Singapore, 22nd October 2003 - The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) will offer a rare view of the future that will greet the Asian Tiger economies at its ASPAC Regional Workshop. The combined forces of natural disasters, the rise of China's and India's large economies and political uncertainty will be part of the examination by Dr. Jean-Pierre Verbiest, Assistant Chief Economist of the Asian Development Bank when he delivers his keynote speech on 6th November at the Grand Hyatt Singapore. Dr. Verbiest will address the topic "Can The Asian Tigers Change Their Stripes To Survive The New Environment?" and offer his diagnosis of these economies and what businesses in these markets can expect.

Asia's Tiger economies earned themselves superlative praise in the past but recent results suggest that this success may be coming to a grinding halt. The effect of SARS did not spare these economies and many sectors including travel are battling for a full recovery.

During a recent conference at an international exhibition it was presented that China's global emergence is the single most significant factor affecting the region apart from US and global growth, wars, disease, terrorism, etc. The magnitude of this may be exponential as India's accelerating economy begins to reveal the same image to the Asian Tigers.

"Over the next decade, China and India will increasingly emerge as the bi-polar drivers of economic growth in Asia. Such developments will profoundly affect the travel industry in the region, opening numerous new possibilities for growth," said Dr. Verbiest.

In another keynote address "Business Innovation: Discovering New Value For Competitive Growth", Mr. Tony Lai, CEO of The Idea Factory will offer his views of how companies can make business innovation a driver of success.

The rational fit between these two keynote speeches promises valuable input for corporate strategy. Also present at this two-day event are regional and international experts in the field of procurement, finance, security, corporate communications and travel technology responsibilities will present tools and perspectives to deal with issues confronting the practice of business travel management. The event will be held from 5th to 6th November at the Grand Hyatt Singapore.

ACTE is proud to acknowledge the sponsors of the ASPAC Training Workshop 2003 - Abacus International, American Express Global Corporate Services, Business Travel International, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Cathay Pacific Airways, RADIUS the global travel company, Raffles International Hotels & Resorts, Singapore Airlines and TQ3 Travel Solutions.

The official venue & hotel is the Grand Hyatt Singapore and the media partner is TravelWeekly.