SABC 2023: Promoting ASEAN as a unified investment destination

KUALA LUMPUR: The Selangor ASEAN Business Conference (SABC) 2023 is set to take place from 19 to 22 October, under the theme "Selangor, Epicentre of ASEAN: Leveraging Diversity, Catalysing Opportunity, Creating Prosperity."

Organised by Invest Selangor and supported by the Selangor state government, the conference

aims to explore the investment potential within ASEAN and promote collaborative opportunities.

Datuk Hasan Azhari Idris, Chief Executive Officer of Invest Selangor Berhad, emphasised the importance of unity among ASEAN countries in promoting the region's economic and digital potential, with a focus on e-commerce, fintech and smart city solutions.

"This conference brings together investment promotion agencies not only from Selangor and other Malaysian states, but also from other ASEAN countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines.

"This year, we are highlighting the investment landscape in ASEAN and promoting the region as a united front," he said.

ASEAN's current status as the world's fifth largest economy, coupled with a population of over 650 million, presents a compelling opportunity for investment.

"SABC 2023 is expected to attract around 300 delegates, including ministers from Malaysia and Indonesia, experts and business leaders.

"The speaker line-up includes notable figures such as Tan Sri Nazir Razak, the Chair of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, Dr. Kuniko Hirabayashi, the Secretary General of ASEAN Japan Centre, Dr. Juita Mohamad from IDEAS Malaysia, who will address policy and investment landscape aspects, among others," he added.

The recent launch of Rancangan Selangor Satu or First Selangor Plan (RS-1), a five-year economic roadmap, adds significance to this year's conference, which will also showcase Selangor's economic strength and business potential, positioning the state as the gateway to ASEAN.

"The plan outlines growth strategies in suburban housing development, the Selangor Maritime Gateway and an Integrated Development Region in South Selangor (IDRISS). A total of 108 projects are planned over the next five years to stimulate economic growth.

"Selangor's strategic location, robust infrastructure and skilled talent pool have attracted investment from various countries, making it a thriving economic powerhouse, contributing 5.5% to Malaysia's gross domestic product (GDP).

"In the past five years, Selangor has seen investments from various countries including China, the Netherlands, Singapore, Taiwan and Japan," he said in an interview on Notepad With Ibrahim Sani on Saturday.

With multiple exhibitions and conferences running concurrently, SABC 2023 has adapted to new

circumstances by transitioning to hybrid formats that allow for both physical and virtual participation.

Datuk Hasan Azhari was optimistic about the outcome of the conference, which aims to provide participants with valuable networking opportunities and insights into various industries.

"Hopefully, the Selangor ASEAN Business Conference 2023 will continue to foster collaboration, showcase strengths and drive ASEAN's economic growth, while uniting diverse economies for a prosperous, interconnected future.