Over 800 delegates and 27 speakers convene in Kuala Lumpur to chart sustainable growth pathways for ASEAN
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 (Bernama) — The 9th Selangor ASEAN Business Conference (SABC) 2025 has officially opened at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre bringing together more than 800 delegates, 27 speakers and 5 moderators from across ASEAN and beyond.
Held on 8–9 October 2025 as part of the bigger Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS) 2025, this year’s conference carries the theme “Selangor, the Gateway to a More Inclusive and Sustainable ASEAN,” aligning with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025 and ASEAN’s regional theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”
Selangor as ASEAN’s Gateway
Selangor remains a cornerstone of Malaysia’s economy, contributing 26.2% of national GDP and recording a strong 6.3% GDP growth in 2024. Anchored by worldclass infrastructure such as Port Klang and Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Selangor continues to serve as ASEAN’s hub for trade, connectivity and innovation.
Forward-looking initiatives like the First Selangor Plan (RS-1) and the upcoming Second Selangor Plan (RS-2) reinforce the state’s commitment to sustainability, digitalisation, and inclusivity. These policies, combined with thriving superclusters in aerospace, logistics, and geopolitics, highlight Selangor’s growing role in advancing an AI-driven and sustainable economy.
High-Level Participation
Prominent speakers include YBhg. Tan Sri Nazir Razak, Chairman of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Malaysia and senior representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat, Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), BP Batam, PEZA (Philippines), BKPM (Indonesia), SEZO (Laos) and AI Forum Cambodia.
Timely ASEAN Discussions
Against the backdrop of ASEAN’s projected 4.7% growth in 2025, record FDI inflows of USD230 billion, and evolving global shifts such as BRICS expansion, supply chain disruptions, and climate challenges, SABC 2025 sets the stage for critical dialogue on:
• Aerospace & Industrial Growth – positioning ASEAN in advanced industries
• Logistics & Supply Chain Connectivity – enhancing regional trade flows
• Geopolitics & Technology – navigating power rivalries and digital transformation
• Talent, Innovation & Leadership – preparing ASEAN’s next generation
Special presentations from Indonesia’s Ministry of Investment (BKPM) and the Philippine Board of Investments (BOI) will highlight new investment opportunities across the region.
According to YBhg. Dato’ Hasan Azhari Hj Idris, CEO of Invest Selangor Berhad: “As Malaysia takes on the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, Selangor is proud to position itself as the gateway to ASEAN. This conference is about actionable strategies—how we can grow sustainably, strengthen our economic resilience, and ensure inclusivity across all member states.”