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Industry-Academia–Public Sector Partnerships: Key to Fintech Innovation and Talent

Technological breakthroughs are advancing at an unprecedented pace, driven by the rapid maturation of university-led research and industry partnerships. As fintech innovation accelerates in the areas of AI, digital assets, and digital transformation, collaborations between universities and industry players—combined with the development of real-world use cases—have become essential in empowering next-generation talent, creating new commercial solutions, and enhancing innovation capabilities within financial services. These efforts not only enhance the efficiency of humanitarian aid but also have the potential to address the sector’s most pressing and underfunded challenges.

This panel brings together leaders from academia, banking, and corporate treasury in the humanitarian sector to explore how industry-research collaboration can drive technological transformation, accelerate fintech innovation, and provide real-world experiences to the innovators of tomorrow.

Speakers

Carmen Hett

Carmen Hett

Corporate Treasurer, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

Prof. Lam Khin Yong

Prof. Lam Khin Yong

Vice President (Industry), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Prof. Michael Otmar Hengartner

Prof. Michael Otmar Hengartner

President, ETH Board

Moderator

Preeti Dawra

Preeti Dawra

Chief Communications Officer, Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN)