aseanx is live as a regional platform for intelligence on all eleven ASEAN markets.
aseanx is an independent regional community initiative based in Kuala Lumpur. It brings intelligence and insights on business, investment and policy across all eleven ASEAN markets, including Timor-Leste, into one place. The launch event was a small, invited gathering in Kuala Lumpur.
LaunchYM Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz
Chairman, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA); Chairman, Southeast Asian Futures Initiative Centre (SEAFIC)
LaunchYBhg. Tan Sri Nazir Razak
Chairman, ASEAN-BAC Malaysia (2023–2025); Founding Partner and Chairman, Ikhlas Capital
The inaugural aseanx Forum asked how ASEAN can reimagine integration for its next chapter.
Episode 1 was an unscripted discussion among insiders. 2026 marks the first year of the next phase of the region's journey, as ASEAN begins building towards the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. The panel also weighed what a more fractured world means for the choices in front of the region. Catch the full discussion on aseanx TV when it is released.
The panel asked what integration has delivered.
Speakers weighed what regional integration has changed for businesses and communities across the eleven markets.
The panel asked what happens when national interest wins.
Speakers examined how national priorities shape, and limit, the regional agenda.
The panel asked how ASEAN keeps its place.
Speakers considered the region's standing as global trade fragments into competing blocs.
Forum · Ep 1YM Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz
Chairman, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA); Chairman, Southeast Asian Futures Initiative Centre (SEAFIC)
Forum · Ep 1YBhg. Tan Sri Nazir Razak
Chairman, ASEAN-BAC Malaysia (2023–2025); Founding Partner and Chairman, Ikhlas Capital
Forum · Ep 1YBhg. Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria
Former Executive Director, APEC Secretariat; former Secretary-General, Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI)
Forum · Ep 1George T. Barcelon
Chairman Emeritus, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)
Forum · Ep 1Ambassador Ong Keng Yong
Executive Deputy Chairman, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS); former Secretary-General of ASEAN
Forum · Ep 1Ang Shih-Huei
CEO – Asia, H/Advisors; Council Member, Singapore Business Federation (SBF)
Forum · Ep 1Jukhee Hong
Founder, aseanx
Leaders from business, policy and diplomacy across Southeast Asia came together in Kuala Lumpur to launch aseanx.
The morning opened with a special address by Tengku Zafrul and remarks by Tan Sri Nazir Razak. The panel then recorded Episode 1 of the aseanx Forum. Select any photo to view it in full.
The launch of aseanx and the inaugural aseanx Forum drew coverage in print, online and broadcast media.
Tengku Zafrul urges closer Asean ties to overcome trade barriers at aseanX launch
Tengku Zafrul spoke at the launch on sharing evidence-based information among policymakers, businesses and communities.
Asean's trade clout at risk as members strike separate US deals
The Episode 1 panel discussed how separate deals with the United States test ASEAN's collective trade position.
Asean urged to act on haze crisis as panellists slam delays, weak implementation
The Episode 1 panel discussed Southeast Asia's slow response to transboundary haze.
ASEAN perlu sesuaikan perjanjian perdagangan dengan kepentingan negara anggota – Zafrul
Tengku Zafrul said, at the launch of aseanx and the aseanx Forum, that ASEAN trade agreements must fit member states' interests.
扎富睿：不只是某个国家 来东盟投资者选区域
Tengku Zafrul said that investors coming to ASEAN choose the region as a whole, not just one country.
Perjanjian perdagangan ASEAN perlu disesuai dengan kepentingan negara anggota – Tengku Zafrul
Tengku Zafrul said that ASEAN trade agreements must be adapted to the interests of member states.
ASEAN perlu nilai semula kepimpinan, perkukuh peranan sekretariat – Nazir Razak
Tan Sri Nazir Razak said that ASEAN should rethink its leadership and strengthen the role of the ASEAN Secretariat.
Tengku Zafrul Calls For Lower Trade Barriers To Boost Intra-ASEAN Trade
Tengku Zafrul called for lower barriers to trade within ASEAN after the aseanx launch.
The beta version of aseanx is open to the public.
aseanx Intelligence and MERIDIAN read all eleven ASEAN markets as one operating picture, sourced and dated. Businesses, investors and institutions working across the region are invited to say what serves them and what is missing.
Write to us →Episode 1 of the aseanx Forum was held in Kuala Lumpur on 16 October 2026.
Questions about the Forum or speaking on a panel can go to hello@aseanx.co.