Growth Strategy Main Focus at ASEAN Investment Conference 2025

The 2-day conference discusses role of capital markets in charting out ASEAN's resilient growth and inclusive development

Kuala Lumpur, 8 April 2025

The ASEAN Investment Conference (AIC) 2025 began here today as policymakers and investors strategise steps to drive for an inclusive development and resilient growth in the region that is home to over 600 million people.

Themed "Connecting Capital, Unlocking Opportunities and Driving Sustainability", the two-day conference gathered more than700 policymakers, thought leaders, investors, bankers and capital market players to align regional strategies, mobilise capital, and map out a more connected future.

Hosted by the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) in partnership with AFFIN Group, CGS International Securities Malaysia and RHB Banking Group (RHB), the conference comes at an opportune time when global markets brace policy uncertainties and shifting dynamics.

Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivered the keynote address at the opening of AIC 2025. He also held a closed-door breakfast session with prominent global fund managers, representing a combined assets under management (AUM) of over USD8 trillion

AIC 2025 underscores Malaysia's strategic positioning to elevate its role within ASEAN by leveraging its geographic location, connectivity, and business-friendly environment.

As the ASEAN Chair in 2025, Malaysia aims to drive regional efforts in addressing the impact of US tariffs, promoting intra-ASEAN trade, and encouraging sector-specific growth in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence and green energy.

Discussions also focused on deepening financial integration within the region, particularly through fintech innovation and digital banking, as well as enhancing partnerships with key economies such as China, Japan, and South Korea.

These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to support sustainable economic development, strengthen the region's resilience, and navigate geopolitical and structural challenges facing the global economy.

SC Chairman Dato' Mohammad Faiz Azmi said, "ASEAN's strength lies in its unity and shared purpose. In a time of global uncertainty, working together and investing in one another will be key to unlocking our region's potential".

"By deepening regional cooperation, we can harness our diverse strengths and move towards a more inclusive and resilient ASEAN," he said.

At the event, the ASEAN Simplified ESG Disclosure Guide for SMEs in Supply Chains Version 1 (ASEAN SEDG) was also launched.

The ASEAN SEDG is a practical, step-by-step guide developed to help SMEs meet environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting requirements, equipping them to build resilience and competitive advantage in an evolving marketplace. The guide resonates with ASEAN Vision 2040 which aspires to transform 10 member states into resilient, sustainable economies individually as well as a whole.

Under the SC's Chairmanship of the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum (ACMF), the development of the SEDG demonstrates ASEAN's continued efforts to promote inclusive growth and support SMEs in adapting to evolving sustainability expectations. It offers practical guidance to help smaller businesses build resilience and better align with the region's sustainability goals.

Prominent speakers at the conference included Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Minister of Finance II, Malaysia, H.E. Chee Hong Tat, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance, Singapore, Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Malaysia, H.E. Thomas Djiwandono, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Finance, Indonesia, and H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, ASEAN Secretary-General.

Senior representatives from multi-lateral agencies, such as the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, also spoke at the conference.