Asia as a whole has been growing more rapidly than other regions in the world. However, it faces several challenges, such as: imbalances in economic development among Asian countries; imbalances in development between rural and urban areas within a country; imbalances in economic and social development; imbalances between GDP-centered development and environment; and imbalances between financial and real sector. As a result, development in Asia can be considered as one with a business face. To sustain growth in the long-term, Mr. Salim argues that Asia must pursue an alternative path - development with a human face – that is free from the imbalances mentioned above. In his lecture, Mr. Salim will discuss in detail how Asia can address these imbalances, through, among others, correction of market failures, active involvement of government to correct imbalances, emphasis on connectivity between economic and social development, giving substance to sustainable development, and regional institutions taking active role in promoting development with a human face.

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