Asia Grassroots Forum 2025:
Scaling Impact, Pioneering Entrepreneurial Society
Asia Grassroots Forum 2025:
Scaling Impact, Pioneering Entrepreneurial Society
The 2025 Asia Grassroots Forum takes place from 21-22 May in Bali, Indonesia, convening under the theme “Scaling Impact, Pioneering Entrepreneurial Society.” The forum brings together investment communities, startups, international organizations, partner companies, civil society leaders, academia, young changemakers, social entrepreneurs, and media to address the challenges and opportunities in the grassroots economy.
Why It Matters
With approximately 4 billion people in the grassroots economy demonstrating remarkable resilience, the potential for transformation is immense. As rapid technological advancement continues, the challenge lies in ensuring that digital transformation and AI benefit all segments of society, particularly addressing the persistent digital divide and emerging climate risks.
The Big Picture
If the grassroots economy’s untapped potential represents an opportunity, the path forward requires multi-disciplinary intervention and strategic collaboration. Technology and innovations, particularly AI, have the power to unlock unprecedented growth—but only if deployed thoughtfully and inclusively. The forum explores how to harness these tools to promote inclusive growth while ensuring shared prosperity.
Four Key Themes
The forum is organized under four strategic streams:
- Navigating Growth in ASEAN and the Global South Exploring the grassroots economy’s potential in developing nations, featuring insights from key financial leaders including Sri Mulyani Indrawati and Erick Thohir.
- To Reform or to Deform: Reshaping Entrepreneurial Policy and Partnership Addressing Indonesia’s ambitious targets for GDP growth and poverty reduction, with focus on policy alignment and foreign investment opportunities.
- Making Capital Work for the Grassroots Economy in ASEAN Examining barriers to investment in grassroots societies and exploring solutions for optimal capital allocation to underserved segments.
- Balancing the Power of AI and Technology for Social Inclusion Investigating how intelligent technology can promote social inclusion while addressing the digital divide at the grassroots level.
Who's Coming?
The forum welcomes diverse participation from:
- Government ministers and policy makers
- Financial institution leaders
- Technology innovators and entrepreneurs
- International development organizations
- Social enterprise leaders
- Academic experts
- Media representatives
Notable speakers include ministers from key Indonesian government departments, international organization leaders, and prominent figures in finance and technology sectors.
Access and Engagement
The event will be broadcast live through:
- Dedicated event website
- Amartha’s YouTube channel
- Interactive sessions with global participants
For more information and updates on speakers and sessions, visit the event website or contact the forum secretariat.
Our Speakers
*Speakers list is subject to change and may be updated.
Mahendra siregar
Mahendra Siregar was ordained by the Supreme Court as the Head of the Board of Commissioners of the Financial Services Authority (OJK) in 2022.
Stella Christie, Ph.D.
Stella Christie, cognitive scientist and Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Higher Education, previously a Tsinghua professor, advances research on human cognition, education, and AI.
Retno Marsudi
Retno Marsudi, Indonesia’s first female Foreign Minister (2014–2024), led ASEAN diplomacy, global peace efforts, and now serves as the first UN Special Envoy on Water.
Sandiaga Uno
Since 2005, he has been active as a social entrepreneur & serves as Chairman of several prominent associations & foundations in Indonesia.
Andi Taufan Garuda Putra
Taufan is the Founder and CEO of Amartha, Indonesia's pioneer microfinancing platform with the mission to drive shared-prosperity by building digital financial infrastructure.
David A. Paradiso
David Arturo Paradiso, Additional Director at Arohan, is a Maj Invest nominee with 15+ years in finance, PE, and VC across the US, Asia, and Latin America.
Lesly Goh
Former World Bank CTO, she supports sustainability through roles with The Rockefeller Foundation, SIGMA, and universities. Her work focuses on biodiversity, food security, and transforming agriculture in Southeast Asia.
Suwandi Soh
Leads Mekari’s mission to empower businesses through technology, driving digital transformation for Indonesia’s growing micro, small, and medium enterprises.
Njord Andrews
Managing Partner at Accion Digital Transformation, where he focuses on leveraging technology to drive innovation for underserved populations.
Hani Ibrahim
Prior to Lendable Hani was the Head of Debt Capital Markets at QInvest in Qatar where he deployed $500m in FM and EM structured private credit.
Ryu Suliawan
Drives AYANA’s digital transformation, blending innovation & guest-centric experiences to elevate hospitality through technology & strategic digital initiatives.
Lany Harijanti
Leads GRI’s Asia regional efforts, advancing sustainability reporting and empowering organizations to adopt transparent, impactful practices across diverse sectors.
Aria Widyanto
Aria is CRSO at Amartha. He's a G20 EMPOWER rep, ex-banker, YSEALI fellow, and awardee, with degrees from UGM, SOAS, and a Ph.D. in progress at Reading University.
Ramdhan Anggakaradibrata
CFO at Amartha, leading finance, audits, and $300M+ deals to grow a sustainable, profitable business serving underserved women in rural Indonesia.
Clarissa Loh
Steers strategic investments at UOB Venture Management, focusing on scaling Southeast Asia’s impact-driven ventures through sustainable growth capital.
Chuah Kee Heng
Oversees finance at Temasek Trust, enabling impactful philanthropy and catalytic funding models for Asia’s inclusive and resilient development.
Dr Sarah Cardey
Explores rural livelihoods, gender equity, community development through participatory research in international development at the University of Reading.
Gayatri Mehta
Gayatri serves as the Director of Digital Products at Accion, she leads the development of innovative digital financial solutions aimed at underserved communities.
Salman Alibhai
Salman Alibhai is a Senior Operations Officer at the World Bank, specializing in financial inclusion, digital finance, and private sector development.
Miguel Soriano
Drives private sector engagement at IFC to scale inclusive, sustainable projects across East Asia Pacific with upstream investment strategies.
Rafi Putra Arriyan
Co-founded Flip to democratize finance in Indonesia by simplifying money transfers and promoting transparent, user-friendly digital financial services.
Nuraizah Shamsul Baharin
Empowers women microentrepreneurs in Malaysia through MADCash, pioneering ethical fintech solutions to unlock capital access and business sustainability.
Euan Marshall
Leads IFC’s operations in Indonesia and Timor-Leste, fostering private sector solutions for development challenges in emerging markets.
Dr. Ruipeng Di
Connects global leaders with Tsinghua’s executive programs, advancing innovation, leadership, and policy for sustainable economic development.
Allan Robert Sicat
Strengthens the Philippines' microfinance ecosystem through advocacy, capacity building, & inclusive financial services.
Young Park
Director of Special Projects at AVPN, leading the AI Opportunity Fund: Asia-Pacific. She brings 20 years experience in sustainability, workforce innovation, social impact.
Alfatih Timur
Builds Kitabisa as a movement of generosity, enabling millions to support social causes through accessible, tech-enabled giving platforms.
Dirk Van Quaquebeke
With 15+ years in early-stage tech, he has led 50+ investments and serves on numerous boards across Asia and the U.S.
Rosanna Ramos-Velita
Chair of Los Andes. Under her leadership, it grew from $15M to $200M in assets, expanding access to 160,000+ clients in Peru.
Julie Fauzie
With over 10 years in banking, Julie began in marketing after earning her business degree from Monash University. Now Amartha’s Chief Funding Officer, she leads lending and promotes equal prosperity.
Faiz Rahman
Drives impactful investments in early-stage startups, empowering innovation and inclusive growth across Southeast Asia’s digital economy.
Sanjay Sehgal
He was previously Partner at Symphony Capital Partners, managing over $860M, and has served in leadership roles across global private equity and venture capital circles.
Tri Mumpuni
Tri Mumpuni is an Indonesian researcher and micro-hydropower inventor who was involved in the project for the development of hydro power electricity.
Dr. Mark Stephan Felix
Sociologist
/anthropologist, specializing in aging, gender, health communication. He explores digital health support for older adults in Thai farming communities.
Smriti Chandra
With 20+ years in impact investing and investment banking, she has held leadership roles at EY, co-founded First League Ventures, and serves on several boards. She is a Chartered Accountant and commerce graduate from Bangalore University.
Justin Arcenas
Champions rural connectivity and inclusive finance in the Philippines, leveraging tech to uplift underserved communities via RuralNet’s innovative financial services.
Donny Donosepoetro
Responsible for overseeing Standard Chartered’s business operations in Indonesia. Prior to this role, he was the Vice Chairman for ASEAN responsible for driving execution of the Bank’s strategy and governance oversight over all the 10 ASEAN countries.
Mary Ellen Iskenderian
CEO Women's World Banking
Andi Taufan
Founder & CEO Amartha
Michael Schelin
CEO of Accion
Prof Bagus Muljadi
Associate Professor, Notthingham University and Chairman, UKICIS
Dr Hendri Sarapini
Senior Economist, Founder and Excecutive Director, CORE Institute
Kian Wee Siah
CEO, UOB Venture Management
Saad Algheriri
CEO, Al-Rajhi Partners
Lanny Budiati
President Director, BCA Digital
Chatib Basri
Senior Economist, Minister of Finance 2013-2014
Tri Mumpuni
Executive Director, IBEKA
Yessie D. Yosetya
Director & Chief Information Officer XLSmart
Pratyush Prasanna
Group CEO, Flip
Nurhayati Subakat
CEO, Wardah
Teruhide Sato
Founder & CEO, BEENEXT
Gayatri Mehta
Director Digital Products, Accion
Manoj Khumar Sharma
Director, Microsave India
Mahendra Siregar
Mahendra Siregar was ordained by the Supreme Court as the Head of the Board of Commissioners of the Financial Services Authority (OJK) in 2022.
Stella Christie, Ph.D.
Stella Christie, cognitive scientist and Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Higher Education, previously a Tsinghua professor, advances research on human cognition, education, and AI.
Retno Marsudi
Retno Marsudi, Indonesia’s first female Foreign Minister (2014–2024), led ASEAN diplomacy, global peace efforts, and now serves as the first UN Special Envoy on Water.
Sandiaga Uno
Since 2005, he has been active as a social entrepreneur & serves as Chairman of several prominent associations & foundations in Indonesia.
Andi Taufan Garuda Putra
Founder and CEO of Amartha, Indonesia's pioneer microfinancing platform with the mission to drive shared-prosperity by building digital financial infrastructure.
David A. Paradiso
David Arturo Paradiso, Additional Director at Arohan, is a Maj Invest nominee with 15+ years in finance, PE, and VC across the US, Asia, and Latin America.
Suwandi Soh
Leads Mekari’s mission to empower businesses through technology, driving digital transformation for Indonesia’s growing micro, small, and medium enterprises.
Njord Andrews
Njord Andrews is the Managing Partner at Accion Digital Transformation, where he focuses on leveraging technology to drive innovation for underserved populations.
Ryu Suliawan
Ryu Suliawan drives AYANA’s digital transformation, blending innovation and guest-centric experiences to elevate hospitality through technology and strategic digital initiatives.
Lany Harijanti
Lany Harijanti leads GRI’s Asia regional efforts, advancing sustainability reporting and empowering organizations to adopt transparent, impactful practices across diverse sectors.
Aria Widyanto
Aria is CRSO at Amartha, a fintech for rural women. He's a G20 EMPOWER rep, ex-banker, YSEALI fellow, and awardee, with degrees from UGM, SOAS, and a Ph.D. in progress at Reading University.
Ramdhan A
Ramdhan Anggakaradibrata is CFO at Amartha, leading finance, audits, and $300M+ deals to grow a sustainable, profitable business serving underserved women in rural Indonesia.
Julie Fauzie
With over 10 years in banking, Julie began in marketing after earning her business degree from Monash University. Now Amartha’s Chief Funding Officer, she leads lending and promotes equal prosperity.
Chuah Kee Heng
Oversees finance at Temasek Trust, enabling impactful philanthropy and catalytic funding models for Asia’s inclusive and resilient development.
Dr Sarah Cardey
Explores rural livelihoods, gender equity, and community development through participatory research in international development at the University of Reading.
Gayatri Mehta
Gayatri serves as the Director of Digital Products at Accion, she leads the development of innovative digital financial solutions aimed at underserved communities.
Salman Alibhai
Salman Alibhai is a Senior Operations Officer at the World Bank, specializing in financial inclusion, digital finance, and private sector development.
Miguel Soriano
Drives private sector engagement at IFC to scale inclusive, sustainable projects across East Asia Pacific with upstream investment strategies.
Rafi Putra Arriyan
Co-founded Flip to democratize finance in Indonesia by simplifying money transfers and promoting transparent, user-friendly digital financial services.
Nuraizah Shamsul Baharin
Empowers women microentrepreneurs in Malaysia through MADCash, pioneering ethical fintech solutions to unlock capital access and business sustainability.
Euan Marshall
Leads IFC’s operations in Indonesia and Timor-Leste, fostering private sector solutions for development challenges in emerging markets.
Dr. Ruipeng Di
Connects global leaders with Tsinghua’s executive programs, advancing innovation, leadership, and policy for sustainable economic development.
Allan Robert Sicat
Strengthens the Philippines' microfinance ecosystem through advocacy, capacity building, and inclusive financial services via the Microfinance Council.
Young Park
Young Park is Director of Special Projects at AVPN, leading the AI Opportunity Fund: Asia-Pacific. She brings 20 years of cross-sector experience in sustainability, workforce innovation, and social impact.
Alfatih Timur
Builds Kitabisa as a movement of generosity, enabling millions to support social causes through accessible, tech-enabled giving platforms.
Dirk Van Q
Dirk Van Quaquebeke is Managing Partner at BEENEXT, a Singapore-based VC firm. With 15+ years in early-stage tech, he has led 50+ investments and serves on numerous boards across Asia and the U.S.
Rosanna Ramos-Velita
Ms. Ramos-Velita is Chair of Los Andes, a leading rural finance institution in Latin America. Under her leadership since 2010, it grew from $15M to $200M in assets, expanding access to 160,000+ clients in Peru.
Sanjay Sehgal
Sanjay is the founder of East West Capital Partners. He was previously Partner at Symphony Capital Partners, managing over $860M, and has served in leadership roles across global private equity and venture capital circles.
Faiz Rahman
Faiz Rahman, Partner at BEENEXT, drives impactful investments in early-stage startups, empowering innovation and inclusive growth across Southeast Asia’s digital economy.
Tri Mumpuni
Tri Mumpuni is an Indonesian researcher and micro-hydropower inventor who was involved in the project for the development of hydro power electricity.
Dr. Mark Stephan Felix
Sociologist/ anthropologist specializing in aging, gender, health communication. His recent work explores digital health support for older adults.
Smriti Chandra
Ms. Smriti Chandra, with 20+ years in impact investing and investment banking, she has held leadership roles at EY, co-founded First League Ventures, and serves on several boards.
Hani Ibrahim
Hani is the Chief Investment Officer at Lendable. Prior to Lendable Hani was the Head of Debt Capital Markets at QInvest in Qatar where he deployed $500m in FM and EM structured private credit.
Lesly Goh
Former World Bank CTO, she supports sustainability through roles with The Rockefeller Foundation, SIGMA, and universities. Her work focuses on biodiversity, food security, and transforming agriculture in Southeast Asia.
Justin Arcenas
Champions rural connectivity and inclusive finance in the Philippines, leveraging tech to uplift underserved communities via RuralNet’s innovative financial services.
Clarissa Loh
Steers strategic investments at UOB Venture Management, focusing on scaling Southeast Asia’s impact-driven ventures through sustainable growth capital.
Donny D
Responsible for overseeing Standard Chartered’s business operations in Indonesia. Prior to this role, he was the Vice Chairman for ASEAN responsible for driving execution of the Bank’s strategy and governance oversight over all the 10 ASEAN countries.
Dr Hendri Sarapini
Senior Economist, Founder and Excecutive Director, CORE Institute
Kian Wee Siah
CEO, UOB Venture Management
Saad Algheriri
CEO, Al-Rajhi Partners
Lanny Budiati
President Director, BCA Digital
Chatib Basri
Senior Economist, Minister of Finance 2013-2014
Tri Mumpuni
Executive Director, IBEKA
Yessie D. Yosetya
Director & Chief Information Officer XLSmart
Pratyush Prasanna
Group CEO, Flip
Nurhayati Subakat
CEO, Wardah
Teruhide Sato
Founder & CEO, BEENEXT
Gayatri Mehta
Director Digital Products, Accion
Manoj Khumar Sharma
Director, Microsave India
Salman Alibhai
Senior Operations Officer, World Bank
The Asia Grassroots Forum 2025 represents a crucial platform for addressing the challenges and opportunities in grassroots economic development, bringing together key stakeholders to pioneer solutions for inclusive growth in the intelligent age.
Where
Grand Hyatt Bali
Kawasan Wisata, Jl. Nusa Dua, BTDC, Bali,
Badung Regency, Bali 80363
When
Wednesday to Friday
May 21 to 23, 2025
theforum@amartha.com