ASEAN and Asia Forum 2009

Read DPM Muhyiddin Yassin’s speech here

Globalization has transformed economics, trade, and culture world-wide, exerting varying influences, some of which are unique to Asia and The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The global economy was tested with the deepening continuation of the 2008 US financial crisis, demonstrating that global financial markets are highly interrelated and that the emerging markets of Asia and ASEAN are not immune. It remains an open question as to how the recommendations from the G-20 Leaders Summit will affect Asia and, in particular, ASEAN.

US National Intelligence predicted in their report analysis, “Global Trends 2025″ that the world will shift from a unipolar world (one superpower, the USA) to a multipolar world (USA, China, India, with Japan and Russia) exerting influence. Asia would be looking at vast investor opportunities if this paradigm shift does in fact happen. However, inherent risks are tied with these opportunities.

This 2nd ASEAN and Asia Forum will address how governments, multinational corporations and institutions in Asia should individually and collaboratively position themselves in the wake of Asia and ASEAN’s era of risks and opportunities.