across six aircraft hangar-sized halls, it was far more expansive than I initially imagined. I even saw people jogging between hallways, which seemed amusing until I found myself sprinting to a client meeting!
The statistics were equally impressive:
- 65,000 participants from 134 countries and regions
- Over 2,300 policymakers, regulators, investors, and industry leaders in 40 roundtables
- More than 900 speakers across 400+ sessions
- 600+ exhibitors and 41 international pavilions
Q: Any key moments that stood out?
A: One memorable moment was spotting a senior leader from a well-known brand among the crowd during my elevator pitch about Thredd. This chance encounter led to a potential partnership discussion – a perfect example of the serendipitous opportunities SFF can create when 65,000 APAC fintech professionals gather in one place.
Q: Were there any innovations that resonated strongly with you?
A: The Tencent Palm Solution, launched in partnership with Visa, was particularly impressive. This technology allows users to pay by linking their palm biometrics to their payment method. I experienced it firsthand and was amazed by its simplicity and security. It uses a dual verification system, recognising both palm prints and unique vein patterns below the skin, making physical cards or mobile phones unnecessary for payments.
Q: Any recommendations for future attendees?
A: My advice would depend on their objectives. For me, the goals were to meet existing clients, scout for potential candidates for our APAC office, connect with fellow Thredd team members, and represent our brand.
Generally, I'd recommend:
- Prepare by familiarising yourself with attending companies, exhibitors, and specific people.
- Utilise the event app for regular updates on attendee listings.
- Announce your attendance on LinkedIn – this led to many valuable interactions for me.
- Be open to unplanned meetings – some of my most fruitful encounters were spontaneous.
Key Themes from Singapore FinTech Festival 2024
SFF provides an unparalleled platform for networking, learning about industry trends, and showcasing innovations in the fintech space. For anyone in the industry, it's an event not to be missed.
Regulatory Evolution: With over 3,400 representatives from central banks and regulatory bodies participating in discussions about AI solutions and digital asset growth, it's clear that regulatory frameworks are evolving to keep pace with technological advancements.
Technological Innovation: The Technology Zone featured numerous sessions focusing on AI and quantum technologies as well as blockchain applications that are set to transform financial services.
Sustainability Initiatives: The ESG Zone highlighted sustainability efforts within fintech through initiatives like Gprnt’s new offerings aimed at simplifying sustainability reporting for businesses.
Talent Development: The Talent Zone's mentorship sessions underscored the importance of nurturing the next generation of fintech professionals to ensure a skilled workforce ready for future challenges.
Cross-Border Payments: With partnerships announced between major players like Ant International and Standard Chartered aimed at streamlining cross-border transactions using blockchain technology, this area is poised for significant growth.
In summary, SFF 2024 not only showcased cutting-edge technologies but also highlighted the importance of collaboration among industry players to drive meaningful progress in fintech. As we move forward into an increasingly digital future, these themes will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the industry's trajectory.
If you're interested in discovering how Thredd can help turn your vision into reality get in touch, or come and meet us at an event near you.
