The Singapore Business Federation (SBF) has successfully hosted the eighth edition of the ASEAN Conference, an esteemed annual event that brings together top decision-makers from the private and public sectors across the region. Held at Singapore’s Sands Expo and Convention Centre, this year’s conference provided a crucial platform for shaping the future of international business partnerships in ASEAN.
With the theme “Reimagining ASEAN for a Sustainable Tomorrow,” the conference focused on emerging trends in the circular economy and how businesses can harness new resources to fuel their next phase of growth. The event began with a Ministerial Dialogue featuring Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr Gan Kim Yong, who emphasized the importance of collaboration and economic resilience in establishing ASEAN as a hub for innovation and sustainable development.
A fireside chat with Johor’s Chief Minister, YAB Dato’ Onn Hafiz bin Ghazi, was a highlight of the conference. He discussed the role of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone in advancing ASEAN’s vision of a shared economy, stressing its potential to enhance regional integration and cross-border cooperation.
The conference also included two insightful panel discussions. The first panel assessed the progress and achievements of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) as it nears 2025, examining its impact on businesses in the region. The second panel explored trends in the circular economy, offering strategies for businesses to leverage new resources and financial tools to refine and elevate their operations within ASEAN.
A significant milestone of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between SBF, UOB, Rajah & Tann, and RSM Singapore. This MOU aims to support Singapore companies in expanding within ASEAN through collaboration on internationalization activities and knowledge sharing. Witnessed by DPM Gan Kim Yong, the MOU covers the following key areas of cooperation:
- Strategic Platform: Leverage the ASEAN Conference as a platform to support the internationalization of Singapore-based businesses.
- Business Missions: Partner in facilitating market exploration for Singapore companies through mission trips in ASEAN.
- Knowledge Sharing: Provide in-market insights and expertise to support business expansion within the region.
In addition to this, UOB signed two more MOUs during the conference—one with Lingang Group, a state-owned enterprise specializing in industrial park development, and another with Invest Johor, a one-stop center representing the state of Johor in investment matters.
Mr Lim Ming Yan, Chairman of the Singapore Business Federation, remarked, “ASEAN holds significant economic potential, with a GDP of US$3.6 trillion and a population of over 650 million. As we approach the milestone of the ASEAN Economic Community 2025 (AEC 2025), this conference underscores SBF’s and our partners’ pivotal role in steering crucial discussions on ASEAN’s economic future, providing a vital platform for strategic dialogue and collaboration among top decision-makers in Singapore and the region.”
Mr Wee Ee Cheong, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of UOB, remarked, “Amid complex global challenges, the ASEAN economies continue to be resilient and outpace global growth. UOB is committed to Southeast Asia for the long term and our multiple partnerships with government investment agencies will enable us to continue our role as an effective gateway for companies expanding across borders.”
The conference featured regional tracks centered on Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, offering in-depth discussions on Indonesia’s digital and sustainability landscapes, business and investment opportunities in Malaysia, and green investments in Thailand. Notable attendees included the Ambassadors of Indonesia and Thailand, the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Singapore, Indonesia’s Deputy Minister for Investment Mr. Nurul Ichwan, and the Secretary General of Thailand’s Board of Investment Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi.
The event drew over 500 government leaders and C-suite executives from across the region, solidifying its reputation as a premier forum for fostering regional economic dialogue and partnerships.
