GLOBAL stock markets are taking a pause, as they consider the potential impact of any move by the US Federal Reserve to curb bond-buying, and a slowing European economy. The Ebola threat looms. The war on Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is approaching. Oil prices are falling, hurting producer nations.

As 2014 starts winding down, it is time to ponder what lies ahead for this region.

With strong leaders emerging in Asia’s biggest economies – China, Japan, India and Indonesia – there is the promise of fresh waves of reform that could set the stage for the next growth impetus. Presidents Xi Jinping and Joko Widodo, Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shinzo Abe are all part of a new breed of politicians who are focused on building national strength and delivering better living standards to their people.

There are also plenty of potholes – bilateral tensions between China and Japan, India and Pakistan. In Indonesia, where Mr Joko was sworn in as President just this week, political opposition to him inParliament is already taking on new shapes.

… Other speakers include renowned editors T.N. Ninan of India and Endy Bayuni of Indonesia and Singapore-based academics Li Mingjiang and Lam Peng Er, experts on China and Japan, respectively.