# Champions for ASEAN's Economic Future Uniting leaders to drive economic growth and collaboration in Southeast Asia. [Get Involved](https://initiatives.weforum.org/api/communities/v1/public/initiatives/site/page-redirect?initiative_id=b210e487-5bb0-425a-afe5-092053f73769&page_id=2f9df930-2434-48e4-889e-01dc4a9094ac) ## Advancing public-private collaboration for ASEAN’s economic future. The Champions for ASEAN's Economic Future (CAEF) is the World Economic Forum’s multistakeholder community in ASEAN that brings together public and private sector leaders from Southeast Asia and neighbouring regions. It provides a trusted space for dialogue and exchange of ideas, aiming to advance public-private collaboration to support growth and development in ASEAN and the broader Asia-Pacific region. ## Business Dialogue on ASEAN’s Digital Economy 2025 The World Economic Forum's Centre for Regions, Trade and Geopolitics hosted the Business Dialogue on ASEAN’s Digital Economy 2025 with Malaysia's Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, on the sidelines of the 57th ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Meeting on 26 September 2025. ## Our Focus Areas CAEF brings leaders together to exchange ideas and advance collaboration on ASEAN’s key economic priorities, including regional growth, digital transformation and sustainable development. ### Agenda Setting To identify and advance ideas for public-private collaboration in the region. ### Fostering Regional Integration To support efforts that enhance economic connectivity and cooperation across ASEAN and the broader Asia-Pacific. ### Driving Sustainable Development To promote strategies that align with sustainable growth, focusing on digital transformation, green energy transition, and workforce readiness. ## Featured insights [Discover more](https://initiatives.weforum.org/champions-for-aseans-economic-future/static-insights) ### How ASEAN has turned resilience into a strategy and cooperation into a strength ASEAN’s resilience amid conflict-driven economic shocks will depend on deeper integration, wider cooperation, and future growth powered by energy transformation and technology. ### Southeast Asia may be a distinct region but its risks affect each country differently ASEAN faces uneven economic, geopolitical and technological pressures, making it essential to balance resilience and strategic autonomy while ensuring smaller firms and vulnerable workers are not left behind. [Explore](https://www.weforum.org/stories/2026/04/southeast-asia-risks-affect-each-country-differently/) ### ASEAN is a future driver of global growth. Here's how to unleash it As ASEAN moves towards becoming the world’s fourth-largest economy, unlocking MSME financing and strengthening digital protections will be critical to realizing its full digital potential. [Explore](https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/12/asean-global-growth-digital-economy-wef/) ### Implementation options for ASEAN’s Digital Economy Framework Agreement The ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement’s success will depend on effective implementation, backed by strong institutions and regional cooperation. [Explore](https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/04/implementation-lessons-for-asean-s-digital-economy-framework/) ### How ASEAN can thrive through innovation and more collaboration ASEAN must step up investment in digital infrastructure, advanced manufacturing and energy transition as economies such as Viet Nam, Thailand and Malaysia move into higher-value industries. [Explore](https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/07/how-asean-can-thrive-through-innovation-and-more-collaboration/) ### From tariffs to transformation: Why this is the moment for ASEAN to forge strategic autonomy ASEAN's efforts can set a precedent for how other regional blocs preserve autonomy in a multipolar era. [Explore](https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/09/asean-economic-strategic-autonomy/) ### 6 questions for ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn: ‘Diversity is our strength’ At the Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn detailed the opportunities and challenges facing the region. [Explore](https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/01/questions-asean-secretary-general-kao-diversity-southeast-asia/) ### Shaping the Future of Cross-Border Fast Payment Systems: Revolutionizing Transactions in South-East Asia This paper examines the rise of fast payment systems in South-East Asia and the momentum towards expanded cross-border connectivity. [Explore](https://www.weforum.org/publications/shaping-the-future-of-cross-border-fast-payment-systems-revolutionizing-transactions-in-south-east-asia/) ### How ASEAN is building trust in its digital economy ASEAN is one of the world’s fastest-growing regions, with average real gross domestic product growth forecast to reach 4.6% in 2023 and 4.8% in 2024. [Explore](https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/01/asean-building-trust-digital-economy/) ### How data standards, ethical AI and diaspora are key to ASEAN's digital economy The ASEAN region, with 10 dynamic and diverse member states, stands at the forefront of a digital revolution. [Explore](https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/06/ethical-ai-diaspora-aseans-digital-economy/#:~:text=The%20Association%20of%20Southeast%20Asian,efficiency%20and%20attract%20foreign%20investment.) ### Get involved today Join in shaping ASEAN's Future. [Get involved](https://initiatives.weforum.org/champions-for-aseans-economic-future/get-involved)