ASEAN-Connect Roundtable Meeting Marks a New Era of Industrial & Commercial Collaboration Across ASEAN
Kuala Lumpur, 13th January 2025 – The ASEAN-Connect Roundtable Meeting held today at Bukit Kiara Equestrian & Country Resort, Kuala Lumpur, marked a significant milestone in uniting industrial and commercial players across the ASEAN region.
Organized by Communication 21 Media Group, the event was graced by Mr. Chin Chee Seong, President of the SME Association of Malaysia, as the VVIP guest. The roundtable provided a platform to discuss strategies for fostering greater regional cooperation in the face of the growing influx of Chinese industrial and commercial sectors.
Uniting ASEAN Players for Growth
In his keynote presentation, Dr. (h.c.) Benny Yeo, Founder of Communication 21 Media Group, emphasized the critical need for ASEAN’s industrial and commercial players to unite in response to the increasing presence of Chinese businesses in the region. He elaborated on two key initiatives—ASEAN-Connect and China-To-ASEAN:
ASEAN-Connect Initiative: A platform dedicated to strengthening intra-ASEAN business connectivity, fostering collaboration among industrial sectors, and creating cross-border opportunities for businesses.
China-To-ASEAN Initiative: This media platform will bridge Chinese industrial and commercial players with ASEAN markets by leveraging Communication 21 Media Group’s extensive database of over 2 million industrial and commercial merchants in China. Dr. Yeo explained that this platform would facilitate smooth entry for Chinese businesses into ASEAN, offering business matching, networking, and collaboration opportunities.
Dr. Yeo reiterated that while promoting business growth is essential, promoting Chinese culture alongside business is equally critical. He also emphasized the recent JS-SEZ agreement between Singapore and Malaysia, highlighting ASEAN-Connect's significant role in promoting and supporting this initiative. The JS-SEZ (Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone) aims to enhance cross-border trade and investment, creating a unique opportunity for SMEs and industrial players in both countries to collaborate on high-value projects.
Dr. Yeo explained that ASEAN-Connect will play a key role in linking businesses across this economic zone, offering tailored business matching services, facilitating access to grants, and providing a platform for continuous engagement between stakeholders. By fostering greater connectivity and collaboration, ASEAN-Connect can ensure that businesses in both Malaysia and Singapore benefit from the full potential of the JS-SEZ agreement.
He also highlighted the recent Oriental Drums event, which saw the participation of 4,000 drummers at the National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur. The event was a tremendous success, symbolizing cultural unity and collaboration. He further announced that the upcoming Oriental Drums event in Penang will feature 10,000 drummers, providing an excellent platform for industrial and commercial players to showcase their brands, enhance visibility, and engage with a broader audience.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Chin Chee Seong, President of the SME Association of Malaysia, expressed strong support for ASEAN-Connect as a crucial platform to unite regional players and address key issues faced by SMEs. He emphasized the importance of working closely with ASEAN-Connect to channel SME-related challenges to the government and explore solutions. Additionally, Mr. Chin highlighted the availability of various government assistance grants designed to support SME growth in Malaysia.
Strategic Expansion and Industry Benefits
The ASEAN-Connect Business Community by Communication 21 Media Group is set to become the primary platform for linking ASEAN players with the influx of Chinese businesses. Dr. Yeo announced that ASEAN-Connect Industrial & Commercial Directory will be launched in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the recently confirmed Cambodia, with both online and offline editions featuring AI-enabled business matching to facilitate seamless collaboration.
Each ASEAN country will have seven dedicated industry groups, providing sector-specific support and opportunities. These groups include:
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).
This comprehensive approach ensures that businesses across various sectors can find relevant partnerships and expand regionally.
Key Benefits for Industrial and Commercial Players:
1. Enhanced Visibility: Participation in major cultural events like the Oriental Drums provides businesses with high-profile exposure.
2. Business Matching: AI-driven tools will connect businesses with suitable partners across ASEAN and China.
3. Networking Opportunities: Access to exclusive events, trade missions, and industry-specific roundtables.
4. Government Support: Close collaboration with associations like the SME Association ensures that businesses are informed of and can access government grants and incentives.
A Positive Response from Attendees
The roundtable meeting concluded on a high note, with attendees expressing enthusiasm about the initiatives presented and the future opportunities they offer. The event successfully laid the groundwork for stronger collaboration and growth across ASEAN’s industrial and commercial sectors.
About ASEAN-Connect Business Community
The ASEAN-Connect Business Community, spearheaded by Communication 21 Media Group, is a pioneering initiative aimed at uniting industrial and commercial players across ASEAN. With a strong focus on fostering regional collaboration, innovation, and economic growth, ASEAN-Connect offers businesses a platform to thrive in a connected and dynamic regional ecosystem.