Page 8 - ASEAN BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT SUMMIT 2019

8 ABIS 2019

Message from

Chairman
ASEAN-BAC 2019

As Chairman of ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) 2019, I am honored to
extend a very warm welcome to the Heads of State and Government from various countries for
accepting to be the keynote speakers of ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS) 2019.
My welcome also goes to all delegates and prominent speakers for taking part in ABIS 2019.
The ABIS 2019 is ASEAN’s premier annual business and investment summit. The Summit
coincides with the 35th ASEAN Summit. It provides a platform for the business community
to engage with world leaders, business leaders, entrepreneurs and key decision makers. It
is also the platform for business leaders to meet global and regional leaders on particular
issues that impact the region’s investment attractiveness and business potential. Moreover, it
is a good opportunity for delegates to explore new ideas, challenging perspectives, outlining
opportunities, business networks, and, more importantly, to attain necessary insights to propel
business toward regional success.
This year’s ABIS 2019 revolves around the theme of “Empowering ASEAN 4.0”. ASEAN-
BAC’s theme is indeed looking into the future and also looking ahead at opportunities and
challenges presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). There are four pillars that
underpin the ASEAN 4.0 initiative: digital infrastructure, digital connectivity, human capital
empowerment, and MSME development.
Inside ABIS 2019, we have prominent speakers who will be discussing key topics like
Global Value Chain, Circular Economy, MSME, Digital Transformation and Connectivity, Human
Capital Empowerment, and ASEAN Mentorship for Entrepreneurs Network. These topics will
help prepare ASEAN to take advantage and be ready for the digital era amid the opportunities
and challenges of 4IR.
In addition, the Summit also features a number of exhibitions to showcase products and
services which are the potential of countries in ASEAN and beyond and their businesses.
On behalf of ASEAN-BAC, I would like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to
the government and private sector organizations of ASEAN Member States for continued
cooperation and support to ABIS 2019. On this occasion, I would like to thank the sponsors,
partners, and stakeholders for valued contributions and generous support toward a successful
Summit.

Arin Jira
Chairman of ASEAN-BAC 2019