The ASEAN Investment Conference (AIC) 2025 kicked off today in Kuala Lumpur, bringing together regional policymakers, investors, and capital market leaders to chart a collective path towards resilient growth and inclusive development across ASEAN.
Held over two days under the theme “Connecting Capital, Unlocking Opportunities and Driving Sustainability,” the conference convenes more than 700 influential participants including thought leaders, bankers, and fund managers to explore strategies that will deepen regional integration, mobilise capital, and unlock new growth avenues for the region’s 600+ million people.
Hosted by the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) in collaboration with AFFIN Group, CGS International Securities Malaysia, and RHB Banking Group, the conference comes at a pivotal moment as global markets face shifting dynamics and economic uncertainties.
Delivering the keynote address, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised the importance of regional collaboration and sustainable capital flows. Earlier in the day, he held a closed-door breakfast session with global fund managers overseeing a combined USD8 trillion in assets under management (AUM).
Malaysia, as the ASEAN Chair in 2025, is positioning itself to lead regional initiatives focused on mitigating the effects of global trade shifts—including US tariffs—while promoting intra-ASEAN trade, and advancing growth in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence and green energy.
Key discussion areas included:
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Strengthening regional financial integration through fintech and digital banking.
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Enhancing cooperation with major economic partners such as China, Japan, and South Korea.
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Supporting sustainable development and economic resilience amid global headwinds.
SC Chairman Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi remarked, “ASEAN’s strength lies in its unity and shared purpose. In a time of global uncertainty, collaboration and mutual investment are key to unlocking the region’s full potential.”
He added, “By deepening cooperation, we can harness ASEAN’s diversity and move collectively towards a more inclusive and resilient future.”
A major milestone at the event was the launch of the ASEAN Simplified ESG Disclosure Guide for SMEs in Supply Chains (ASEAN SEDG) – Version 1.
Developed under the SC’s Chairmanship of the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum (ACMF), the guide offers practical, step-by-step ESG reporting support for SMEs, helping them align with evolving sustainability standards while building resilience and competitiveness. It reflects the aspirations of ASEAN Vision 2040, which aims to transform all ten member states into sustainable, future-ready economies.
Prominent speakers at AIC 2025 included:
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Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Minister of Finance II, Malaysia
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H.E. Chee Hong Tat, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance, Singapore
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Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Malaysia
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H.E. Thomas Djiwandono, Vice Minister, Ministry of Finance, Indonesia
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H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN
The event also featured insights from senior representatives of multilateral agencies including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
