PRESS RELEASE
Vientiane, 12 September 2024 – After two years of weak growth due to COVID-19, ASEAN saw a strong recovery in 2022, driven by pent-up demand, robust domestic fundamentals, and increased tourist inflows. While the region remains a global bright spot for growth, challenges such as US interest rate hikes, Europe’s energy crisis, and the wars in Ukraine and Palestine are expected to slow the pace of recovery. Despite facing inflation, currency depreciation, and supply chain issues, ASEAN’s economic activity is anticipated to surpass pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2023.
Under Lao PDR’s chairmanship, the 2024 ASEAN Leadership and Partnership Forum (ALPF) with the theme “ASEAN Connectivity & Resilience of Growth,” will be taking place from 16 to 17 September at the Landmark Mekong Riverside Hotel, Vientiane. Jointly organized by KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific and ASEAN Economic Club, the 2024 ALPF will bring together Government, Business, Thought and Think Tank Leaders to discuss future challenges and key trends facing ASEAN.
The Forum will begin on 16 September with a Special Roundtable Dialogue, leading into the Forum Dinner and Awards Presentation, where welcome speeches will be delivered by Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, Chairman of the ASEAN Economic Club (AEC) and President of KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific, Malaysia, and Mr. Oudet Souvannavong, President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) and Chairman of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ABAC).These key figures will set the tone for the discussions over the next two days, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation and leadership in navigating global challenges.
The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the 2024 Distinguished ASEAN Leader Award to H.E. Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone will deliver a Special Address during the dinner, where he will also present the Outstanding ASEAN Leadership Excellence Awards to deserving leaders who have significantly contributed to the region’s progress.
The second day of the Forum will feature an Opening Address by H.E. Saleumxay Kommasith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lao PDR. His address will focus on the role of ASEAN in fostering sustainable growth, enhancing connectivity, and improving resilience amidst the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world that the region faces today.
The Forum will include four dynamic plenary sessions, each focused on critical issues that are shaping ASEAN’s future:
• Session 1: Enhancing ASEAN Connectivity – Challenges and the Way Forward
This session will address the current state of ASEAN connectivity, including infrastructure development, cross-border trade, and digital networks.
• Session 2: Building Resilience in a VUCA World
With challenges such as economic instability, geopolitical tensions, and climate change, the discussion will focus on strengthening regional cooperation, improving institutional capacity, and fostering resilience in the face of ongoing uncertainties.
• Session 3: ASEAN Digital Transformation – Increasing Connectivity to Drive Economic Growth
This session will focus on how ASEAN member states can leverage digital technologies to improve productivity, drive innovation, and enhance regional integration.
• Session 4: Energy Transition and Shaping the Asia Pacific and ASEAN Green Deal for Sustainability and Prosperity
The final session will center on ASEAN’s energy transition and the green economy. With rising demand for sustainable energy solutions, speakers will explore how the region can shape policies and investments that align with global sustainability goals while ensuring economic growth and energy security.
The 2024 ALPF will feature an impressive lineup of distinguished speakers, including:
• H.E. Dr. Sok Siphana, Senior Minister in charge of Special Missions (Multilateral Trade and Economic Affairs) / Chairman, Trade Policy Advisory Board, and Honorary Advisor, ASEAN Economic Club (AEC)
• Dato’ Sri Mustapa bin Mohamed, Former Minister of International Trade & Industry (MITI) and Former Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economic Affairs), Malaysia
• Dr. Kunihiko Hirabayashi, Secretary General, ASEAN-Japan Centre
• Amb. Pradap Pibulsonggram, Advisor to ASEAN Department, Thailand
• Dato’ Ramesh Kodammal, Co-Chair, ASEAN-India Business Council (AIBC), Malaysia
• Dr. Kirida Bhaopichitr, Director, TDRI Economic Intelligence Service (EIS), Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI)
• Amb. Delia D. Albert, Senior Policy Adviser, SGV & Co. / Ernst & Young, Philippines
• Tan Sri Dr. Munir Majid, Chairman, CARI ASEAN Research and Advocacy / President, ASEAN Business Club
• Mr. Chris Humphrey, Executive Director, EU-ASEAN Business Council, Singapore
• Dato’ Henry Goh, Co-Founder and Group Chief Operating Officer, MACROKIOSK, Malaysia
• Mr. Sudip Ranjan Basu, Ph.D., Chief of Sustainable Business Network, Trade, Investment and Innovation Division, United Nations ESCAP, Thailand
• Mr. Azli Mohamed, Managing Director, Siemens Energy Malaysia
• Mr. Litthanoulok Laspho, Chief of Division, Department of Energy Policy and Planning, Ministry of Energy and Mines, Lao PDR
The 2024 ASEAN Leadership and Partnership Forum is proud to be supported by Strategic Partner- Kuok Brothers Sdn Bhd and Corporate Partner- Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad, alongside other partners – ASEAN Business Advisory Council, Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Economic Club of Kuala Lumpur, World Digital Chamber, and ASEAN India Business Council, all committed to fostering ASEAN’s growth and development.
If you wish to attend and participate in the forum, please contact wani@kasi.asia
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For further information, please contact:
Ms. Wani Amin (Media Relations)
T: +603 6419 9698 / 6017-4050102
F: +603 6419 9683
E: wani@kasi.asia
About KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific
KSI is an independent not-for-profit think tank dedicated to improve socio-economic wellbeing through the development of public policy ideas, research, public interaction, and strategic insight. We provide policy advocacy, leadership development and strategic planning to policy makers and business leaders.
Press Release provided by KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific for immediate release.