The Eighth ASEAN Inclusive Business Forum 2025 was conducted from 11 to 12 September in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, underscoring ASEAN’s commitment in driving inclusivity and sustainability across the region’s economic landscape. The forum was co-organised by the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development, Malaysia, ESCAP, OECD, and the ASEAN Secretariat. This was also made possible with the support from SME Corp. Malaysia, SME Bank Malaysia, Institut Keusahawanan Negara (INSKEN), ASEAN-Japan Centre, Oxfam and TikTok Shop. 

The ASEAN Inclusive Business Forum is an annual activity of the ACCMSME in the implementation of the ASEAN Strategic Action Plan for SME Development 2016 – 2025. The two-day event, held under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability”,  brought together government officials, business leaders, investors, civil society representatives, and development partners to discuss progress and chart future pathways for inclusive business models that empower underserved communities, including the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Central to the forum was the official launch of the Capacity Building and Talent Development Framework for Inclusive Business in ASEAN designed to support ASEAN Member States in enhancing the abilities of businesses and communities to embrace inclusive business models effectively and sustainably.

The forum featured high-level policy dialogues, panel discussions, and success stories, catalytic role of government, innovative financing mechanisms, women-led enterprises, and the integration of social enterprises into inclusive business value chains. 

In recognition of outstanding contributions, the ASEAN Inclusive Business Awards 2025 were presented during the prestigious Gala Dinner, honouring businesses from across ASEAN that have successfully integrated inclusive and sustainable business models that positively impact low-income and marginalised communities. This year also introduced two special awards, the Inclusivity Special Award and the Sustainability Special Award, reflecting ASEAN’s deepening focus on socially and environmentally responsible business growth.