Sunway city: The two-day 8th ASEAN Inclusive Business Forum (AIBF), which begins tomorrow, is expected to gather more than 400 participants comprising policymakers, companies, investors, and international organisations to discuss the development of the Inclusive Business (IB) ecosystem in the ASEAN region.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry (KUSKOP) secretary-general Datuk Seri Khairul Dzaimee Daud stated that the forum, to be held at Sunway Resort Hotel in Sunway City, is one of Malaysia’s key initiatives under its ASEAN Chairmanship 2025. He emphasized that inclusive business is essential for generating sustainable regional economic growth while providing opportunities for low-income groups to participate in business value chains. This focus aligns with the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), which emphasizes the development of Social Enterprises (SE), IB, and cooperatives.
Khairul Dzaimee also announced the introduction of two new awards this year, the ‘Inclusivity Special Award’ and the ‘Sustainability Special Award’, in line with this year’s ASEAN Chairmanship theme, ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’, at the ASEAN Inclusive Business Awards 2025 held in conjunction with the forum. A total of 10 inclusive business companies from each ASEAN member state will be recognized at the event.
The AIBF will be officiated by Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, with the main event attended by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. As an added highlight, the ASEAN IB and SE Showcase will be held from September 11 to 14 at Sunway Pyramid from 10 am to 10 pm, featuring 40 booths showcasing a range of products and services from regional IB and SE companies.
Khairul Dzaimee further explained that the showcase is not just a sales platform but also a space to share success stories and social impacts that benefit communities. The public is invited to attend to support inclusive and social enterprises, engage with regional entrepreneurs, and experience the unique world of purpose-driven business.