KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 (Bernama) -- The two-day 8th ASEAN Inclusive Business Forum (AIBF), which begins tomorrow, is expected to gather more than 400 participants comprising policymakers, companies, investors and international organisations to discuss the development of the Inclusive Business (IB) ecosystem in the ASEAN region.
Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry (KUSKOP) secretary-general Datuk Seri Khairul Dzaimee Daud said the forum, to be held at Sunway Resort Hotel in Sunway City, is one of Malaysia’s key initiatives under its ASEAN Chairmanship 2025.
“Inclusive business is key to generating sustainable regional economic growth while providing opportunities for low-income groups to participate in business value chains,” he said in a statement today.
He said the focus also aligns with the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), which emphasises the development of Social Enterprises (SE), IB and cooperatives.
Meanwhile, Khairul Dzaimee said Malaysia is introducing two new awards this year, namely the ‘Inclusivity Special Award’ and the ‘Sustainability Special Award’, in line with this year’s ASEAN Chairmanship theme, ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’, at the ASEAN Inclusive Business Awards 2025 held in conjunction with the forum.
A total of 10 inclusive business companies from each ASEAN member state will be recognised at the event, he said.
The AIBF will be officiated by Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, while the main event will be attended by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
As an added highlight, the ASEAN IB and SE Showcase will be held from Sept 11 to 14 at Sunway Pyramid from 10 am to 10 pm, featuring 40 booths showcasing a variety of products and services from regional IB and SE companies.
“This showcase is not just a sales platform but also a space to share success stories and social impacts that benefit communities,” Khairul Dzaimee said.
The public is invited to attend in support of inclusive and social enterprises while engaging with regional entrepreneurs and experiencing the unique world of purpose-driven business.
-- BERNAMA
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