Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s leadership under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been a unique strength in bringing ASEAN leaders together to discuss and address regional issues collaboratively. ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Malaysia chair Tan Sri Nazir Razak highlighted Anwar’s strong connections with leaders across the region, emphasizing his capability in fostering cooperation among them.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nazir Razak noted in a press conference at the ASEAN Business Forum 2025 Curtain Raiser that Anwar is uniquely positioned to bring ASEAN leaders together to finalize key decisions. These include reducing non-tariff barriers, enhancing the empowerment of the ASEAN Secretariat, and implementing policy changes. Nazir emphasized the need for leaders to expend political capital to achieve these goals.
Nazir expressed optimism about ASEAN’s current trajectory, noting the region’s newfound momentum. The external environment is pushing ASEAN towards positive outcomes, particularly under its chairmanship. A joint statement by the organisers of the ASEAN Business Forum 2025, which is set to take place at the St Regis Hotel on May 29, indicated that the event, organized by CGS International Securities Malaysia Sdn Bhd in collaboration with MBSB Bhd and OCBC Group, will coincide with the 46th ASEAN Summit 2025 and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit 2025.
The forum, co-hosted with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and ASEAN-BAC Malaysia, expects to attract over 500 attendees, including more than 200 foreign and local corporates, policymakers, and corporate leaders. These participants represent some of the region’s largest companies with a market capitalization exceeding RM1 trillion.
A significant feature of the forum is the corporate engagement and business exchange session, designed to foster business collaboration between selected top corporations and investors from ASEAN and China. Additionally, the forum will include over 20 speakers and panellists for discussions and closed-door meetings, aiming to address challenges and create opportunities for high-value deals and strategic partnerships to boost regional economic growth.