Sovereign AI, Resilient Economies, and Regional Connectivity Lead FORTUNE ASEAN-GCC-China and FORTUNE ASEAN-GCC Economic Forums 2025

30 May 2025

KUALA LUMPUR:The FORTUNE ASEAN-GCC-China and FORTUNE ASEAN-GCC Economic Forums 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, have concluded with a clear call to action: to advance sovereign AI, deepen regional economic ties, and adopt inclusive growth strategies to navigate global uncertainties.

The opening of the FORTUNE ASEAN-GCC-China Economic Forum (AGCEF) and the Gala Dinner was attended by prominent figures, including His Excellency Pham Minh Chinh, Prime Minister of Vietnam; His Excellency Li Qiang, Premier of the People’s Republic of China; Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia; and His Excellency Dr Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates.

Organised by Fortune in collaboration with the Malaysian Government, the two-day programme brought together heads of government, Fortune 500 CEOs, industry leaders, and innovation pioneers from ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and China. Under the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability," the forums provided a crucial platform for government and business leaders to explore collaborative pathways towards a shared economic future.

Commencing with the AGCEF and Gala Dinner on Tuesday, the events fostered bold discussions on harnessing shared strengths — from natural resources and capital to digital infrastructure and youth-driven innovation — to address today’s geopolitical and technological disruptions.

At the Gala Dinner, the Honourable Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to centrality, effective engagement, and focusing on fundamental economic principles to stimulate growth. He expressed appreciation for the unprecedented cooperation among ASEAN, GCC, and China, highlighting a consensus among regional leaders to issue a joint statement outlining shared principles of good governance, policy clarity, and the protection of citizens’ welfare across all three regions.

His Excellency Li Qiang, Premier of the People’s Republic of China, addressed government ministers, policymakers, and business leaders at the Gala Dinner, emphasising China’s longstanding friendship and cooperation with ASEAN and GCC nations rooted in a rich historical foundation. He stated, “China stands ready to work with ASEAN and GCC countries to strengthen alignment of development strategies and deepen regional cooperation. We must also uphold the WTO-centred multilateral trading system, safeguard the stability and smooth functioning of industrial and supply chains, and continue to pioneer new avenues for our shared development.”

During the ASEAN-GCC Economic Forum, leaders recognised the necessity of establishing a new framework for global AI cooperation, grounded in sovereignty, inclusivity, and robust digital infrastructure. His Excellency Pham Minh Chinh, Prime Minister of Vietnam, described AI as a strategic growth imperative and called for closer alignment between ASEAN’s emerging markets and GCC nations. The leaders also discussed strategies to enhance data infrastructure and foster innovation to support sustainable growth and competitiveness.

The forums underscored a collective commitment to fostering resilient, inclusive, and sustainable regional development in an increasingly complex global landscape.