ADBI-PPS-OECD Workshop on Public Procurement for Innovation

Public procurement is commonly used by governments in developed countries to promote innovation and socio-economic policy objectives, including small and medium-sized enterprise development and green growth. However, the strategic use of public procurement as a public policy instrument for innovation is still uncommon in Asia and requires a strong enabling environment to overcome associated challenges.

Saif Anjum

Saif Anjum is the Secretary of Punjab Irrigation Department, Government of Punjab. He is responsible for overseeing and management of the irrigation system, conceptualization, planning and execution of irrigation infrastructure development works, flood protection, and management. Major achievements include rehabilitation of Balloki and Jinnah Barrages and initiation of rehabilitation works on Khanki, Sulemanki, Panjnad, Trimmu Barrages.

Bruce Gosper

Mr. Bruce Gosper is the Vice-President for Administration and Corporate Management of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Mr. Gosper is responsible for the overall management of the Budget, People, and Management Systems Department; Corporate Services Department; Information Technology Department; Office of Safeguards; Office of the Secretary; and Procurement, Portfolio, and Financial Management Department. Mr. Gosper has 40 years of experience working with multilateral and regional institutions dealing with trade and economic policy and running large public sector organizations.

ADBI-University of Cambridge Online Course on Fintech & Regulatory Innovation

Rapid advancements in financial technology, or fintech, are opening the door to greater financial inclusion and sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific. However, the growing knowledge gap between innovators and regulators regarding fintech and business models that apply it threatens to undermine the benefits while giving rise to new challenges.

Hongwei Zhang

Hongwei Zhang is the Unit Head of Project Administration (PAU Head) for the Energy Sector in Sectors Department No. 1 of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). In this role, she oversees ADB’s energy operations across six South Asian countries, i.e. Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. As PAU Head, she provides strategic guidance and hands-on support to project teams and borrowers to ensure ADB-financed projects achieve their intended development outcomes and comply with ADB policies and procedures.