Agenda
Key agenda themes for the 2024 conference will be announced shortly.
If you would like to discuss speaking opportunities at the event, please contact conferences@argusmedia.com
View 2023 Agenda
Welcome day and reception at the OverEasy Restaurant
- 17:00 - 19:00
Welcome reception
Join us for a pre-conference drink reception to meet new faces, reconnect with industry peers and build strong partnerships with market participants from across the bitumen and roads value chain. Address to the OverEasy Restaurant: 1 Fullerton Road 01-06 One Fullerton, 049213
Conference day 1
- 8:45 - 9:30
Registration and networking areas open
- 09:30 - 09:35
Conference producer’s address
Shyla Bector
Conference ProducerArgus- 09:35 - 09:45
Chairperson’s introduction and opening remarks
Future of bitumen in Asia
- 09:45 - 10:15
Implications of changing crude slates and expectations for the refining sector
- Balancing crude prices and fluctuating margins on refined products — are Asian refiners’ strategies shifting?
- What do changing refiner strategies mean for heavier distillates, especially fuel oil?
- Macroeconomic shifts: What are the expected headwinds and how will geopolitical tensions and financial volatility affect the oil and gas industry?Vandana Hari
Chief ExecutiveVanda Insights- 10:15 - 10:45
Bitumen in Asia — a supply and demand analysis through to 2027
- How have inter-regional trade flows between the Middle East, south Asia, northeast Asia, southeast Asia and Australasia changed over the past year?
- What does the future hold for bitumen in Asia at a time of sanctions, recession and capacity closures?
- What can we expect in the next 12 months in terms of supply and demand fundamentals and pricing impacts?Irina Vinogradova
Senior Manager - ConsultingArgus- 10:45 - 11:30
Morning refreshments
Answering the big question - can China’s recovery turn the market around?
- 11:30 - 12:00
China bitumen focus — on the road to recovery
- With major road and highway projects now going ahead, what are the demand expectations going forward?
- How are Chinese refineries navigating crude and feedstock variability alongside tightening regulations to maintain profitability?
- Looking forward, how will the future of refining and road paving in China evolve with an increased focus on sustainability?Sungmin Lee
Deputy Managing Director, Star EnergyModerator- 12:00 - 12:20
Case study — transforming past challenges into learning experiences for the bitumen market
- What is the size of this new opportunity?
- What are the expectations for Chambroad’s production and what are the plans currently in place for these products?
- What can we expect from Chinese demand in the coming years?Tony Wu
Sales ManagerChambroad (Hainan) Advanced Material- 12:20 - 14:00
Networking lunch
- 14:00 - 14:05
Chairperson's address
Bohan Loh
Editorial ManagerArgus
A look at the growth potential of southeast Asia
- 14:05 - 14:40
Panel discussion - Brightspots in Southeast Asia
- What is the estimated bitumen demand in Indonesia and Vietnam to achieve its road connectivity targets?
- With the construction of a new capital city in Indonesia, what opportunities and challenges does this present for the bitumen industry?
- Expectations for Vietnam’s bitumen imports and paving industry — can the economic benefits of climate action convince the Vietnamese road industry to tackle emissions amid rising costs?Speakers Include:
Indra Rikanda, B. Bus
Chief ExecutivePT. Kiprah Multi SaranaVo Dai Tu
Chief of Research & Development DepartmentBMT Construction Investment Joint Stock Company- 14:40 - 15:10
Speed Networking
- A structured speed networking session to provide delegates with an introduction to people from across the industry.
- After the speed networking exercise, delegates will be encouraged to continue conversations with their new, and old, contacts during the coffee break before the next session.Moderator:
Elsie Chen
VP LPG Conferences & APACArgus- 15:10 - 15:50
Afternoon Break
Decarbonisation through a supply chain lens
- 15:50 - 16:05
Fireside chat: Exploring regional logistic strategies – how is changing demand in the bitumen market necessitating a shift in regional logistics options?
- As the bitumen market moves from drums to containerised and bulk solutions, how can logistics providers support and ensure security of supply?
Jon Whittall
Managing DirectorTEC Container Solutions- 16:05 - 16:25
Deep dive into carbon — how can the bitumen community leverage carbon credits to manage ESG considerations?
- A key look at the voluntary carbon markets and the role they play in corporate net zero goals
- Carbon offsets versus carbon credits — what are they and how do they work?
- Looking ahead — how is Asia developing as an ecosystem for carbon services?Tony Zhang
Head of Carbon Management and Energy TransitionGaffney Cline- 16:25 - 17:00
Panel discussion: Falling short — will Asia catch up in the use of sustainable bitumen products and technologies that reduce environmental impact?
- What are the drivers, opportunities and restraining factors in Asia?
- Bio-bitumen – what are the expectations?
- A glimpse into the life cycle of bitumen and its capabilities for carbon capture and storage
- What are the challenges related to the production, performance and durability of plastic-modified asphalt?
- What are the new innovations in the field, and how does Polymer Modified Bitumen (PMB) affect quality and price points in paving?
- How are market leaders addressing the overwhelming fear of leaching? Are we solving one problem by creating another problem?Speakers Include:
Leticia Parra Rodriguez
General ManagerSustainable Road SolutionsPrateek Jhajharia
Managing DirectorMadhusudan Organics Pvt. Ltd.- 17:00 - 19:00
Evening reception at Marina Bay Sands (open to all conference attendees)
Conference day 2
- 08:30 - 09:30
Morning refreshments and networking areas open
- 09:30 - 09:40
Chairperson’s remarks
Leanne Tan
Associate EditorArgus
Argus Regional Market Spotlight - Middle East, Europe, India
- 09:40 - 10:20
Bitumen becomes a global commodity: Changing trade flows create new arbitrage opportunities
- Bitumen’s relationship with crude and fuel oil has become more volatile in an uncertain geopolitical backdrop.
- How European bitumen exports compete for new markets with Asia-Pacific and Mideast Gulf supplies.
- Changes to supply and demand in Europe and how this impacts bitumen prices and export opportunities.
- Focus on African markets and the trends that are driving the need for more imports.
- A look at changing cargo flows and an update on the bitumen vessel fleet.Speakers Include:
Jonathan Weston
Editor, Speciality ProductsArgusTom Woodlock
Market ReporterArgus- 10:20 - 10:35
Argus insights – an overview of the Middle Eastern and Indian markets
Sathya Narayanan
Senior ReporterArgus- 10:35 - 11:15
Networking break
European and Middle Eastern trade flows
- 11:15 - 11:20
Chairperson's address
Sathya Narayanan
Senior ReporterArgus- 11:00 - 12:00
Bitumen flows from the Middle East to Asia — where are the arbitrage opportunities and how can storage dynamics support these trade flows?
- How will developments in the region’s refining sector affect its products balances and bitumen supply?
- What are the challenges and opportunities for trade within the region?
- How do you develop supply chains and product portfolios that will help you prepare for an uncertain future, considering increasing climate-related commercial risks?Speakers Include:
Tarique Kamal
Chief ExecutivePetrozo EnergyAlp Lutfi
Director of CommercialDIO Trading Company- 12:00 - 12:40
Price versus quality – a quick look at India’s bitumen imports
- Delve into the quality and price factors and understand what drives buyers’ decision-making processes
- How is government policy in India impacting bitumen trade and reputation?
- Changing road and climate conditions – how do these factors impact demand for different penetration grades?Speakers Include:
Prateek Jhajharia
Managing DirectorMadhusudan Organics Pvt. Ltd.Capt. Allen Pinto
Director of Shipping Operations & Head of Bulk Bitumen (M.East, India, Africa)Richmond Mercantile Ltd
Free Networking Session
- 12:40 - 14:30
Networking lunch
- 14:30 - 15:00
Free networking session
An opportunity to ask speakers their burning questions, discuss the sessions and foster valuable interactions with industry professionals. A perfect opportunity to talk business and learn more!