• The longer-term narrative remains intact: urbanisation and the rise of the middle-class consumer
• Consumption habits continue to move online but are fractionalising, moving at a fast pace to social network platforms
• Longer-term growth risks remain around demographics and high public debt
• Technology and infrastructure spending continue to frame growth opportunities

Getting on with urbanisation in the new global order

In two weeks travelling through Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai we swept through a number of cities, taking in the views of experts. As always, as a countercheck, we also just listened and watched the changing face of Asia. In total, I attended more than 35 presentations and meetings – including sessions with Kevin Rudd and John Kerry, meetings with Huawei and other Chinese companies, and coffees and dinners with Asian portfolio managers. The a2 Milk Company investor conference highlight was the exposure of changing online purchasing platforms, and the revenue opportunity in lower-tier Chinese cities.