Kuala lumpur: The continuous engagement between ASEAN member states and Australia has spurred a significant shift in sentiment among the business community Down Under, with 61 per cent of businesses planning expansion into the region.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Australia-ASEAN Chamber of Commerce (AustCham) and Malaysia Australia Business Council (MABC) chairman Caesar Loong highlighted the findings of the Australia Business in Southeast Asia Survey 2025, which indicated that 70 per cent of respondents are likely to establish operations within ASEAN within five years. Loong emphasized the renewed momentum for trade and cooperation, underscored by the recent visit of the Australian Trade Minister to Malaysia and other ASEAN countries, reflecting Australia’s commitment to strengthening ties with ASEAN.
Loong also commented on Malaysia’s pivotal role as ASEAN Chair, suggesting that the country should leverage its long-standing ties with Australia through language, education, and shared colonial heritage to foster mutual benefits. He proposed that Malaysia could serve as a ‘one-stop’ hub for connecting Australian businesses with investment and trade opportunities in the region.
Malaysia Global Business Forum founding chairman Nordin Abdullah noted that Australia-ASEAN economic and business linkages have progressed since the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit last year, with tangible steps toward enhanced connectivity and cooperation in clean energy, infrastructure development, and digital trade. Nordin stressed the importance of addressing digital threats and highlighted the opportunity Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship presents in pushing for pragmatic outcomes that benefit businesses, especially SMEs.
Nordin further discussed the evolving nature of business and investment, predicting a shift toward smaller, digitally driven, lifestyle-focused ventures. He emphasized the importance of proximity in these ventures, noting Western Australia’s unique position due to its population’s ties to Southeast Asia.
Meanwhile, Australia’s Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson is embarking on a mission to Malaysia and Singapore to enhance Western Australia’s profile and support business expansion into key ASEAN markets. The mission will focus on strengthening partnerships and promoting WA’s capabilities in energy, science, and innovation.
Australia, as ASEAN’s first Dialogue Partner since 1974 and a Comprehensive Strategic Partner since 2021, has committed to enhancing trade and investment ties with ASEAN. Initiatives include a A$2 billion Southeast Asia Investment Financing Facility and an extension of the Partnerships for Infrastructure initiative, underscoring Australia’s dedication to fostering sustainable growth and economic collaboration in the region.