Jointly organised by Monash University Malaysia and ACES Institute, this live dialogue brings together academia and industry to explore responsible leadership through an Asian lens.
As part of Monash’s ongoing research collaboration to advance responsible leadership and case-based learning in Asia, the session is centred on the case of Ren Li, founder of Letright, integrating a leadership lecture, case video, and interactive dialogue to examine how sustainability, innovation, and values-driven leadership shape resilient, future-ready businesses while elevating Asian perspectives in global discourse.
Why you should attend
9.30 am – 10.00am : Arrival & Registration
10.00am – 10.20am : Welcome Address by Dr. Chong Yit Sean (Esther), Associate Professor in Management Department at Monash University Malaysia.
● Overview of Monash-ACES collaboration on research projects on Sustainable Luxury and Responsible Leadership.
● Sharing of teaching case development on ‘Ren Li’s Vision: Transforming Outdoor Living with Elegance and Environmental Stewardship’.
10:20am – 10.30am : Opening Remarks by Dr. Jayanthi Desan, Chief Consultant and Partner at Aubrens
10:30am - 10:35am : Video Case Screening
Ren’s Vision: A short video adaptation based on the Monash-ACES case featuring Ren Li and Letright
10.35am – 11.15am : Industry Lecture by Ren Li, Founder & CEO of Letright
● His experience building a values-led, design-driven Asian enterprise
● Leadership philosophies rooted in responsibility, sustainability, and innovation
● Reflections on themes explored in the Monash-ACES teaching case developed around his journey
● How Asian leadership can help reshape global assumptions around innovation and ethics
11.15am – 12.00pm : Fireside Chat and Q&A Session
Interviewer: Anne Edwards, Media Icon, Journalist, Master Trainer, Public Speaker
12.00pm - 12:15pm : Induction of Ren Li to the ACES Institute Distinguished Fellow
Facilitator: Dr. Jayanthi Desan, Chief Consultant and Partner at Aubrens
12.15pm – 12.45pm : Closing Remarks
● Dr. Shanggari Balakrishnan, President of ACES Institute and CEO of MORS Group, as well as a Monash PhD alumni.
● Prof. Avvari V. Mohan, a Professor and Deputy Head (Research, Engagement & Impact) at the School of Business, Monash University Malaysia.
12.45pm-1.00pm : Photo Session
1.00pm – 2.00pm : Networking Lunch
About Our Expert
Ren Li is the founder of Letright Industrial Corp. Ltd. and a key pioneer in sustainable outdoor furniture manufacturing. He transformed the company into a top-tier Chinese player by embedding sustainability early - halting wooden umbrella production in 2001 and introducing Polywood in 2007 to reduce wood usage.
Under his leadership, Letright delivers innovative, energy-efficient products such as the Ombra Smart Pergola, which integrates energy-efficient technology to reduce carbon emissions.
Ren Li advocates for businesses to balance economic progress with environmental stewardship. He has consistently emphasised that companies should act as forces for good by addressing global challenges through innovation and sustainable practices. His leadership has positioned Letright Corporation as a trailblazer in sustainable outdoor living solutions while contributing to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
