Kaneko and Associates participated in the 2024 AESC GLOBAL CONFERENCE – SINGAPORE. In this article, we feature the Association of Executive Search Consultants (AESC), where Nobuyoshi Kaneko, CEO of K&A, serves as APAC Council Chair, and share insights into the Singapore Conference.
1.AESC (Association of Executive Search Consultants)
The Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC) is the professional association for consultants who represent exemplary standards in executive search and leadership advisory worldwide. Since 1959, AESC has set the standard for quality and ethics in executive search and leadership consulting across the globe.
Because AESC Members must commit and adhere to the AESC’s industry and government recognized Code of Professional Practice, client organizations worldwide can be assured that AESC Members are able to serve as trusted advisors for their most important engagements. AESC Members represent 16,000+ trusted professionals spanning 1450+ offices in 70+ countries. Members leverage their access and expertise to find, place and develop more than 100,000 executives each year in board and C-level positions for the world’s leading organizations.
2. 2024 AESC GLOBAL CONFERENCE – SINGAPORE
AESC conferences are the premier events for the executive search and leadership consulting profession. Hosted in business capitals across the world, the events are open to business leaders, AESC members and non-member retained executive search and leadership consulting firms. Attendees can expect to gain critical insights in a dynamic, non-competitive, interactive environment.
2024 AESC Global Conference in Singapore, themed “Innovation Ignited,” aims to spark creativity and cross-industry collaboration among executive search and leadership consulting professionals. The conference consists of the key sessions below and interactive cocktail reception.
- Asia on the Cusp of a New Era
- Doing Business in and with China
- Leadership in APAC: Cultivating Visionary Leadership in a Diverse Region
- Navigating the Labyrinth: Mastering Background Checks in APAC
- India’s Economic Boom: Seizing Opportunities in Executive Search and Leadership Consulting
- Cross-Cultural Leadership: Navigating Diverse Markets with Data-Driven Insights
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AI Revolution in Executive Search: Navigating the Future
- Executive Search and Leadership Consulting Profession in APAC
3.Key Takeaways
As a summary of 8 sessions conducted in the conference, we would like to share key learnings on two themes: “The Growth of the Asian Market” and “The Impact of AI on Executive Search.”
The Growth of the Asian Market
In the era of political and economic disruption today, the Asia-Pacific region is increasing its power and influence on the world’s economy. As of 2024, China, Japan, and India ranked 2nd, 4th, and 5th in global GDP, respectively, with figures of $18 trillion, $4.2 trillion, and $3.4 trillion. These countries account for about a quarter of the global total, underscoring the significant presence of the Asian region. The economic growth rate in Asia for 2024 is projected at 4.6%, contributing to 60% of the global economic expansion.
Leaders and leadership in Asia are diversifying, and awareness of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) is rising across the region. A report by Japan Business Federation in January 2024 highlighted DE&I as a vital factor for enhancing productivity and sustainable wage growth, showing the penetration of this mindset and its importance in Japanese society. The diversification of executives would be further advanced as a key element in ensuring flexibility and agility in organizational changes.
The Impact of AI on Executive Search
The history of “Artificial Intelligence (AI)” dates back in the 1950s. With its rapid progress, AI is widely adopted in our society. Recently, the spread of generative AI like ChatGPT has led to what is referred to as the fourth era of AI. It is crucial for executive search to accurately understand and adapt to the significance and impact of AI. In the next 2-4 years, AI is expected to be commonly used in dialogue and routine operations in many companies, and new roles such as Chief AI Officer would emerge. Executive search firms might see an expansion in the use of AI for background screening and system-to-system communication with clients. While it is essential for consultants to verify and ensure the accuracy of AI outputs, the potential to reduce candidate dropout and mismatches with positions allows a proactive exploration of AI utilization in the search process.
As a member of AESC, we will continue to provide the best professional service for business leaders as their trusted advisor.