As Malaysia takes the chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025, the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Malaysia is proud to Chair ASEAN-BAC for the year 2025.

Our theme ‘Unifying markets for shared prosperity’ for our Chairmanship year echoes our conviction that meaningful economic integration will bring prosperity to ASEAN, and that businesses are important catalysts and actors to bring that to life, in support of the overall vision of ASEAN.

We believe that the economic value generated through the continued development of the ASEAN Economic Community, first announced 10 years ago when Malaysia last held the chairmanship, is a key agenda for 2025 that will drive our collective prosperity.

In line with our commitment to fostering regional economic integration and cooperation, ASEAN-BAC Malaysia is aligning our activities during the chairmanship year with Malaysia’s Priority Economic Deliverables thrusts: Enhancing Trade and Investment, Integrating and Connecting Economies, Forging an Inclusive and Sustainable Future, and Transforming for the Digital Future.

In alignment with these thrusts, we seek to make significant progress through the continued advancement of ASEAN-BAC Priorities in 2025.

Founded in 1967, ASEAN makes up a consortium of ten multiculturally rich and diverse Southeast Asian nations in a thriving economic region. With a combined population exceeding 670 million, and a GDP surpassing USD 3.6 trillion, ASEAN emphasises on cooperation across political-security, economic, and socio-cultural realms, and is a continuously evolving dynamic regional powerhouse that fosters the unity and growth of its member states through trade, connectivity, and sustainable development.

Established by the ASEAN Leaders at the 7th ASEAN Summit in November 2001 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam and launched in 2003, the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) is the apex private sector body mandated to provide private sector feedback and guidance to boost ASEAN’s efforts towards economic integration, and further identify priority areas for consideration of ASEAN leaders. The ASEAN-BAC will take the lead in coordinating inputs from established business councils and entities in their interactions with various ASEAN sectoral groups.

The ASEAN-BAC Malaysia chapter is an integral member in the regional ASEAN-BAC with regular participation at all Council Meetings and Consultation with ASEAN Leaders. Since 2003, ASEAN-BAC Malaysia has provided policy input at various consultations with the ASEAN Leaders, ASEAN Economic Ministers and ASEAN Sectoral bodies. Notably, ASEAN-BAC Malaysia was the Chair in 2015 when Malaysia announced the formation of the ASEAN Community.

As Malaysia assumes the role as the ASEAN Chair in 2025, ASEAN-BAC Malaysia is proud to take the lead in all private sector policy initiatives and programmes, supporting Malaysia’s Chairmanship vision and Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs).

In realising the vision, ASEAN-BAC Malaysia will be rolling out 15 policy initiatives and over 60 programmes throughout the year aimed at advocating and pushing for the deepening of ASEAN economic integration, and the promotion of increased cross-border business cooperation.

The programmes slated for 2025 will bring together thought leaders, industry experts, and entrepreneurs to engage in discussions on pertinent topics, including digital transformation, trade, investment opportunities, sustainability, and inclusive growth.

Through various forums and interactive networking engagements, ASEAN-BAC Malaysia intends to foster conducive environments that enable innovative solutions, foster partnerships, and drive the economic agenda of ASEAN forward. These events serve as a testament to our commitment of nurturing a vibrant business ecosystem and enhanced regional economic resilience.

The ASEAN-BAC Chairmanship 2025 logo is inspired by ixora blossoms – a native flower to Southeast Asia much loved for its beauty, cultural symbolism and nostalgic connection that holds a special place in the hearts of many Malaysians.

Ixoras grow in clusters of small interwoven blossoms on a single stem, reinforcing that we are stronger together, and united by our shared purpose. Its diverse colours of crimson, to pink, orange, yellow and blue represent the diversity of ASEAN nations. The ixora is a resilient flower that grows strong amid challenging circumstances, reflecting the strength of ASEAN nations and our ability to thrive and adapt to changing environments - all while staying true to our diverse culture, depicted by the sweet nectar within these flowers. An important part of the environment’s natural ecosystem, the ixora echoes our passion in bringing about a better, safer and cleaner future through the creation of economic value.