How will large Japanese firms fare in 2023, and how are they positioning in the evolving global supply chain and trade setting? And, how do these uncertainties impact small firms, both in terms of traditional suppliers as well as innovation startups? Will entrepreneurs see new opportunities in , or rather shy away from taking on risks? Join Michael Alfant, CEO, serial entrepreneur, independent board member, and Past President, American Chamber of Commerce in Japan, Past President, Tokyo American Club former head, for a conversation on the outlook of Japanese business for 2023

Speakers:

• Michael Alfant, Founder and CEO, Fusion Systems Group. Past President, American Chamber of Commerce in Japan, Past President, Tokyo American Club.

• Ulrike Schaede, Professor and Director of the Japan Forum for Innovation and Technology, GPS UC San Diego

Bios:

Michael Alfant is the Group Chairman and CEO of Fusion Systems Group, a multinational fintech firm focused on providing Business Technology and Systems across Asia. Mr. Alfant started Fusion Systems in 1992 and led it to a $60m acquisition by IMRglobal Corporation (NASDAQ: IMRS) in 1999.  He has founded over 20 technology companies over the past 30 years throughout Asia Pacific, including Japan, China, Hong Kong, Australia, and the United States with multiple successful exits during that time. Mr Alfant served two terms as President and one term as Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan, 2011-2013, encompassing the period of the Tohoku earthquake and its aftermath. His leadership during that time was instrumental in the ACCJ being awarded the "Peace Through Commerce" medal by the United States government.  In addition, Michael served as the elected President of the Tokyo American Club, 2017-2020, leading that organization through the period of the COVID pandemic. He maintains an active schedule of volunteer activities including as a Board member for HOPE Japan and as a guest lecturer at various Japanese Universities.  In addition he has served on the Boards of multiple publicly listed technology firms in Japan and the US.

Ulrike Schaede is Professor of Japanese Business at the UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy and the director of JFIT. Her research focuses on Japan’s changing corporate strategies, including business culture, change management, and business organization. Her 2020 book “The Business Reinvention of Japan” analyzes how Japanese companies are responding to the rise of China and the changing global competition.