Vietnam, Japan dominate ICE Asia day two

The second day of the ICE Asia Digital conference, organised jointly by Clarion Gaming and SiGMA, saw Steve Wolstenholme, CEO of Hoiana-Hoi An South Development leading the discussion on his integrated resort in Vietnam.

The keynote delivered by Wolstenholme covered his experiences in the market and plans for the future, including the launch of the new Hoiana, but generally encompassing the development of tourism and gaming across Vietnam.

The day also included a ‘fireside chat’ between Fred Gushin of Spectrum Gaming Group and Jose Angel Suerio, CEO of PH Resorts, discussing the reopening of Asia’s casinos and how the ‘new normal’ would look.

Another keynote was hosted by Walt Power, CEO of Ho Gram Project, talking with Chris Wieners, managing partner of HOGO and anchor of the ICE Asia Digital on the first day. Power has years of experience in gaming markets internationally, including Macau and Vietnam.

In a panel discussion, there was an update on the situation concerning the opening of integrated resorts in Japan. Brendan Bussmann of GMA spoke with Ayako Nakayama of the IR Association, Kazuaki Saski, of the Toyo University and Toru Mihara of the National Council on Gaming Legislation in Japan. The timeline of the development in Japan and the political considerations that may impact the progress of the development were discussed.

Other notable parts of the second day included Dominic Carter of the Carter Group on analysing pubic perception of the industry in Japan and how that impression may be swayed in favour of the industry; and the future of Chinese consumerism and tourism was covered by Annie Siara, CEO at 86 Connects.

The conference resumes at 5.00pm today Japan time, 9.00am UK and 10.00am central Europe.