KUALA LUMPUR: Asean’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth is expected to stay resilient in the near term despite global economic uncertainties, says Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) chairman Datuk Mohammad Faiz Azmi (pic).
He noted that the region’s strong fundamentals, driven by favourable demographics, rising consumer demand and rapid urbanisation will help cushion the impact of external headwinds.
“The region’s GDP growth has consistently been higher than the global average.
“In 2025, the Asean five economies are projected to grow by 4.5%, outpacing the 1.8% increase forecast for advanced economies,” he said in his opening remarks at the Asean Investment Conference (AIC) 2025 yesterday.
The Asean five economies he was referring to are Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.
The two-day conference, themed “Connecting Capital, Unlocking Opportunities and Driving Sustainability”, focuses on the role of capital markets in driving inclusive growth and long-term resilience across the region.
The conference comes at a time when the global economy is grappling with policy shifts and structural transitions.
Key discussions included promoting financial integration through digital banking and fintech innovation, as well as strengthening Asean’s partnerships with major economies such as China, Japan and South Korea.
These initiatives aim to reinforce the region’s ability to weather geopolitical uncertainties and support sustainable development across member nations.
Mohammad Faiz said regional collaboration and intra-Asean investments are vital in realising the bloc’s full potential.
“In these uncertain times, deeper cooperation will allow us to harness our collective strengths and move toward a more inclusive and resilient Asean,” he said.
A notable milestone at the conference was the launch of the Asean Simplified ESG disclosure guide for small and medium enterprises in supply chains.
The guide, introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, aims to support SMEs in adopting sustainable practices and aligning with ESG standards.
Reaffirming commitment in assisting smaller businesses, Mohammad Faiz said guide was to further ensure “no one is left behind”.
