China Conference: Southeast Asia 2025 spotlights economic and technological opportunities
Digital collaboration between Asean nations and China boosts opportunities for growth
Amid a resurgence of rising tariffs and competition for power, geopolitical and global economic uncertainty is on the rise. However, the China Conference: Southeast Asia 2025 sent a message of reassurance, with speakers including Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and David Liao, co-CEO of Asia and Middle East for HSBC, stressing the need to expand cooperation to stimulate regional growth.
In recognition of Malaysia’s role as this year’s Asean chair, SCMP’s China Conference, supported by HSBC as the presenting sponsor, brought together the region’s leading politicians, business leaders and public figures in Kuala Lumpur on February 17.
Anwar set the scene, emphasising the need of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations bloc to strengthen ties with China, the Middle East and other emerging economies to mitigate potential economic shocks.
“We must act with urgency, unity and ambition to secure a prosperous future for all,” Anwar said. “This is not a time for incrementalism or short-term thinking. Let us build a future based on trust, innovation and shared aspirations.”
The conference focused on the sectors driving the region’s growth, opportunities for technological collaboration, and Hong Kong’s role in connecting mainland China and the world.
A panel discussion titled “Deglobalisation vs Outbound Investments: the Presence of Chinese Companies in Asean” examined the expansion of Chinese companies into Asean and how strengthening Asean-China trade fosters mutual economic opportunities.