The UK-ASEAN Business Forum is the UKABC's flagship event in support of UK-ASEAN bilateral trade, investment and government engagement. Taking place in London, the Forum will bring together senior figures from the UK and ASEAN's public and private sectors to discuss the rapidly growing UK-ASEAN trading relationship, worth close to £50 billion.
Malaysia's Chairmanship in 2025, under the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability,' provides an opportunity to grow the UK-ASEAN trade and investment relationship, expand intra-ASEAN trade—currently standing at 25%—and strengthen regional integration. Key priorities of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council of Malaysia include developing an ASEAN Carbon Market, simplifying sustainability reporting, enhancing talent mobility, implementing a cohesive ASEAN AI Strategy, and fostering seamless connectivity across the region.
The Forum will provide an unparalleled opportunity to deepen collaboration, align strategic goals, and expand trade and investment relationships.
This year's Forum is hosted by the UK-ASEAN Business Council, the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Malaysia, and the UK-Mission to ASEAN and Department for Business and Trade, with kind support from HSBC.
Agenda
09
00
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09
05
09
05
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09
10
09
10
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09
40
Session One on Growing Together
Keynote Addresses by
• UK Minister
• Malaysian Minister
Followed by a conversation with The Rt Hon the Lord Vaizey of Didcot, Chair, UK-ASEAN Business Council
09
40
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10
10
Session Two on Geopolitics
Geopolitics ASEAN in a Multipolar World: Balancing Opportunities and Challenges
How can ASEAN maintain its neutrality amid intensifying U.S.-China competition? What impact will US tariffs have on ASEAN? What role can the UK play in helping ASEAN navigate shifting global dynamics?
10
10
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10
40
Session Three on Talent Mobility
Talent Without Borders
How can ASEAN fast-track Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) for skilled professionals? What steps can reduce regulatory barriers to cross-border talent mobility? How can UK-ASEAN collaboration address skills gaps and align mobility with economic needs?
11
10
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11
40
Session Four on Finance
Enhancing Financial Services in ASEAN
How can the UK help ASEAN align its green finance initiatives with international standards and increase the flow of green capital? What are the opportunities to develop an ASEAN Carbon Market? How can ASEAN and the UK work together to address financial access and inclusion?
11
40
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12
10
Session Five on Connecting ASEAN
ASEAN’s digital economy is expected to be worth USD$2 trillion by 2030 with the implementation of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement. How can digital exchange platforms streamline trade and improve supply chains in ASEAN? How can the UK assist ASEAN in developing an AI strategy? What does the future of digital ASEAN look like?
12
15
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12
25
12
25
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12
30
12
30
