The Asia Inclusion Summit is a series of publicly available events aimed at encouraging ongoing dialogue to determine what diversity, equity and inclusion means in different markets in Asia — celebrating the good policies and practices already in place as well as promoting an intersectional and collaborative approach across industries and markets.
In addition to raising general awareness, these events are intended to move institutions and individuals to beyond the rhetoric and into real impact and sustainable, positive change via a strong community of advocates and change makers
The Inclusion Summit Series across Asia…
Hong Kong
Manulife partnered with SCMP in 2023 for the first Summit, a hybrid event with the theme “Amplifying conversations. Activating passion.” It was held in Hong Kong and encouraged virtual participants to dial in from around the region.
They renewed the partnership with the second Summit in 2024 focused on “Enabling Allyship and Action.” Held once again in Hong Kong, it encouraged more participation from around the region, with a report back from the group of attendees joining from a Singapore viewing room.
The third Summit was on “Shaping Inclusive Growth in Asia” and completed the thematic arc from Awareness to Allyship to Action.
Indonesia
Inspired by the Hong Kong-focused summits, Manulife Indonesia hosted its own DEI Summit in 2023 with the theme “Bring DEI to Life.”
This milestone event and was attended by speakers from Manulife as well as cross-sector practitioners and is a tangible manifestation of Manulife Indonesia's commitment to support the implementation of DEI -- in the workplace and in wider society.
The upcoming Indonesia Summit will be on 13 August 2025.
Malaysia
Manulife is exploring expanding its partnership with the South China Morning Post / SCMP LIVE, bringing the successful framework for the Hong Kong Inclusion Summits to Malaysia and to add to this growing series across Asia. The Malaysia Summit is expected to gather 600 industry leaders, innovators, and DEI advocates to build upon current achievements and drive further progress towards a more inclusive, resilient, and equitable future.
The upcoming Malaysia Summit will be on 18 September 2025.
Singapore
The Singapore Summit conference was designed, organized and funded by 14 organizations to bring a totally free event to Singapore focused on “Breaking Barriers and Advancing Inclusion.”
In addition to the panels in the main room, there were nine breakout sessions planned for the day, including 3 longer masterclasses on the DEI Code, Universal Design, and Inclusive Leadership.
In order to promote more collaboration with grassroots actors, an NGO marketplace featured 10 local organizations. All vendors and suppliers were local organizations that supported a social mission.