Financial Times

CIMA Global summit on track
Preparations are going ahead speedily for the CIMA Global Summit from May 26 -28 in Colombo billed to be one of the biggest international events this year with the participation of international personalities like former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed and former Pakistani cricket superstar Imran Khan.

The 3-day seminar themed "Passion for Perfection" is expected to draw over 1000 invitees for the inauguration where Mr. Mahathir will deliver the keynote address while a large number of international and local delegates are attending the technical sessions.

Other speakers at the conference are Prof. Arnoud de Meyer, INSEAD Deputy Dean, Dean of Administration, Tony Fernandes, Group Chief Executive Officer/Director, Air Asia Sdn Bhd, Raj Rajaratnam, one of the biggest US-based investors on the Colombo stockmarket, Priyan Fernando, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, American Express Bank, Imran Khan, Chairman, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Ms Loh Wai Kiew, President/CEO, SembCorp Environmental Management and John McLellan, Director Finance - Asia Pacific, Microsoft

The inauguration would be held at the BMICH on May 26 and followed by the main sessions at the same venue. Here are brief profiles of some of the speakers:

Dr Mahathir Mohamed was prime minister of Malaysia from 1981 to 2003, a period in which the country's progressed with far-reaching reforms and economic development.

Priyan Fernando is the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Global Business Travel at American Express Company, leading an organizaton of over 12,000, comprising the largest travel management company in the world.

Tony Fernandes, Director and CEO of AirAsia Sdn Bhd, was at the age of 27 appointed as the managing director of Warner Music Malaysia. He was vice president of the Asian region when he left to launch Air Asia.

Raj Rajaratnam is the Founder and Managing General Partner of The Galleon Group. The Galleon Group manages over $5 billion, making it one of the largest hedge funds in the world.

Imran Khan, well known for his exploits in the international cricket arena, has now established himself as a politician and social worker. He founded the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in April 1996 and has led a social crusade to help the people of Pakistan.

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