The Live Conversation: Hong Kong-Asean Summit 2025

The Hong Kong-Asean Summit 2025, held at The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong on Tuesday, 9 September, saw more than 300 business leaders, policymakers, and industry experts gather to discuss how the city can expand its role as a super-connector between mainland China and Asean nations. With a focus on economic integration and innovation, the summit provided key insights into the opportunities and challenges that are shaping one of the world’s fastest-growing regions.

Daryl Ng Win Kong, chairman of the Hong Kong-Asean Foundation, opened the summit recalling the foundation’s mission: “Our Foundation was born from the simple idea of promoting and deepening relations with Asean friends through culture, movies, scholarships, thought leadership, and community engagement,” he said, and wrapped up on a note of optimism, saying that he’s looking “forward to contributing to the growing Hong Kong-Asean relations for a brighter and better future for this region.”

Frederick Chin, UOB’s head of group wholesale banking and markets, highlighted Asesan’s rapid economic growth and its importance in the global economy — as well as Hong Kong’s role within this growth. 

“Today, Asean is among the fastest-growing regions with a gross domestic product (GDP) of US$3.9 trillion, [and it’s] projected to be the fourth-largest economic bloc in the world by 2030,” Chin said. However, he also cautioned that businesses will face challenges such as having to navigate regulatory policies, finding local talent, and ensuring data security. Still, he believes that “this is the right time for Asia Pacific to respond to our new reality”. 

Shared Progress

Following Lee and Chin were Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Malaysian minister of Transport, and Ceferino S Rodolfo, Philippine undersecretary for the Industry Development Group (IDG) of the Department of Trade and Industry, and vice chairman and managing head of the Board of Investment. And Rodolfo took the summit as an opportunity to call for closer cooperation between Hong Kong and Southeast Asia to unlock a new era of shared progress. 

One of the standout discussions at the summit was the “Accessing Asean Markets Through Economic Integration” roundtable, which was moderated by Zuraidah Ibrahim, executive managing editor of the South China Morning Post. Joining her were guests Christine Ip, vice chairman of UOB Greater China, and Huynh Thanh Phong, OBE, group CEO of FWD Group, who shared their insights on navigating Asean’s complexities and unlocking its potential.