Increasingly, new cross-border environmental regulations like the EU’s carbon tax will leave countries such as Bangladesh and Cambodia little choice but to play catch up or risk losing out on global trade. Asian markets can embrace sustainability through artificial intelligence, clean energy investments and more collaboration among industries.

With Chinese lending to Africa shrinking, the continent must find ways to support its own development. It could do so by increasing internal trade, diversifying tradeable goods away from commodities, and developing its relationship with the U.S.

In a more competitive world with multiple economic hubs, the once-dominant influence of East-West superconnectors is waning. Hong Kong must capitalise on the Greater Bay Area, Belt and Road Initiative and focus on ‘sweet spot’ sectors where China and other regions seek better cooperation.

Finance can be unleashed as a force for good, to deliver social impact and bring economic windfalls for ordinary citizens, from youth advancement, financial literacy, and promotion of the arts and technology to climate change efforts.

There is a growing trend of family investors supporting local entrepreneurs and giving back to society. For family offices that are equipped with the right know-how, impact investing can promote the kind of social mobility that is increasingly rare in this city.