Official Hotel).
Why You Should Be Part of SABC 2025?
Network: Meet key players and potential partners to expand or collaborate in ASEAN.
Stay informed: Learn about the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in ASEAN's economy, especially regarding market access, trade, and connectivity.
Gain knowledge: Attend talks and workshops from experts to navigate the ASEAN business landscape.
Discover opportunities: Find new business options and emerging markets in ASEAN, fueled by Selangor's ambitions and the RS-1 plan.
Contribute: Participate in discussions and efforts to shape ASEAN's economic future.
SABC Themes (2025 - 2017)
2025
Selangor, the Gateway To a More Inclusive and Sustainable ASEAN
The 9th Selangor ASEAN Business Conference (SABC) 2025, themed “Selangor, the Gateway to a More Inclusive and Sustainable ASEAN,” aligns with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship and the region’s focus on inclusivity and sustainability. As ASEAN navigates economic opportunities and challenges, including global geopolitical shifts and the transition to renewable energy, Selangor plays a key role in regional integration. With its strong economic foundation, strategic infrastructure, and forward-looking policies, Selangor continues to drive innovation in digital investment, logistics, and life sciences. SABC 2025 will bring together policymakers, business leaders, and industry experts to explore economic integration, sustainability, and digital transformation, reinforcing Selangor’s leadership in shaping a resilient and inclusive ASEAN future.
2024
Selangor, the Key of ASEAN: Accelerating Prosperity through Strategic Connectivity and Resilience
The 8th Selangor ASEAN Business Conference (SABC) 2024, themed “Selangor, the Key of ASEAN: Accelerating Prosperity through Strategic Connectivity and Resilience,” underscores Selangor’s strategic importance in ASEAN’s economic landscape. Southeast Asia, as it moves towards becoming the world’s 4th largest economy by 2030, is witnessing the benefits of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Additionally, East Timor’s accession to ASEAN and the progress of the U.S.’s Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) are set to further invigorate the region’s trade dynamics.
Despite these developments, ASEAN continues to grapple with challenges of economic integration, marked by low intra-regional trade and investment cooperation. Addressing this issue is crucial for the region’s sustained growth and resilience. Against this backdrop, Selangor’s First Selangor Plan (RS-1), already yielding results, exemplifies the state’s commitment to enhancing its role in the regional economy. The plan focuses on transforming Selangor into a smart, livable, and prosperous state by 2025, thereby reinforcing its position as a gateway for ASEAN’s economic advancement.
SABC 2024, aligning with this vision, aims to provide a robust platform for discussions on market access, regional economic integration, and entrepreneurship. The conference seeks to delve into strategies that can enhance intra-ASEAN trade and investment, positioning Selangor as a key driver in realising these objectives. By fostering dialogues among key economic players, stakeholders, and thought leaders, SABC 2024 aspires to catalyse actionable insights and collaborative efforts for ASEAN’s economic future.
With Lao People’s Democratic Republic as the Chair of ASEAN this year, SABC aims to complement Lao PDR’s theme of “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience.” This synergy of themes reflects a collective ambition to fortify ASEAN’s economic framework, emphasising the crucial role of strategic connectivity and resilience in shaping the region’s prosperous future. Selangor’s prominent position within this framework underscores its aspiration to not only advance its economic landscape but also significantly contribute to the collective growth and strength of ASEAN.
2023
Selangor, Epicentre of ASEAN: Leveraging Diversity, Catalysing Opportunity, Creating Prosperity
The 7th Selangor ASEAN Business Conference (SABC) 2023 reimagines Selangor as the ASEAN epicentre – capitalising on previous successes to drive diversity, seize opportunities, and promote regional prosperity. As Southeast Asia stands to become the 4th largest global economy by 2030, Selangor’s strategic location, economic strength, and thriving investment landscape make it the ASEAN gateway. Under the “Selangor, Epicentre of ASEAN” theme, SABC 2023 serves as a platform for discussions on market access, regional integration, and entrepreneurial potential – bringing together key players and thought leaders at the Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS).
2022
Selangor, Gateway to ASEAN and Beyond: From the Heart of Malaysia’s Economy To the Heart of Southeast Asia’s Economy
Initiated discussion on a myriad of topics concerning the region such as market access, regional economic integration and entrepreneurship.
2021
Sustaining Growth Within ASEAN Through Innovation
The global pandemic has restricted movement on a personal and an economical scale, resulting in a unique opportunity where “Survival of the Fittest” became a New Norm for the global economy. According to the World Bank, Malaysia is set to fare better than other ASEAN countries, with timely decisions on the economy, an effective public health response and a robust macroeconomic policy support all helping to weaken the pandemic’s effect. Malaysia became the main beneficiary to date in which foreign investors relocated their manufacturing bases, with Selangor as the epicentre of these new growing and expansion opportunities, leading the charge in Malaysia towards the 4th Industrial Revolution.
2020
ASEAN: A Beacon Of Light In A Pandemic-hit World Economy
Initiated discussions on opinions and expert advice regarding key issues affecting ASEAN member countries in the light of a pandemic-hit world economic scenario and ASEAN’s response to it.
2019
Towards Enriching The ASEAN Economic Community
Initiated discussions on the ASEAN Economic Community Vision 2025, with strong emphasis on creating a cohesive and competitive environment that is innovatively dynamic through an economic strategic alliance. Also included a panel session on REP and how the agreement may bring threats and opportunities tone business communities.
2018
Driving Sustainable Economic Growth Within The ASEAN Economic Community
Took on current issues and opportunities that impact the business landscape in ASEAN. Featured panel discussions that analysed market insights as well as trends, with the primary aim of driving sustainable economic growth within the ASEAN Economic Community (AC). Key topics themed; Food for Thought, Deciphering ASEAN, ASEAN Economic Integration, Entrepreneurship (Youth & Women), Halal and Belt & Road Initiative (Mandarin session)
2017
Gateway To Trade & Investment Opportunities In ASEAN
Encompassing key industries such as Food & Beverages, Life Sciences and Bio-technology. During that year, SABC also included a 1-day industrial site visit to Pulau Indah (Selangor’s Halal Hub and Selangor Bio Bay)
Interested to visit our event?
Come visit us as we have so much to showcase!
A Few Words from Our Notable Speakers
In progressing towards the planned target of high-income country status by 2024, Malaysia might want to focus on productivity growth with structural reforms to move up the value chain and improve skills as the leader of Digital ASEAN.
Prof. Hidetoshi Nishimura
President of Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia
To succeed, we need to draw on foreign investment and what is required is to strengthen ourselves, especially in terms of stability, quality workforce and incentives we can provide.
Tan Sri Datuk Kamal Salih
Former Chairman of Malaysia Institute of Economic Research (MIER)
ASEAN also had “multiple gears”, with Singapore on the one side, countries like Myanmar on the other side of the spectrum and of course, not forgetting Malaysia.
Dr. Nungsari Ahmad Radhi
Economist
When we think about the future of business, we must really think into account the hopes and the dreams of the young people. So we must do business in a manner that is sustainable.
Dato’ Sri Idris Jala
President and Chairman PEMANDU Associates, Malaysia
What COVID-19 has done is, I think, accelerated that belief or strengthened and cemented that belief that digital is indeed the way forward.
Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah
Managing Director, SSDU Innovations Sdn Bhd, Malaysia
In all three divisions, Malaysia is one of the very few countries in the world where we are very well represented with footprints.
Raymond Lim
Head of Country, Airbus Malaysia
ASEAN has many strengths, one of which is the extensive Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with many countries in the region. Whether it be ASEAN FTAs, bilateral FTAs or the RCEP agreement, they help connect ASEAN with their major trading partners and should be capitalised upon.
Ms. Pimchanok Vonkorpon
Director General Trade Policy and Strategy Office, Ministry of Commerce, Thailand
Prospects for ASEAN are relatively positive in spite of the unpredictable virus evolution, and if governments do not retreat behind borders but remain open and outward-looking.
Dr. Jayant Menon
Visiting Senior Fellow ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore
The systematic role of the Government should be not only as the backbone, the bearing of the success of partnership between enterprises, private sector, SMEs, and financial partners but also as the identifier of the overall growth.
Heru Dewanto
President of Institution of Engineers Indonesia (PIl), Indonesia
Malaysia or Selangor’s role as a gateway to ASEAN is attributed to its geographical location, and its educated workforce makes Malaysia a desirable destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
Mr. Alex Feldman
President & CEO of US-ASEAN Business Council
In progressing towards the planned target of high-income country status by 2024, Malaysia might want to focus on productivity growth with structural reforms to move up the value chain and improve skills as the leader of Digital ASEAN.
Prof. Hidetoshi Nishimura
President of Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia
To succeed, we need to draw on foreign investment and what is required is to strengthen ourselves, especially in terms of stability, quality workforce and incentives we can provide.
Tan Sri Datuk Kamal Salih
Former Chairman of Malaysia Institute of Economic Research (MIER)
ASEAN also had “multiple gears”, with Singapore on the one side, countries like Myanmar on the other side of the spectrum and of course, not forgetting Malaysia.
Dr. Nungsari Ahmad Radhi
Economist
When we think about the future of business, we must really think into account the hopes and the dreams of the young people. So we must do business in a manner that is sustainable.
Dato’ Sri Idris Jala
President and Chairman PEMANDU Associates, Malaysia
What COVID-19 has done is, I think, accelerated that belief or strengthened and cemented that belief that digital is indeed the way forward.
Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah
Managing Director, SSDU Innovations Sdn Bhd, Malaysia
In all three divisions, Malaysia is one of the very few countries in the world where we are very well represented with footprints.
Raymond Lim
Head of Country, Airbus Malaysia
ASEAN has many strengths, one of which is the extensive Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with many countries in the region. Whether it be ASEAN FTAs, bilateral FTAs or the RCEP agreement, they help connect ASEAN with their major trading partners and should be capitalised upon.
Ms. Pimchanok Vonkorpon
Director General Trade Policy and Strategy Office, Ministry of Commerce, Thailand
Prospects for ASEAN are relatively positive in spite of the unpredictable virus evolution, and if governments do not retreat behind borders but remain open and outward-looking.
Dr. Jayant Menon
Visiting Senior Fellow ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore
The systematic role of the Government should be not only as the backbone, the bearing of the success of partnership between enterprises, private sector, SMEs, and financial partners but also as the identifier of the overall growth.
Heru Dewanto
President of Institution of Engineers Indonesia (PIl), Indonesia
Malaysia or Selangor’s role as a gateway to ASEAN is attributed to its geographical location, and its educated workforce makes Malaysia a desirable destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
Mr. Alex Feldman
President & CEO of US-ASEAN Business Council
All quotes are taken from our past speakers during the previous conference.
Conference Topics
Itinerary
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
OPENING CEREMONY OF 9TH SELANGOR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SUMMIT (SIBS) 2025
1:00 pm - 1:45 pm
SABC LUNCHEON KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Keynote Address
(Banquet Hall, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre; only for selected guests)
YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz
Minister of Investment, Trade & Industry (Malaysia)
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
SABC MAIN PLENARY
(Conference Hall, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre)
Welcome Address
YAB Dato’ Seri Amirudin bin Shari
Dato’ Menteri Besar Selangor (Chief Minister of Selangor), Malaysia
Special Address
Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana
Under-Secretary-General, United Nations & Executive Secretary, Economic and
Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)
Keynote Address
YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim
Prime Minister of Malaysia & Chair of ASEAN 2025
3:00 pm - 4:15 pm
Panel 1: Powering Collaboration between ASEAN Regional Powerhouses
ASEAN’s economic powerhouses are pivotal in driving the region’s growth, connectivity, and resilience. This panel will explore how regional leaders can align their strategies to overcome shared challenges such as infrastructure gaps, regulatory misalignment, and geopolitical uncertainties while fostering, building resilient supply chains, and advancing inclusivity and sustainability.
Key questions include:
- How can ASEAN’s regional powerhouses enhance cross-border collaboration to attract greater foreign direct investment (FDI) and boost trade?
- What innovative strategies can these hubs adopt to address shared challenges like climate change, digital transformation, and geopolitical tensions?
- How can these economic leaders ensure that regional growth remains inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with ASEAN’s long-term goals?
Chief Executive Officer, Invest Selangor Berhad
Chief Executive, Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), Malaysia
Secretary General, Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), Thailand
Director General, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PETA)
Chairman, Badan Pengusahaan Batam (BP Batam), Indonesia
4:30 pm - 5:15 pm
Panel 2: Connecting the Dots for ASEAN’s Industrial and Supply Chain Networks
ASEAN’s industrial and supply chain networks are vital for the region’s growth, enabling trade, innovation, and economic resilience. However, fragmented connections, infrastructure challenges, and disruptions from geopolitical and environmental issues continue to test the region’s ability to compete globally. This panel will explore how key industries, including manufacturing, logistics, and digital infrastructure, can collaborate to enhance efficiency, embrace sustainability, and build stronger, more connected supply chain ecosystems.
Key queastions include:
- How can industries across ASEAN work together to improve supply chain connectivity?
- What technologies can businesses adopt to make supply chains more efficient and reliable?
- What practical steps can industries take to make supply chains more sustainable and resilient?
SVP, Global Flash Backend Operations (Western Digital)
Managing Director, BYD Malaysia
Managing Director (Malaysia) & Head of Technology, Integrated Sales (South East Asia), A.P. Moller – Maersk
Vice President, Bridge Data Centres
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
SABC Networking Cocktail
9:00 am - 10:00 am
Registration and Arrival of Role-Players and Delegates
10:00 am - 11:15 am
SABC DAY 2 OPENING SESSION
Welcome Address
Dato’ Hasan Azhari Hj Idris
Chief Executive Officer, Invest Selangor Berhad
Opening Address
Tan Sri Nazir Razak
Chairman, ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Malaysia
Special Address
Prof Tetsuya Watanabe
President, Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)
Keynote Address
H.E. Mr Satvinder Singh
Deputy Secretary-General (Economic Community), ASEAN Secretariat
11:30 am - 12:45 pm
SABC 2025 Conversation with ASEAN Regional Leaders
This special session brings together influential regional leaders to discuss strategies for advancing cross-border investments, strengthening supply chain networks, and fostering sustainable economic collaboration. With their deep experience in regional governance and development, the panel will explore how subnational leaders can drive inclusive growth, attract foreign investments, and address shared challenges in an evolving global landscape.
Discussions will focus on practical approaches to enhancing regional connectivity, aligning investment promotion efforts, and leveraging ASEAN’s diversity to strengthen long-term economic resilience and integration.
Dato’ Menteri Besar Selangor (Chief Minister of Selangor), Malaysia
Governor of Bangkok, Kingdom of Thailand
Governor of Cebu, Republic of the Philippines
Governor of Jakarta, Republic of Indonesia
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
SABC LUNCHEON
Special Presentation
SABC 2025 Partner (TBC)
2:15 pm - 3:30 pm
Panel 3: Trade, Tech & Trump: Disruptions and Development in ASEAN
The return of Trump 2.0, the ongoing AI arms race, and shifts in global trade policies are reshaping ASEAN’s economic landscape. This panel brings together experts to examine how these disruptions impact trade, supply chains, and technological advancements in the region while exploring strategies for resilience and growth.
Key questions include:
- How will shifting U.S. trade policies under Trump affect ASEAN’s economic trajectory?
- What role can ASEAN play in global supply chains amid the intensifying U.S.-China strategic competition?
- How should ASEAN nations adapt to geopolitical and technological disruptions to ensure sustainable development?
Chairman, Institute of Strategic & International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia
Executive Director, Penang Institute
Director and CEO, ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute
Senior Fellow, Asia Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
3:30 pm - 4:15 pm
Fireside Chat
SABC 2025 Special Speaker (TBC)
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Panel 4: ASEAN’s Next Generation of Talent, Innovation, and Leadership for the Future
The future of ASEAN depends on its next-generation – its young leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators – who will drive the region’s economic and social transformation. With a fast-growing, tech-savvy population and an expanding start-up ecosystem, ASEAN has the potential to be a global leader in innovation and sustainable growth. This panel will explore how ASEAN can cultivate its talent, empower entrepreneurship, and foster leadership to shape a more dynamic and competitive future.
Key questions include:
- How can ASEAN nurture and develop its youth to drive economic growth and innovation?
- What role do entrepreneurs and start-ups play in shaping ASEAN’s future economy?
- How can ASEAN’s talent pool be leveraged to ensure long-term competitiveness and inclusivity?
Co-Founder and President, AI Forum, Cambodia
VP International Affairs & Operations, Indonesian Business Council (IBC)
Head of Southeast Asia and Managing Director, GP Bullhound
President, Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Singapore
Founding Secretary General, ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Council
5:30 pm - 6:00 pm
SABC 2025 CLOSING SESSION
Closing Address
YB Tuan Ng Sze Han
Selangor State Executive Council (EXCO) for Investment, Trade, and Mobility, Malaysia
Disclaimer:
- Invest Selangor Berhad © reserves the right to alter the content and timing of the programme in the best interest of the Conference and is not responsible for cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances.
- The Organisers accept no responsibility for statements made orally or in written material distributed by any speaker at the Summit. They are also not responsible for any copying, republication, or redistribution of such statements.
- Programme draft as of 3rd January 2025.
Strategic Partner:
