Events

Last week, we had the exciting opportunity to represent Exist Software Labs Inc. at the ADB Business Opportunities Fair 2024 for the first time. Held on October 9-10, 2024, this event, organized by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), brought together companies from around the world to explore business prospects and learn about ADB’s procurement processes.

As newcomers, our primary goal was to gain a deeper understanding of how we can collaborate with ADB on its various projects and contribute to their vital work in developing countries. The fair buzzed with participants from diverse regions and industries, all eager to connect and discover new opportunities—just like us!

Over the two days, we engaged in many insightful conversations with fellow attendees, learning about their technology needs and sharing how we could help meet those requirements. From software development to website design and HR solutions, we highlighted the range of services we offer and explored potential collaborations.

Overall, the event provided an excellent opportunity for us to forge new connections and grasp the broader ecosystem of companies involved in ADB projects. We are excited about the possibilities ahead and look forward to contributing to meaningful initiatives in the future.

• Engaging Welcome Remarks: The event kicked off with a powerful keynote from Fatima Yasmin, Vice-President for Sectors and Themes of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), who highlighted ADB’s commitment to inclusive growth, financial assistance, and providing access to cutting-edge technologies for developing countries. She stressed the critical role of consultants and suppliers in achieving ADB’s mission and emphasized that the bank is continuously seeking new partnerships to support the development and prosperity of its member countries, which are facing challenges such as global climate change and poverty.

• Opportunities by Sector: The event featured panel discussions across various sectors, including energy, healthcare, transport, ICT, water, and urban development, held over both Day 1 and Day 2. These sessions highlighted ADB’s priorities and available projects in developing regions such as Central and South Asia, offering insights into how suppliers and attendees can engage with these initiatives with the support of ADB funding. Each discussion provided valuable information on how companies can contribute to these projects and the sustainable processes involved, ensuring both value for money and long-term impact.

• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Cannot Be Achieved Without Procurement: Procurement is crucial to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ADB emphasized the need for sustainability to be “genuinely integrated” into projects from design to completion. Procurement involves strategically managing purchases to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability, whether sourcing materials, outsourcing services, or hiring contractors for large projects. Aligned with sustainability goals, procurement can drive responsible sourcing, support local economies, and reduce environmental impact, playing a vital role in achieving long-term SDG objectives.

• ADB Wants to Become A Climate Bank Moving Forward: When ADB aims to become a climate bank, it signals a commitment to prioritize climate-related investments and initiatives. This involves increasing funding for low-carbon projects like renewable energy, supporting climate adaptation, and helping countries reduce greenhouse gas emissions. ADB will align its operations with global climate goals.. Ultimately, ADB seeks to assist member countries in transitioning to sustainable, resilient economies while addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

Sustainable Practices: Many discussions centered around integrating sustainable practices into business models.

Yvette: It’s clear that sustainability isn’t just a trend; it’s essential for future growth. It’s what’s happening today and if today is not the right time to embrace it then when?

Athena: I think it’s great that ADB has strict sustainability standards in place when working with suppliers. I hope other businesses adopt the same mindset to promote the development of sustainable projects, so we can all do our part in reducing carbon footprints and addressing societal issues.

Collaboration Across Sectors: The event underscored the need for collaboration between public and private sectors to tackle challenges effectively.

Yvette: I was impressed by how many organizations are eager to collaborate with ADB for mutual benefit. It creates countless opportunities and proves that, with the ADB and suppliers, anything is possible.

Athena: I believe ADB plays a crucial role in connecting the public and private sectors, driving inclusive and sustainable development in its member countries. By aligning public policies with private sector innovation, ADB helps ensure that we achieve our shared development goals effectively and equitably.

ADB Procurement System: ADB emphasizes how they follow international best practices in procurement, including open competitive bidding, public bid openings, bid evaluation processes. These practices ensure that procurement is transparent, competitive, and aligned with global standards.

Yvette: I admire ADB’s commitment to transparency and fairness through open competitive bidding and public bid openings. This ensures equal opportunities for suppliers to compete while maintaining high standards aligning with global best practices.

Athena: I think ADB’s transparent bid evaluation processes are crucial for building credibility and confidence among its member countries and private sector partners.

As we reflect on our time at the ADB BOF event, Yvette and I found ourselves immersed in an environment rich with insights and collaboration. The event not only showcased innovative ideas but also facilitated meaningful connections among a diverse group of attendees. In this section, we share our personal experiences, highlighting the moments that stood out to us, the conversations that sparked new ideas, and the valuable lessons learned throughout the day. Join us as we delve into the highlights that made our experience at the ADB BOF event truly memorable.

Q1: What was your first impression upon entering the event?

A: Yvette: I was amazed by how many people from different regions and organizations have come together to learn how they can partner with ADB. 

A: Athena: Coming into the event, I was a little nervous to be among such notable personalities who take part in large-scale projects that impact communities. I thought that each one would But experiencing the event itself, everyone was friendly to network and shared the same mindset of wanting to improve the way we work for a better future for everyone.

Q2: How did the event facilitate connections among attendees?

A: Yvette: Connections with other attendees were made possible through various networking opportunities such as panel discussions, sector-specific sessions and after-party. These activities encouraged participants to engage with each other, exchange ideas and potentially explore further collaborations. 

A: Athena: The event application was very helpful in allowing us to chat with the other attendees. It allowed us to easily exchange information and arrange meet-ups during the actual event. 

Q3: What was your favorite panel discussion, and what key insights did you gain from it?

A: Yvette: I really enjoyed the panel discussion about the energy sector where I learned about ADB’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SGD) particularly in sectors like infrastructure, energy, and environmental management. I like how they stressed out the importance of sustainability being “genuinely integrated” into projects, from design to completion.

A: Athena: I liked the session on Doing Business with ADB as it allowed me to listen to actual suppliers that have collaborated with ADB and how they uphold its sustainable procurement practices. I learned that in order to ensure that there are sustainable outcomes from projects, there must be thorough planning with all the stakeholders. 

Q4: Did you discover any new ideas or concepts that challenged your existing views?

A: Yvette: I was truly impressed by how engaged everyone was in the panel discussions. Their thoughtful questions showed a genuine commitment to developing these countries. ADB’s projects go beyond just funding; they’re about creating opportunities, building partnerships, and driving innovation to empower communities for a sustainable future.

A: Athena: I often hear the misconception that open competitive bidding guarantees the lowest price. However, I’ve come to realize that while cost is a factor, the process also emphasizes quality and the supplier’s ability to meet project needs. The cheapest option isn’t always the best value or the quality we need for our projects.

Q5: How do you think the discussions at the event will influence your work moving forward?

A: Yvette: The discussions at the event provided valuable insights into ADB’s priorities and procurement processes, helping me align our offerings with their projects. Additionally, the connections made with other organizations will create opportunities for collaboration, allowing us to leverage shared expertise and contribute to impactful initiatives in developing countries.

A: Athena: I can create content that educates potential clients and stakeholders on how our solutions align with ADB’s mission, emphasizing our commitment to inclusivity and social equity. By highlighting how technology empowers marginalized communities and improves access to essential services, I can effectively demonstrate the value of our offerings.

Q6: What aspect of the event did you enjoy the most, and why?

A: Yvette: I really enjoyed the networking activities at the event and after-party. It wasn’t just about sharing job titles; it was inspiring to hear everyone’s stories and their motivations for attending. Learning about their journeys and dedication to making a positive impact in their communities opened up great opportunities for collaboration.

A: Athena: The event was highly beneficial for attendees, facilitating easy networking both in-person and through the app. The venue and segment durations effectively delivered valuable information, with materials available for later reference via the app. Overall, every aspect of the event was well-planned for meaningful information exchange and business opportunities.

The ADB Business Opportunities Fair provided invaluable insights into collaboration and innovation in sustainable development. Engaging with industry leaders reinforced our commitment to contribute meaningfully to ADB’s mission and explore impactful partnerships. The emphasis on transparency and best practices in procurement reassured us that there are significant opportunities to contribute to impactful projects. As we move forward, we are excited to explore potential partnerships that can help us make a difference in developing countries. Overall, the event reinforced our commitment to working together toward a brighter and more sustainable future.