Archives: Speakers

Rory joined TS Lombard in 2018, returning to the UK after almost a decade in Asia. Prior to TS Lombard, Rory spent four years with PRC Macro Advisors, a Beijing based economic research firm specialising in China’s political economy. Before turning to economics, Rory worked at a number of Beijing based mediatech start-ups. Rory is a fluent Mandarin speaker and the winner of two Chinese government scholarships in Economics and Mandarin.

Rory has a BA (Joint Hons) in History & French from the University of Manchester. Rory was awarded two Chinese government scholarships in Economics and Mandarin, and obtained an MSc in Economics from Beijing Normal University in 2014. Rory speaks fluent Mandarin and French, and advanced Korean.

As Vice President, Product & Technical Services and Head, Global Design & Planning at The Ascott Limited (Ascott), Htin leads a multidisciplinary group of architects, development managers, engineers and sustainability specialists. He is responsible for the design and delivery of the hospitality group’s diverse portfolio, which includes serviced residences, hotels, resorts, social living spaces, branded residences and senior living developments.

Driven by a passion for innovation, Htin also spearheads initiatives that aim to improve guest experience and enhance spatial efficiency, addressing the evolving needs of the hospitality sector through design solutions.

An accomplished architect with expertise in hospitality design and development management, Htin brings extensive international experience from projects across Europe, the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia. His global perspective shapes Ascott’s approach to construction and design management, ensuring consistency and excellence across markets.

Htin graduated with a Master of Architecture from the National University of Singapore.

Ricarda leads Marriott International’s sustainability charge in APEC, working closely with key stakeholders across all disciplines both in the region and with corporate headquarters.

She is responsible for the rollout, implementation, activation of strategic sustainability plans and solutions, with a focus on achieving the short- and long-term sustainability goals of the company.