The Thai private sector is set to promote the concept of "Empowering ASEAN 4.0" at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS) 2019, aiming to drive and elevate business innovation towards sustainable growth while reinforcing the region's prominence in trade and investment.

Mr. Arin Jira, Chairman of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) and Vice Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, stated that this year's ABIS 2019 will serve as a platform to showcase the visions of leading business figures amidst changing dynamics. The private sector will play a crucial role in driving the economy in the ASEAN region and it presents a great opportunity to gain insights and perspectives from top business leaders, enhancing cooperation and demonstrating that ASEAN is a hub for trade and investment.

The event will feature leaders from prominent ASEAN companies such as AirAsia, Grab, Huawei, Toyota Motor Corporation, Singapore Telecommunications, SCG, Singha Corporation, Bangkok Bank, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, and Ant Financial Services Group, sharing their business visions for ASEAN. Additionally, high-ranking executives from international organizations, including the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), along with leaders from various countries, including Canada, have confirmed their participation to share their visions.

This year's ABIS, hosted by Thailand, will focus on the theme “Empowering ASEAN 4.0”, aligning with the core ideas that ASEAN-BAC supports and promotes for 2019, focusing on four main pillars:

  1. Digital Infrastructure (developing infrastructure with technology)
  2. Digital Connectivity (creating digital links to support trade and investment in ASEAN)
  3. Human Empowerment and Development (developing human resources to create new capabilities and reduce unemployment issues in ASEAN)
  4. MSME (facilitating MSMEs to access innovation and funding to enhance their competitive potential)

Furthermore, the event will feature six key seminar topics, including promoting ASEAN's advancement into the global value chain, enhancing the sustainability of the ASEAN economy through the concept of a “circular economy,” supporting young MSMEs in leveraging financial technology, transitioning businesses in ASEAN into the digital age, enhancing digital connectivity, and strengthening human resource capabilities to create new skills and reduce unemployment due to technological changes, as well as building a mentoring network for MSMEs in ASEAN (AMEN).

Mr. Phairach Burapachaisri, Vice Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the ASEAN Business Awards (ABA) 2019 Committee, stated that the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit 2019 and the ASEAN Business Awards (ABA) 2019 will be co-hosted by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Joint Private Sector Committee of three institutions (JCC), which includes the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Thai Industries, and the Thai Bankers' Association, from November 2-3, 2019, at the Impact Exhibition and Convention Center, Muang Thong Thani.

During the ABIS and ABA 2019, there will be parallel activities such as trade exhibitions, business matching events, discussions with the private sector and business community, and opportunities to promote business and strengthen business networks. These parallel activities will seek business opportunities, promote market expansion for entrepreneurs, and publicize products and services. For those interested in participating, the registration fees are as follows: 1) For those attending both ABIS and ABA, the price is 500 USD, with an Early Bird discount to just 300 USD; 2) For those attending one event, the price is 300 USD, with an Early Bird discount to just 200 USD.

For more details, visit https://www.aseanbac2019.org