Juniper
“The ASEAN Business Forum continues to serve as an important platform for connecting businesses, institutions and investors across the region,” said ARFF president, Dato’ Mike Loh
The ASEAN Business Forum 2026 concluded with the exchange of several strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) spanning trade, investment, franchising, tourism, education, halal industry development and ASEAN–China industrial cooperation, reinforcing efforts to accelerate regional economic integration and cross-border business growth across Southeast Asia.
Organised by the ASEAN Retail-Chains & Franchise Federation (ARFF), which celebrates its 18th anniversary this year, the summit brought together distinguished government representatives, diplomats, business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors and industry stakeholders from across the region to explore opportunities for collaboration and sustainable economic growth amid an evolving global business landscape.
A key highlight of the summit was the exchange of multiple strategic agreements involving ASEAN and international partners aimed at strengthening enterprise connectivity, facilitating market expansion and creating new opportunities for trade and investment.
Among the agreements were partnerships between ARFF and the Perhimpunan Waralaba & Licensing Indonesia (WALI), as well as the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC), to strengthen cooperation in franchise and retail development, tourism, trade, cultural and educational exchanges. The collaborations are expected to facilitate business matching, knowledge sharing, trade missions, investment promotion and market expansion initiatives across ASEAN.
The forum also witnessed the exchange of a four-party agreement involving ARFF, Golden Eagle Award, the Shenzhen General Chamber of Commerce and the Shenzhen Industrial Park Association. The collaboration aims to strengthen ASEAN–China business linkages by enhancing enterprise connectivity, facilitating cross-border cooperation and translating business opportunities into tangible commercial projects.
In addition, FengQi Sdn. Bhd., represented by ARFF Vice President and Chairman of ARFF China Office, Dr. Lu Peng, formalised a partnership with Yayasan Tun Razak focused on modern agriculture, halal food supply chains and agricultural processing to support Malaysia–China–ASEAN industrial cooperation. Another agreement between FengQi Global Network Sdn. Bhd. and Hundred Fold Media / Rootify Malaysia will strengthen branding, market outreach and business connectivity through digital, media and industrial collaboration, supporting business expansion efforts in Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region.
“The ASEAN Business Forum continues to serve as an important platform for connecting businesses, institutions and investors across the region. Through these partnerships, we are creating practical pathways for trade, investment and long-term economic cooperation that will contribute to a stronger and more integrated ASEAN economy,” said ARFF President Dato’ Mike Loh.
Beyond business and investment discussions, the event also celebrated regional business excellence through the ASEAN Outstanding Business Award (AOBA) 2026, held in conjunction with the summit.
The award ceremony recognised outstanding businesses, entrepreneurs and organisations that have demonstrated excellence, innovation, leadership and meaningful contributions to economic development across ASEAN.
AOBA 2026 Organising Chairman, Luu Meng, remarked, “As AOBA marks its 11th anniversary this year, the award has established itself as a recognised regional platform that celebrates business achievements while promoting innovation, resilience and sustainable growth throughout the region.”
This year’s award ceremony welcomed distinguished award recipients from 13 countries, reflecting the growing regional and international influence of AOBA as a premier platform for recognising business excellence. The gala dinner was further honoured by the presence of ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from various countries, including Russia, Argentina and Kazakhstan, highlighting the importance of international cooperation and strengthening economic ties between ASEAN and the global community.
“The event is made even more meaningful as we witness the installation of the 2026–2028 ARFF Council Members,” added Luu, who is also the Co-Chairman of the Tourism Working Group, Cambodia Chamber of Commerce.
Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of the ASEAN Lifetime Achievement Award 2026 to Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ir. (Dr.) Lim Hock San, JP, Founder and Executive Chairman of LBS Bina Holdings Sdn. Bhd., in recognition of his outstanding contributions to entrepreneurship, business leadership, economic development and community service.
Widely respected as one of Malaysia’s most accomplished entrepreneurs and corporate leaders, Tan Sri Lim’s visionary leadership has driven the growth of one of the nation’s leading property development groups while contributing significantly to economic progress and community development. His achievements continue to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and business leaders throughout the region.
ARFF noted that the summit and its associated initiatives continue to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a gateway to ASEAN by fostering business linkages, facilitating investment and encouraging greater regional collaboration.
The federation added that the partnerships established during the summit through the MoUs are expected to generate new opportunities for cross-border trade, investment and enterprise development, further supporting ASEAN’s vision of a more connected, competitive and sustainable economic community.
For more information, please visit ARFF at https://arff.my/about.
