The Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) participated in the inaugural ASEANEXT Forum and the 9th ASEAN Conference, hosted by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) and the Young Business Leaders Network (YBLN) in Singapore from July 2 to 3, 2025. The event convened senior policymakers, business leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs from across the region to examine ASEAN’s role amid global disruptions and chart a future-oriented strategy for regional growth.

Representing CACCI at the event were:

• Peter McMullin AM, President
• Stuart Thomson, Vice President
• Teresa Liu, Senior Officer
• Michael Lim, Vice Chairman, YEGAP
• Mita Vieira, Member, YEGAP

CACCI and YEGAP were honored to have been invited to the 2-day Forum, it was well attended by over 300 young entrepreneurs and business leaders from 18 countries.

July 1, 2025

Welcome Drinks and Dinner hosted at the Singapore Flyer, where stunning skyline views set the stage for meaningful connections. This provided a great oppertunities for delegates from around ASEAN countries and beyond to mingle with business leaders and entrepreneurs before enjoying a breathtaking ride aboard one of the world’s largest observation wheels. It was a true Singaporean experience of great company and spectacular sights!

July 2, 2025

CACCI President Mr. Peter McMullin AM was invited to participate as a panelist in the session “Powering ASEAN Growth – The Role of AYEC”. The session was also joined by Mr. Fathul Nugroho, Adviser to the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association, and moderated by Mr. Theodore Khng, Chairperson of the ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Council (AYEC, Singapore). The discussion focused on the role of youth entrepreneurship and cross-border collaboration in shaping ASEAN’s next phase of development.

CACCI leveraged the opportunity to strengthen institutional ties, promote ongoing initiatives, and engage with emerging leaders and regional stakeholders. The delegation actively participated in strategic dialogues, shared insights on regional cooperation, and positioned CACCI as a partner in advancing sustainable and inclusive growth across ASEAN.

At the ASEAN night, Singapore Business Federation (SBF) and Young Business Leader Network (YBLN) arranged Fireside Chat with Tan Sri Nazir Razak, Chair of ASEAN Business Advisory Council 2025, Moderated by Ms. Chia Kim Huat, Regional Head, Corporate and Transactional Practices, Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP focus on the topic of Driving ASEAN's Economic Transformation.

July 3, 2025

Opening by Mr. S.S. Teo, Chairman, Singapore Business Federation (SBF)

Mr. S.S. Teo opened the ASEAN Conference 2025 by emphasizing the urgency of deepening regional collaboration in light of ongoing global uncertainty and geopolitical fragmentation. He called on ASEAN stakeholders to rethink traditional growth models and to work together in building a more resilient, connected, and future-ready regional economy.

Welcome Remarks by Mr. Wee Ee Cheong, Deputy Chairman & CEO, UOB

Mr. Wee Ee Cheong underscored the need for ASEAN to adopt a forward-looking strategy that moves beyond reliance on global superpowers. He stressed the importance of intra-ASEAN cooperation, inclusive digitalization, and sustainable finance as foundations for shared prosperity in a rapidly evolving multipolar world.

Ministerial Address by Mr. Gan Kim Yong, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Trade and Industry, Singapore

In his keynote address, DPM Gan Kim Yong highlighted the structural shifts in global trade, particularly the enduring nature of US tariffs, and urged ASEAN economies to prioritize internal resilience and collective action. He emphasized initiatives like the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and the revival of the Sijori Growth Triangle as examples of how cross-border integration can enhance regional competitiveness.

Ministerial Dialogue: ASEAN Integration in a Multipolar World

Moderated by Mr. Kok Ping Soon, CEO of SBF, the ministerial dialogue brought together DPM Gan Kim Yong, YB Liew Chin Tong (Malaysia), and Prof. Tirta Nugraha Mursitama (Indonesia) for a robust exchange on ASEAN’s path forward. The panelists unanimously recognized that ASEAN must play a more proactive role in shaping its own economic destiny. They discussed the importance of building homegrown regional champions, fostering regulatory alignment, and ensuring inclusive participation across member states to strengthen ASEAN's position in an increasingly multipolar world.