ASEAN-Connect Roundtable Marks a Milestone in Uniting Industrial Sectors Across ASEAN
Kuala Lumpur, 6th December 2024 – The inaugural ASEAN-Connect Roundtable Meeting held today at Northpoint Office, Mid Valley City, was a resounding success, bringing together prominent leaders, industry experts, and policymakers to chart the path forward for the ASEAN-Connect Business Community. This historic gathering underscores ASEAN-Connect’s commitment to uniting industrial sectors across the region and preparing for dynamic collaborations under the China-To-ASEAN Initiative.
Key Highlights of the Meeting
Opening Remarks:
Dr. (h.c.) Benny Yeo, Founder and Leader of ASEAN-Connect, opened the session by emphasizing the ASEAN-Connect Business Community’s critical role in fostering cross-sectoral collaboration and driving economic growth in ASEAN. Dr. Yeo highlighted the significance of preparing industrial sectors for partnerships with Chinese players under the upcoming China-To-ASEAN Initiative.
Prominent Attendee:
Among the distinguished attendees was Dato’ Seri Abdul Halim Hussain, Former Penang State Minister for Trade, Industry, and Entrepreneur Development.
ASEAN-Connect Business Community Overview:
Dr. Yeo provided a comprehensive overview of ASEAN-Connect’s mission to unite ASEAN’s industrial sectors, focusing on its seven strategic industry groups:
1. Automation, Advanced Engineering & Manufacturing (AAEM)
2. Food & Agriculture (F&A)
3. Green Technology & Renewable Energy (GTRE)
4. Healthcare, Medical Technology & Life Sciences (HMTLS)
5. Information Technology & Digital Transformation (IT & DT)
6. Infrastructure, Building & Construction (IBC)
7. Logistics & Supply Chain Management (LSCM)
The presentation also introduced the China-To-ASEAN Initiative, emphasizing its transformative potential for regional industries.
Penang-Connect Announcement:
A significant highlight was the announcement of Penang-Connect, a Malaysian supplement to ASEAN-Connect. Penang-Connect aims to:
· Strengthen Penang’s position as an industrial hub in electronics, automation, and technology.
· Attract investments and foster collaborations to advance Penang’s industrial ecosystem.
Dato’ Seri Abdul Halim Hussain commended this initiative, aligning it with state and national goals to drive economic development. Discussions focused on actionable steps to formalize and expand the Penang-Connect framework.
Collaboration with a Blockchain-Based Ecosystem:
Dr. Yeo unveiled a groundbreaking partnership between the ASEAN-Connect Business Community and a blockchain-based ecosystem. This collaboration leverages expertise in tokenization and project incubation to:
· Democratize investments in industrial projects through fractional ownership.
· Empower industrial startups with accessible funding.
· Enhance inclusivity by allowing members from all financial backgrounds to participate in ASEAN’s industrial growth.
This partnership reflects the ASEAN-Connect Business Community’s commitment to creating a robust, connected industrial community across ASEAN.
Brainstorming Session:
The meeting’s interactive session fostered dynamic discussions on the ASEAN-Connect Business Community’s immediate priorities, industry-specific initiatives, and collaborative opportunities across sectors. Attendees also explored strategies to integrate ASEAN-Connect’s initiatives with the China-To-ASEAN framework.
Summary & Next Steps:
The meeting concluded with a clear roadmap for the ASEAN-Connect Business Community’s growth, including:
· Expanding membership and engagement within the seven industry groups.
· Launching targeted initiatives like Penang-Connect and collaborations under the China-To-ASEAN Initiative.
· Hosting future networking events, trade missions, and industry-specific programs.
Closing Remarks:
Dr. Yeo expressed gratitude to all participants for their invaluable contributions and reaffirmed the ASEAN-Connect Business Community’s commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive industrial ecosystem in ASEAN.
About ASEAN-Connect Business Community
The ASEAN-Connect Business Community is a pioneering initiative dedicated to uniting industrial and commercial sectors across ASEAN. With seven strategic industry groups and a mission to foster collaboration, innovation, and economic growth, ASEAN-Connect provides a platform for businesses to thrive in a connected regional ecosystem.