Asean Business Advisory Council chairman Nazir Razak said the Oct 25–26 summit at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre came at a critical time, as the region faces several key challenges.

“Asean cannot afford to stand still in the face of economic fragmentation, climate volatility and digital disruption,” he told FMT.

“ABIS 2025 is not just a forum, it is a call to action for governments and businesses to prove that unity delivers prosperity.”

Themed “Unifying Markets for Shared Prosperity”, ABIS 2025 will address Asean’s strategic priorities such as strengthening centrality in a fragmented global economy and deepening regional banking and capital markets.

It will also look into redesigning trade architecture under free-trade agreements such as the CPTPP and RCEP, mobilising long-term investment, scaling creative industries, and advancing energy transition.

Other sessions will cover AI adoption, empowering MSMEs in the digital economy, education for an AI-driven workforce, and philanthropy for public good.

The summit, which coincides with the Asean Summit, will feature presidents, prime ministers, CEOs and global policymakers.

Confirmed speakers include Vietnam’s prime minister Pham Minh Chinh, IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva, former Philippine finance secretary Cesar Purisima and Singapore Abac chairman SS Teo. Invitations have also been extended to the leaders of Brazil, South Africa, Australia, Canada and the US.

Other speakers include investment minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz, digital minister Gobind Singh Deo, Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes, CIMB CEO Novan Amirudin, Temasek CEO Dilhan Pillay, and Google’s vice-president for government affairs Wilson L White.

They will be joined by former Indonesian trade minister Gita Wirjawan, ADB Southeast Asia director-general Winfried Wicklein, Bullhound Capital’s Shahril Hamdan, and Nicol David, co-founder of the Nicol David Organisation.

Nazir said the wide participation underscored Asean’s growing relevance.

“At a moment when complexity and division dominate global affairs, Asean has a unique opportunity to demonstrate how regional cooperation, business leadership and innovative policy reforms can generate inclusive growth that leaves no one behind.

“We believe this is the event to showcase a resilient Asean and reinforce its role as a trusted partner to the world.”

For participation details, visit https://abis.aseanbac.com.my.