ECI Summit Highlights ASEAN–China Collaboration with Recognition and MOU Signing
KUALA LUMPUR, 1 October 2025 – At the ECI Summit, themed “The Innovative Path of Collaborative Development between ASEAN and China”, leaders from China and ASEAN gathered to strengthen cross-border collaboration through innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
Organized by the International Entrepreneurs, Creatives and Innovators Association (IECIA 国际企业家创意与创新协会), the summit is globally recognized as a platform driving thought leadership and partnership.
Keynote Address
In his keynote, Dr. (h.c.) Benny Yeo (杨镇宾博士), Founder of Communication 21 Media Group and Executive Chairman (ASEAN) of the Global Confederation of Belt and Road Economic Cooperation (GC-BREC 一带一路全球经济合作联盟总会), highlighted:
• The fragmentation of ASEAN’s industrial and commercial sectors and the need for structured platforms.
• The challenges faced by China’s 36 million enterprises seeking structured pathways into ASEAN.
• The role of ASEAN-Connect (东盟互联互通倡议) and China-To-ASEAN (中国至东盟倡议) platforms in bridging ASEAN’s 22 million+ organizations with China’s enterprises through AI-powered business matching and digital connectivity.
“ASEAN and China share not only challenges but also solutions. Through structured platforms and innovation-driven collaboration, we can build a more connected, sustainable, and prosperous future” Dr. Yeo emphasized.
Certificate of Recognition
At the ECI Summit Dinner, Dr. Yeo was presented with a Certificate of Recognition by IECIA in honour of his contributions to uniting ASEAN industries and linking China into ASEAN.
MOU Signing
During the dinner, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between:
• IECIA, represented by its Chairman Dr. Owen Jia (贾丽军博士), and
• Communication 21 Media Group, represented by Dr. (h.c.) Benny Yeo (杨镇宾博士).
The MOU establishes a framework for cross-collaboration between China and ASEAN, focusing on industrial connectivity, innovation exchange, and future joint programmes under the ECI platform.
Strategic Significance
The day’s milestones underscored:
• Leadership Recognition – Acknowledging efforts to unite ASEAN industries and link China into ASEAN.
• Concrete Collaboration – The IECIA–C21 MOU as a tangible step towards deepening China–ASEAN cooperation.
• Future Vision – Positioning Malaysia and the ASEAN-Connect and China-To-ASEAN Initiatives as gateways for industrial, commercial, and innovation partnerships.
About Communication 21 Media Group
With over 35 years of experience in industrial media and business connectivity, Communication 21 Media Group spearheads two flagship initiatives: the ASEAN-Connect Initiative (东盟互联互通倡议) and the China-To-ASEAN Initiative (中国至东盟倡议). These initiatives integrate AI-enabled platforms, industry directories, and cross-border collaboration programmes to connect 22 million+ industrial and commercial organizations across ASEAN with 36 million enterprises in China.
