Official Hotel).
Why You Should Be Part of SABC 2024?
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 (2024 - 2017)
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
9:00 am - 10:00 am
Registration and Refreshments
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Industri Kreatif ASEAN (IKA) Mini Showcase
10:05 am - 10:35 am
Opening Ceremony
Officiating Address
YAB Dato’ Seri Amirudin Bin Shari
Dato’ Menteri Besar Selangor (Chief Minister of Selangor)
Keynote Address
YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz
Minister of Investment, Trade & Industry (Malaysia)
Special Address
Mr. Oudet Souvannavong
President, Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) / Chair, ASEAN Business Advisory Council Laos (ASEAN–BAC Laos)
Dato’ Menteri Besar Selangor (Chief Minister of Selangor)
Minister of Investment, Trade & Industry (Malaysia)
President, Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) / Chair, ASEAN Business Advisory Council Laos (ASEAN–BAC Laos)
10:35 am - 10:45 am
Presentation of Mementoes and Photography
10:45 am - 11:15 am
Networking Break
11:15 am - 11:20 am
Setting The Stage
Chief Executive Officer, Invest Selangor Berhad
11:20 am - 11:40 pm
Driving Thailand’s Sustainable Growth: Developing Emerging Economic Sectors
Minister-Counsellor (Commercial) & Director of International Trade and Promotion (DITP Malaysia), Royal Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur
11:40 am - 12:00 pm
Pitch by Vietnam
Vietnam’s Manufacturing Momentum: Navigating Growth and Challenges in ASEAN.
President, Malaysia Business Chamber Vietnam (MBC) & Chairman and Assurance Partner, PwC Vietnam
12:00 pm - 12:20 pm
Pitch by Indonesia
Indonesia Economy Outlook & Investment Opportunities.
President, Indonesia Trade Association (ITA) Malaysia
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Networking Luncheon
2:00 pm - 3:15 pm
Panel 1: “Redefining ASEAN's Trade Landscape: Insights into Emerging Global Partnerships”
This panel aims to examine the following points:
- Influence of FTAs on ASEAN Trade: Analysing how agreements such as RCEP, CPTPP and IPEF are reshaping trade opportunities and integration in the region.
- Exploring New Trade Prospects and Challenges: Assessing how ASEAN countries utilise FTAs for export growth and overcoming trade barriers.
- Private Sector’s Perspective on ASEAN business landscape: Discussing how the private sector and regional business associations can better collaborate to enhance economic progress and collaboration within ASEAN.
Executive Director, ASEAN Business Advisory Council Malaysia (ASEAN-BAC Malaysia)
Executive Director, EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC)
Senior Adviser, ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines (ASEAN–BAC Philippines)
Senior Director (Strategic Planning Division), Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (MATRADE)
Executive Director (International Business), Singapore Business Federation (SBF)
3:30 pm - 4:45 pm
Panel 2: “Selangor, Gateway to ASEAN: Shaping the Regional Economic Landscape”
This panel aims to examine the following points:
- MNC Insights: Explore firsthand experiences of multinational corporations operating in Selangor, highlighting the impact of local policies on their business operations.
- Selangor’s Strategies: Learn about Selangor’s economic policies, including the First Selangor Plan (RS-1), from a state government representative, detailing how these initiatives support a robust business environment.
- Business Synergies: Discuss potential collaborations that leverage Selangor’s strategic location for regional and global business expansion.
APAC Director & Malaysia Country Director, Women In Tech Global Movement
Group Chief Executive Officer, Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) (MBI Selangor)
Executive Vice President, Chery Malaysia
Managing Director, Dell Technologies Malaysia
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Networking at Selangor ASEAN Business Conference (SABC)
Sponsored by JLL
Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability of Malaysia
On "Investment and Sustainable Development in Malaysia"
Selangor Deputy State Secretary (Development) cum Director of UPEN
9:00 am - 10:00 am
Registration and Refreshments
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Industri Kreatif ASEAN (IKA) Mini Showcase
10:00 am - 10:10 am
Welcome Speech
Selangor State Executive Councillor for Investment, Trade & Mobility
10:15 am - 11:15 am
Special Dialogue on Malaysia’s Leading Investment Destinations: “Leveraging Local Strengths for Regional Prosperity”
The dialogue will explore the following:
- Regional Strengths in Malaysia: Showcasing unique economic opportunities and investment potential in key Malaysian states.
- Strategic Initiatives: Detailing state-specific development plans aimed at boosting trade, investment and industry.
- Collaborative Prospects: Exploring partnerships to align with ASEAN’s broader economic goals, enhancing regional connectivity and prosperity.
CEO, Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS)
Dato’ Menteri Besar Selangor (Chief Minister of Selangor)
Chief Minister of Pulau Pinang
11:20 am - 11:40 pm
Pitch by Brunei
Fulfilling Wawasan Brunei 2035: Charting a New Course in O&G and Economic Diversification.
Chairman, Brunei Darussalam International Chambers Of Commerce And Industry / Partner, Shazali & Partners
11:40 am - 12:00 pm
Pitch by Cambodia
Future-Forward Cambodia: Innovation Beyond Garments and Tourism.
President, Young Entrepreneurs Association of Cambodia (YEAC) / Council Member, ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Council (AYEC)
12:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Lunch and Friday Prayer Break
1:15 pm - 1:45 pm
Thai Craft Talk by DITP
2:30 pm - 2:50 pm
Pitch by the Philippines
Investment Opportunities in the Philippines.
Commercial Counsellor, Philippine Trade & Investment Center – Kuala Lumpur, Embassy of the Philippines in Malaysia
2:50 pm - 3:10 pm
Pitch by Timor Leste
Timor Leste’s Path to ASEAN Integration: Opportunities and Challenges.
Director of Investment Promotion, TradeInvest Timor-Leste
3:10 pm - 4:30 pm
Panel 3: “ESG & SDG Convergence in ASEAN: Zero Carbon Strategies and Socio-Economic Investment Dynamics”
This panel aims to examine the following points:
- ASEAN’s Carbon Neutrality and Zero Carbon Strategies: Evaluate how ESG practices contribute to ASEAN’s regional sustainability and carbon neutrality efforts, in line with ASEAN Strategy for Carbon Neutrality.
- Socio-Economic Impacts of ESG on Investment Decisions: Explore the influence of ESG’s social principles on investment choices and how they drive sustainable development within ASEAN.
- Financing ESG Initiatives: Address the challenges and opportunities in mobilising financial resources for ESG initiatives, vital for achieving ASEAN’s sustainable development and zero carbon objectives.
Managing Director, IM Possible Solutions
Group Head of Corporate Sustainability, Yinson
Co-Chair, Malaysian CSO-SDG Alliance
Co-Founder & CEO, Innovation Lab Company Limited (InnoLab Asia)
4:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Closing Speech
Chief Executive Officer, Invest Selangor Berhad
5:00 pm
SABC Networking Cocktail
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Industri Kreatif ASEAN (IKA) Mini Showcase
12:10 pm - 1:10 pm
Batik Colouring with KARYANEKA
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. In addition, the Organisers are not responsible for any copying, republication, or redistribution of such statements.
- Programme as of 13th May 2024, 10.10 am.
Strategic Partner:
