Latest news with #AseanBusinessAdvisoryCouncil
Business Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
Asean-BAC to launch private-markets association in bid to attract US$60 billion regional funding
[KUALA LUMPUR] The Asean Business Advisory Council (Asean-BAC) plans to establish a regional private-markets association by year end to unlock as much as US$60 billion in private equity and venture funding to support small and medium-sized enterprises and startups across South-east Asia. Speaking at the Asean Business Forum 2025, Asean-BAC Malaysia chairman Nazir Razak said the move comes amid growing concerns that Asean's private-capital ecosystem remains underdeveloped, representing just 0.5 per cent of the region's gross domestic product – far below the global average of 1.5 per cent. He noted that the council has been working with the governments of Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia to formalise the Asean Private Markets Association. The entity will serve as a platform to advise governments on policy reforms aimed at unlocking long-term capital. 'The idea is to help shape policies that support the growth of private markets in Asean,' Nazir told reporters on Thursday (May 29) after delivering his keynote address. 'Without reforms, capital will remain fragmented and difficult to monetise.' Beyond private markets, Asean-BAC is also pushing for the creation of an Asean Business Entity – a proposed classification that would allow companies to operate across member states with greater flexibility, said Nazir. He added that the new framework would facilitate cross-border outsourcing and mobility of talent, helping businesses tap the region's collective advantages. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 8.30 am Asean Business Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies. Sign Up Sign Up Despite the ambitious plans and growing investor interest, panellists at the forum acknowledged that execution remains a major hurdle. 'When I mention the lack of execution in Asean, I'm not just pointing at governments or the regional organisation,' pointed out Nazir. 'The private sector has also fallen short. Are we doing the right deals – whether in mergers and acquisitions, supply chains, or trade? I don't think so.' He added that the momentum behind regional corporate champions has slowed since the late 2000s, raising questions about whether Asean is still fulfilling its potential to attract global capital. The evolving consensus-based model Khairy Jamaluddin, director of CGS International, said Asean's traditional model of consensus-based decision-making has long been a double-edged sword. 'There is no agreement until everyone agrees,' he noted, adding that such a move has slowed progress in many areas. However, Khairy said the region is beginning to evolve beyond rigid consensus. 'We're starting to see a 'consensus-plus' approach, where like-minded countries move forward together even if the full bloc isn't on board.' OCBC chief economist Selena Ling said this approach is already bearing fruit. She cited the Asean Power Grid and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) as examples of cross-border initiatives that demonstrate scalable cooperation among willing member states. 'Asean cooperation may be slow, but it is steady,' Ling noted. 'Intra-region trade is still relatively low – around 21 per cent of total trade, compared to 60 per cent in the European Union – but there's growing potential through cross-border investments and government-to-government partnerships.' The JS-SEZ, launched earlier this year, has created new economic opportunities for both Malaysia and Singapore, and is now being viewed as a potential template for broader regional collaboration. Singapore plays a key role in region In a separate panel discussion, Rachel Eng, council member of Asean-BAC Singapore, said the region's cohesion will be critical in navigating rising geopolitical and economic challenges. 'Singapore stands together with our Asean brothers and sisters. If others in the region suffer, we suffer too,' she added. Eng pointed out that while Singapore remains the largest recipient of foreign direct investment in the region, a substantial portion of that capital is routed to other Asean countries. She highlighted Singapore's strengths as an efficient financial centre, citing its 80-plus double-taxation agreements. 'It's very easy to set up a business here… we have no exchange controls, and our system is entirely rules-based. Yet, much of this capital finds its way into Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and our other neighbours.' Eng sees Singapore playing a critical role in facilitating stronger investment flows to Asean. 'Regardless of tariffs, we will remain open, transparent, and committed to deepening our financial ties with the region.' During the forum, China Galaxy Securities (CGS) and CGS International Securities Group signed five strategic memorandums of understanding with regional partners. Among them was a deal with Bursa Malaysia and Shanghai-based Fullgoal Asset Management to facilitate the listing of foreign-underlying exchange-traded funds on Bursa Malaysia, offering local investors broader exposure to global markets. CGS and CGS International also signed a letter of intent for the China-Asean Investment Programme aimed at establishing a private-equity fund to invest in high-growth sectors including healthcare, semiconductors, renewable energy and agriculture. The fund, with Malaysia as a key regional anchor, is designed to facilitate the transfer of technology and industry expertise from China to Asean.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Asean-BAC to establish Asean private markets association by year-end: Nazir Razak
KUALA LUMPUR: The Asean Business Advisory Council (Asean-BAC) is in the process of establishing the Asean Private Markets Association, expected to be formalised by year-end. Asean-BAC Malaysia chairman Tan Sri Nazir Razak said a pro tem committee comprising members from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia is working towards the association's formal establishment. "The idea is to create a platform to advise governments on enhancing policies to develop the private markets industry, including venture capital and private equity, across Asean," he told reporters after delivering his welcoming address at the Asean Business Forum 2025 here today. Nazir said the association could help overcome market fragmentation issues and drive the region's industry development. "We estimate that up to US$60 billion (US$1 = RM4.26) in capital should be channelled to Asean private equity and venture funds, but certain reforms are needed to reduce market fragmentation and improve conditions for investment monetisation," he said. According to Nazir, the council conducted a research report with McKinsey, which shows Asean private markets are underdeveloped, estimated at only 0.5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), compared to the global benchmark average of 1.5 per cent of GDP. "The report shows that the private markets industry is extremely important to the economy but remains too small in Asean," said Nazir. On another note, Nazir said Asean stands at a pivotal moment and hopes the region can move forward with economic integration. "This year at Asean-BAC, our priorities and activities have been carefully designed to capture the essence of the current opportunities and challenges confronting us. "We have strived to facilitate dialogues, forge partnerships and propose actionable recommendations that will empower Asean businesses to capitalise on growing intra-regional collaboration, and to lead in adopting cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices," he added.
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Asean-BAC to set up Asean private markets association by year-end, says Nazir
KUALA LUMPUR: The Asean Business Advisory Council (Asean-BAC) is in the process of establishing the Asean Private Markets Association, expected to be formalised by year-end, says Tan Sri Nazir Razak. The Asean-BAC Malaysia chairman said a pro tem committee comprising members from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia is working towards the association's formal establishment. "The idea is to create a platform to advise governments on enhancing policies to develop the private markets industry, including venture capital and private equity, across Asean," he told reporters after delivering his welcoming address at the Asean Business Forum 2025 here Thursday (May 29). Nazir said the association could help overcome market fragmentation issues and drive the region's industry development. "We estimate that up to US$60bil (RM255bil) in capital should be channelled to Asean private equity and venture funds, but certain reforms are needed to reduce market fragmentation and improve conditions for investment monetisation," he said. According to Nazir, the council conducted a research report with McKinsey, which shows Asean private markets are underdeveloped, estimated at only 0.5% of gross domestic product (GDP), compared to the global benchmark average of 1.5% of GDP. "The report shows that the private markets industry is extremely important to the economy but remains too small in Asean," said Nazir. On another note, Nazir said Asean stands at a pivotal moment and hopes the region can move forward with economic integration. "This year at Asean-BAC, our priorities and activities have been carefully designed to capture the essence of the current opportunities and challenges confronting us. "We have strived to facilitate dialogues, forge partnerships and propose actionable recommendations that will empower Asean businesses to capitalise on growing intra-regional collaboration, and to lead in adopting cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices," he added. - Bernama
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Stronger public-private partnership key to Asean's economic resilience
KUALA LUMPUR: Asean businesses need to strengthen collaboration across public-private partnerships and among enterprises throughout the region, especially in the face of ongoing global economic uncertainty. Asean Business Advisory Council (Asean-BAC) chairman Tan Sri Nazir Razak emphasised that working together unlocks significant potential and reaffirmed their commitment to turning government aspirations into tangible results. "Policy support in certain areas would certainly help accelerate this, and we are actively advocating for it," he said during a doorstep interview following the Asean Leaders' interface with the council. He said the council had a productive engagement with Asean leaders, during which they presented 12 priority areas that were met with a positive and supportive response. "Of course, while the projects will take time to materialise, and despite the positive reception, we will still need to navigate necessary policy changes. Nonetheless, I'm very happy with the outcome of our engagement," he added. In January, Asean-BAC launched 12 initiatives and unveiled 33 partnerships, including three memoranda of understanding (MOUs), underscoring its commitment to deepening regional economic integration. Among the key initiatives is the Asean Business Entity (ABE) framework, which urges Asean governments to establish a new business category that would provide selected companies with greater operational flexibility across the region. Other major initiatives include the Asean Private Capital Market Initiatives, Asean IPO Prospectus, Asean Talent Development and Mobility, Asean Common Carbon Framework, Digital Exchange Platform Malaysia, B2B Connect Initiative, Asean Identity Initiative, and the Asean Corporate Philanthropy Framework. The Asean-BAC agenda also features the Asean Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Collective, the Asean Sustainability Reporting Advocacy Collaborative, and both Regional and National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engagement Platforms.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Anwar: Strong Asean cooperation key to tackling global economic challenges
KUALA LUMPUR: Strong cooperation between Asean leaders in facing the increasingly complex challenges of the global economy is imperative, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Delivering his opening remarks at the Asean Leaders' Meeting with Representatives of the Asean Business Advisory Council (Asean-BAC) today, Anwar said this was because strong cooperation between governments plays a vital role in driving faster development. "Some key decisions must be made by the governments themselves. "As such, a standard procedure has been established to ensure that all member states can voice their views at every Asean meeting," he said. The prime minister said this year will present a more challenging global economic environment, and as such, Asean must strengthen the capacity of its governments to enhance the region's competitiveness. He added that Asean regional investment still holds significant growth potential and there is no reason why it cannot achieve greater success if existing cooperation continues to be strengthened. Anwar also underscored the importance of negotiations and mutual understanding as the way forward. "Asean leaders possess specific capabilities in formulating approaches that can encourage acceptance of common policies," he said.
