Synopsis: The steadfast collaboration among the Malaysian Business Chambers in ASEAN is not merely a conduit for business; it has larger objective to accelerate the free flow of trade, and ensure that Malaysian businesses are primed to thrive from the region’s shared prosperity.
The ASEAN Malaysian Business Chambers (MBCs) Summit 2025, hosted by the Malaysia Business Chamber of Laos, was successfully held on September 12 in the capital city of Vientiane. The summit served as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of ASEAN collaboration and the pivotal role of the Malaysian Business Chambers and the diaspora of the ASEAN region in driving regional economic growth.
The event convened a distinguished gathering of participants and delegates from Malaysian Business Chambers across Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. This annual rotation-based summit reinforces the deep-rooted connections and shared destiny among Malaysian businesses in the ASEAN region.
The summit was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Edi Irwan Mahmud, the Malaysian Ambassador to Laos, a representative of Malaythong Kommasith, Minister of the Ministry of Industry & Commerce of Laos, Puan Zaimah Osman, Trade Commissioner of MATRADE Ho Chi Minh City, and presidents and senior representatives of all participating Malaysian Business Chambers from across ASEAN.
In his keynote address, Ambassador Edi Irwan Mahmud lauded the summit as a cornerstone of regional economic diplomacy. “ASEAN is the most powerful, valued, and precious economic bloc for Malaysia and the formation of ASEAN MBCs alliance is the greatest achievement and asset for Malaysia to leverage by all Malaysian businesses. Our shared history, cultural affinity, and complementary economies create an unparalleled foundation for mutual success,” he stated.
He further emphasised, “The unity and steadfast collaboration amongst the Malaysian Business Chambers in ASEAN are instrumental. This network is not just a conduit for business; it is the very engine that will accelerate the free flow of trade, enhance people-to-people connectivity, and ensure that Malaysian businesses are primed to thrive from our region’s shared prosperity. This summit exemplifies the ‘Malaysia Madani’ spirit on a regional stage, turning collective ambition into tangible opportunity.”
The summit agenda featured insightful presentations from each MBC in their respective country in ASEAN, detailing the investment outlook and specific opportunities within their respective countries. These sessions provided delegates with critical, on-the-ground intelligence to navigate and capitalise on the diverse ASEAN market, fostering meaningful B2B matching and dialogue.
During the presentation of Oknha Tan Khee Meng, the President of Malaysian Business Chamber in Cambodia (MBCC), highlighted “The ASEAN MBC Summit has a rich history spanning more than a decade, initially formed under the initiative of MATRADE. It began as the Indochina MBC, focusing on the Mekong region. The alliance has since evolved and expanded its scope, officially becoming the ASEAN MBCs Summit following the admission of the MBC Philippines and Indonesia, solidifying its role as a pan-ASEAN institution for Malaysian business leadership.” Okhna Tan also highlighted to all audiences and Malaysian businesses to be cautious and only liaise via the legitimate Malaysian Business Chambers that had properly registered with the respective country’s government to ensure they liaise with the official and legitimate platform when investing and conducting business in the respective country in ASEAN, and the ASEAN MBCs Summit provide such a legitimate platform.
The Malaysia Business Chamber of Laos expressed its profound gratitude to all delegates, partners, and the Government of Laos for their unwavering support in making the summit a resounding success. The baton for hosting the next ASEAN MBC Summit will be passed to the next chamber in the rotation, which is the Philippines for 2026, continuing the tradition of strengthening Malaysia’s economic footprint across ASEAN.