In 2016, the World Economic Forum will celebrate 25 years of shaping East Asia’s regional
agenda with both its international and regional multistakeholder communities. The forthcoming
launch of the ASEAN Economic Community exemplifies the region’s continued commitment to removing
barriers to the free flow of goods, services and people while
improving sustainability, infrastructure and livelihood.
At the same time, recent challenges in the European Union serve as a reminder that the
success of long-term regional integration is contingent upon concurrent investment in
enhancing trust, transparency and understanding among stakeholders from all walks of life.
The rapid rise of East Asia’s economies also reinforces the imperative of ensuring growth with
a purpose, giving social inclusion and environmental protection as much priority as competitiveness
and economic growth.
One year after assuming chairmanship of ASEAN, Malaysia will host the 25th World Economic Forum
on East Asia. In the Forum’s capacity as the International Organization for Public-Private
Cooperation, this meeting will be an ideal platform for senior decision-makers from various
sectors to facilitate greater collaboration between industry, government and civil society,
and to address regional challenges.