Ruder Finn Asia to handle PR duties of "The World in" event

This is the first time the publication is engaging a PR partner for the event, entering its fourth year in Hong Kong and now launching in Singapore. “The World in 2013 Gala Dinners” will be held on 27 November in Singapore and 28 November in Hong Kong.

C.Y. Leung, Hong Kong's chief executive elect, has been confirmed to speak at the Hong Kong event.

Both gala dinners will feature Daniel Franklin, editor of The World in and executive editor of The Economist as well as Kal, revered political cartoonist at The Economist. They will be joined by a host of luminaries to share their predictions.

Sue Toomey, director of events and conferences, Asia-Pacific, commented, “We are delighted to be working with Ruder Finn to help enhance our communications plan around this exciting event series. The World in Gala Dinner offers a unique opportunity for corporate hospitality around an evening of ‘intelligent entertainment’. After three years of sold-out events in Hong Kong, we are looking to expand this series to Singapore.”

Inspired by the The World in publication, The World in Gala Dinner series is held annually in major cities globally for guests to make bold predictions about their fields of endeavour and the events likely to shape lives in the year ahead.

Guests who participated in the past have included Bill Clinton, Alec Baldwin, Michael Bloomberg, Ho Kwon Ping (CEO of Banyan Tree Holdings), Pradeep Pant (CEO, Asia Pacific, Kraft Foods) and David Eldon (former chairman of HSBC).

Jean Michel Dumont, chairman at Ruder Finn Asia Pacific, said, “I am a big fan of The World In publications and it’s a tremendous privilege to partner with The Economist for such an exclusive event. I can certainly predict it will be an entertaining and thought-provoking evening of serious topics and comic relief.”