On the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit 2025 chaired by Malaysia, Perdana Leadership Foundation (PLF), in collaboration with the ASEAN Development Exchange (ADX), organised a Dinner Talk titled “Spotlight ASEAN: ASEAN in Economically Turbulent Times – What is the Way Ahead” at Sunway Resort Hotel on 24th October 2025. The event brought together more than 100 distinguished guests, including business leaders, economists, and academics.
The Dinner Talk featured the 14th President of the Philippines, Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, as Guest Speaker. A distinguished economist and seasoned stateswoman, H.E. Gloria played a pivotal role in strengthening the Philippine economy during her tenure and has long been a steadfast advocate for regional integration and sustainable development within ASEAN.
Held at the Grand Congress, Sunway Resort Hotel, the dinner commenced with Welcome Remarks by Encik Mahmood Razak Bahman, Chief Executive Officer, PUSPAKOM and Trustee, Perdana Leadership Foundation, who highlighted the importance of ASEAN to Malaysia, and introduced the keynote speaker.
“Since ASEAN’s founding in 1967, the ambition has been to create a powerhouse of regional cooperation, representing the shared interests of its sovereign members. It is precisely this principle of collective strength that makes today’s discourse so critical. The theme, “ASEAN in Economically Turbulent Times: What is the Way Ahead?” points to the challenge of our time. This turbulence is not a forecast. It is here in the reality of new tariff regimes and superpower trade wars, in the economic shifts driven by Artificial Intelligence, the widening gap of income inequality, and the escalating pressures of climate change. The timing is also auspicious. As Malaysia prepares to pass the baton of ASEAN chairmanship to the Philippines next year, the insights we glean tonight will carry a special significance, bridging one chapter of leadership to the next,” Encik Mahmood said, in his welcome remarks.
In her keynote address, H.E. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo delivered a compelling reflection on ASEAN’s remarkable journey over the past few decades. She underscored the region’s enduring strength and unity, noting that ASEAN has successfully weathered numerous economic downturns through a steadfast commitment to stability, cooperation, and mutual respect among its member states. H.E. Gloria further observed that, despite internal challenges—including youth-led protests in Nepal, tensions along the Thailand–Cambodia border, and natural disasters in parts of the Philippines—ASEAN continues to exemplify resilience and dynamism, standing as one of the world’s most robust regional blocs. President Arroyo also highlighted the important role that Malaysia has played in ASEAN and continues to play with the convening of the 47th ASEAN Summit.
On ASEAN’s challenges, Her Excellency stressed the following: youth involvement and engagement (she particularly noted the challenges in bridging the age and communication gaps between government and Gen-Z), technological disruption, economic competitiveness, regional security, and climate resilience.
Her emphatic keynote was followed by a fireside chat moderated by Mr Ben Davis, Head of the Malaysian Wealth Group, Melbourne Capital Group. Mr Davis posed questions to President Arroyo on a range of issues, including digital transformation, the foundational strengths required to sustain ASEAN’s long-term development, tariff negotiations, and the importance of collective regional commitment. The session concluded with closing remarks by Mr Nigel Wong, Secretary-General of the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) and Co-Founder of ADX, before dinner was served.
Earlier in the day, President Arroyo was officially welcomed by the hosts, PLF and ADX, as well as sponsor representatives at an exclusive breakfast at the Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill. The breakfast opened with welcome remarks by Mr Anil Pillay, Co- Founder of ADX, and was facilitated by Dato’ Seri Dr Vaseehar Hassan Abdul Razack, Trustee, Perdana Leadership Foundation.
PLF and ADX extend their deepest appreciation to DRB-HICOM Berhad, Citadel Group, RHB Bank, YTL Corporation Berhad, Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Travel Weekly Asia, and Global Net Travel for their sponsorship. Special thanks also to supporting organisations: the Melbourne Capital Group and the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Philippines (MCCI), as well as to Sunway Resort Hotel for its warm hospitality.
