This October, Kuala Lumpur will host one of the region’s most anticipated gatherings: the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS) 2025, happening on 25–26 October at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).

Organised by ASEAN-BAC Malaysia as part of the country’s ASEAN Chairmanship, ABIS isn’t just a business summit, it’s a space where global leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, and changemakers come together to talk about what’s next for ASEAN and beyond.

A summit that reflects the times

With the theme “Unifying Markets for Shared Prosperity,” ABIS 2025 is designed to address the big issues: economic uncertainty, climate change, and rapid tech shifts. The programme focuses on four key areas, trade and investment, regional integration, sustainable growth, and digital transformation.

But it’s not all policy and economics. The summit also includes sessions on philanthropy, film, music, and the creative industries, recognising that culture and innovation go hand in hand.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will open the summit, joined by global figures like Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva.

Image Credit: Anwar Ibrahim | Facebook

Also speaking are familiar names from business and culture, including:

• Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A (AirAsia)
• Nicol David, squash legend and youth advocate
• Maudy Ayunda, artist and entrepreneur
• Nelson Mok, filmmaker behind How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies

Nelson Mok will also join a special panel focused on ASEAN’s creative economy, moderated by Freda Liu, which explores the region’s potential in music, film, and soft power. The panel will ask why ASEAN hasn’t yet produced a cultural wave like K-Pop, and what economic and structural changes are needed to support world-class content creation. Joining him are:

• Ruban Santharuban, CEO of Etika Group
• Panupong Tejapaibul, CEO of Ticket Melon
• Agnes Rozario, Chief Content Officer at Astro
• Angga Sasongko, CEO of Visinema Pictures

Image Credit: ASEAN-BAC

Beyond the main stage

ABIS 2025 will also feature exclusive pavilion events and roundtables. Highlights include:

• The launch of Google AI for the Planet
• A preview of the 10th e-Conomy SEA report by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company
• A panel on women’s entrepreneurship in the digital age, hosted by the ASEAN-Japan Centre
• The unveiling of the ASEAN-UK Green Transition Fund’s Green Finance Pillar

These sessions offer a chance to explore emerging trends and connect with people driving change across industries.

Image Credit: ASEAN-BAC

Celebrating ASEAN’s best

The weekend wraps up with the ASEAN Business Awards (ABA) on 26 October, honouring standout companies and individuals across 10 categories. The One ASEAN Startup Award will also be presented, spotlighting startups in zero-emission tech and AI.

Finalists include leaders in tourism, logistics, finance, manufacturing, and digital innovation plus key opinion leaders shaping ASEAN’s cultural and social landscape.

Image Credit: The Jakarta Post

How to join

Whether you're in business, tech, policy, or the creative space, ABIS 2025 offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and be part of shaping ASEAN’s future.

Featured Image Credit: The Jakarta Post, Anwar Ibrahim | Facebook