Hong Kong, (February 12, 2025) – The South China Morning Post (SCMP) is proud to present China Conference Southeast Asia 2025, set to take place on February 17 at St. Regis Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

This SCMP flagship conference will be taking place in Malaysia as the country takes centre stage this year as the rotating Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). Supported by the Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, his cabinet ministers, and the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the conference will examine the China-Asean relationship amid an uncertain global environment and discuss the strategic importance of stronger ties between China, the world’s second largest economy, and Asean, the world’s most dynamic economic bloc.

 

Catherine So, Chief Executive Officer of the South China Morning Post, commented, “At the South China Morning Post, our mission is to lead the global conversation about Hong Kong, Greater China and Asia for our global audience. The China Conference Southeast Asia explores the ever evolving relationship between China and Southeast Asia. It brings together policymakers, business leaders, diplomats, scholars, and thought leaders to dissect opportunities and challenges in the region’s key industries, including information technology, financial services, logistics and supply chain, with a focus on Malaysia’s role as the 2025 Asean Chair.”

 

Tammy Tam, Editor-in-Chief of the South China Morning Post, added, “In an uncertain global environment amid geopolitical tensions and the rise of new technologies led by AI, Southeast Asia stands out as a dominant player, in part due to its proximity to China. With 30 speakers from Hong Kong, mainland China and Asean, and discussions focused on actionable strategies and opportunities for growth, this conference offers unparalleled perspectives on how Southeast Asia will play a pivotal role in driving future innovation, trade, and economic cooperation. SCMP’s editorial team will continue to unpack the many challenges and opportunities in the region through providing our global audience with context, insights and comprehensive coverage.”

Esteemed speakers include:

•       YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia
•       The Hon. C Y Leung, Vice-Chairman, Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference; Former Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
•       The Hon. John KC Lee, GBM, SBS, PDSM, PMSM, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
•       YAB Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister Of Investment, Trade & Industry of Malaysia
•       The Hon. Paul Lam Ting-kwok, SBS, SC, JP, Secretary for Justice, Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
•       Bonnie Chan, Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited
•       Dr. Brian Gu, Vice Chairman and President, XPeng 
•       Amb. Chan Heng Chee, Ambassador-at-Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore; SUTD Honorary Professor, Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities, Singapore University of Technology and Design
•       David Liao, JP, Co-CEO of Asia and the Middle East, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited
•       Prof. Frederick Ma, GBS, JP, Chairman of the Board, FWD Group  
•       Dato’ Omar Siddiq, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Malaysia
•       Dato’ Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour, Governor, Bank Negara Malaysia
•       Dr. Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Professor of International Relations and Senior Fellow, Institute of Security and International Studies, Chulalongkorn University
•       Thomas G. Tsao, Co-founder & Chair, Gobi Partners

A full list of speakers can be accessed Here.

Discussion topics include:

• Hong Kong as superconnector and legal gateway for China – Southeast Asia economic ties
• Deglobalisation vs outbound investments: the presence of Chinese companies in Asean
• Advancing Asean’s economic prospects amid geopolitical pressure
• Reimagining trade and global supply chains for a resilient future
• Electrifying mobility: Asean’s role as a future EV hub
• Advanced manufacturing: Southeast Asia’s industrial evolution and semiconductor growth
• AI innovation: shaping the future of Asean’s technological leadership
• Strengthening economic synergies: Asean and China partnerships in technology and connectivity

The complete Agenda can be accessed Here. 

 

– ENDS –

 

ABOUT THE SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST  

The South China Morning Post is a leading global news company that has reported on China and Asia for more than a century. Founded in 1903, SCMP is headquartered in Hong Kong, where it is the city’s newspaper of record, with a growing correspondent staff across Asia and the United States. SCMP’s vision is to “Elevate Thought” and our mission is to “Lead the global conversation about Hong Kong, mainland China and Asia”. It is the recipient of hundreds of awards for its journalistic excellence, from such prestigious organisations as the World Association of News Publishers and the Online News Association. SCMP also publishes a portfolio of premium lifestyle and fashion titles in Hong Kong including Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Esquire and Harper’s BAZAAR. In 2020, SCMP became the first news organisation in Asia to join the Trust Project, a consortium of top news companies developing global transparency standards for credible journalism.

 

ABOUT CHINA CONFERENCE SOUTHEAST ASIA  

The China Conference Southeast Asia (CCSEA) is presented by SCMP Live. The hybrid event convenes renowned experts and industry insiders, and serves as a premier platform for exploring the evolving relationship between China and Southeast Asia, with a focus on regional trade, technological advancements, and economic cooperation. This is the second time CCSEA is being held in Malaysia, with HSBC as the Presenting Sponsor and The Ministry of Investment, Trade & Industry of Malaysia as the official Country Host Partner. 

 

 

For further information, please contact:  

PR@scmp.com