The 50th AJBM was hosted by AJBM Thailand under the aegis of the Thai Chamber of Commerce & the Board of Trade of Thailand and co-hosted by the Japan Association of Corporate Executives (Keizai Doyukai) at Okura Prestige Bangkok, Thailand.
The ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting (AJBM) is a multilateral, private-led forum between Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The inaugural meeting was held in 1974 in Tokyo, Japan, on the initiative of Keizai Doyukai, one of the influential national business organizations in Japan.
Behind the creation of this forum was a strong belief among the Keizai Doyukai members of the time, that economic exchange on the private-sector level, supplementing official development aid, should play a key role to realize stability and development of the East-Asian countries. In comparison with other international conferences and forum, the AJBM is unique in providing an arena for private sector dialogue between Japan and ASEAN as a region.
The ASEAN – Japan Business Meeting (AJBM) marked its historic milestone as it celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2024, serving as a testament to the enduring partnership and collaboration between ASEAN and Japan. Over five decades, the AJBM has played a key role in enhancing economic growth & ties between ASEAN and Japan.
The 50th ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting (AJBM) themed “Building Resilient Partnerships for Sustainable Futures” aimed to answer the question of ‘What could occur over the next 10 years to ASEAN, if no action is taken now?’. This theme and central question were discussed through the perspective of three focus industry streams & areas, namely: food security, mobility, and tourism, with each focusing on high-impact issues facing the upstream and downstream of each industry vertical.
These three focus issues reflected the priorities for sustainable development and economic resilience in ASEAN and Japan. Cognisant that addressing these issue would require collective action, innovative solutions and strategic partnerships, the AJBM saw a convergence of key opinion leaders and industry captains in these fields alongside public sector officials to discuss & exchange insights.
Opening Session
Mr Kalin Sarasin, Chairman of the 50th AJBM, Honorary Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand delivered the Welcome Remarks.
Mr Yuji Hirako, Co-Chairperson, Japan-Asia Relations Committee, Keizai Doyukai and Senior Advisor, ANA Holdings Inc., delivered his remarks.
Mr Kanetsugu Mike, Vice Chairperson, Keizai Doyukai and Member of the Board of Directors, Chairman of MUFG delivered his remarks.
H.E. Mr Masato Otaka, Ambassador of Japan to Thailand delivered his remarks.
H.E. Mr Akanat Promphan, Minister of Industry of Thailand delivered the Keynote Speech titled “Strengthening ASEAN-Japan Cooperation for Economic Stability and Sustainability in the Digital Age”.
Dr Somkiat Tangkitvanich, President, Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) delivered a Presentation titled “Strategic Partnerships: Exploring ASEAN-Japan Relations in a Dynamic Global Context”.
Panel Discussion 1: Food Security
The Food Security panel discussed the need for action to prevent potential food shortages in ASEAN countries. Against the backdrop of evolving climate patterns and global supply chain disruptions, the panellists discussed the consequences of inaction, including increased food insecurity and malnutrition, and explored innovative strategies to promote sustainable agriculture and resilient supply chains.
(from left-to-right) Mr Salman Ghazali, Group Chief Strategy Officer, FGV Holdings Berhad & Executive Committee Member of MAJECA, Mr Ichiro Sakakura, President, Ajinomoto Thailand, Dr Poj Aramwattananont, President & CEO, SeaValue Public Company Limited, and Moderator, Mr Muhaymin Khan, Manager, YCP.
Panel Discussion 2: Tourism
The Tourism panel discussed the application and considerations of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles to preserve the tourism value chain and ensure equitable wealth distribution. Discussants explored sustainability through environmentally friendly practices, social responsibility, and ethical governance. Additionally, the panel discussed strategies for ensuring economic benefits reach a broader population, such as promoting community-based tourism, supporting local businesses, and implementing fair wage policies with the aim to reduce inequalities and foster social cohesion.
(from left-to-right) Mr Joydeep Chakraborty, Chief Strategy Officer, Traveloka, Mr Shinya Kanda, President & CEO, ANA X, Mr Hiroyuki Kitagawa, President & CEO, JTB PTE Ltd., Mrs Suphajee Suthumpun, Group CEO, Dusit International and Moderator, Ms Fei Yong, Manager, YCP.
A fireside chat on Food Culture in Tourism between Mr Matthew John Knights (left), Chief Hospitality Group Officer, Asset World Corporation and Associate Professor Dr Jutamas Wisansing, PhD, Managing Director & Consultant, Perfect Link Consulting Group.
Panel Discussion 3: Mobility
The panellists on the Mobility panel discussed the challenge of air pollution and environmental degradation. Discussions revolved around overcoming barriers to mobility, leveraging digital technologies, and advancing sustainable transportation solutions by prioritizing clean and inclusive mobility options.
(from left-to-right) Mr Yew Heng Lim, Group Managing Director, Grab Holdings, Mr Prasanna Kumar Ganeshm, Executive Vice President, Toyota Motor Asia, Mr Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok and Moderator, Mr Nuttapan Meethong, Director, YCP.
Presentation of HR Platform by Keizai Doyukai and ERIA
The AJBM recognizes the importance of cooperation in the field of Human Resources, and Keizai Doyukai with the support Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) had put efforts into the creation of a framework for human capital cooperation. The progress of these efforts & framework was discussed.
(from left-to-right) Mr Yuji Hirako, Co-Chairperson, Japan-Asia Relations Committee, Keizai Doyukai, Mr Nobuhiro Aizawa, Dean and Managing Director, Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)’s School of Government, Mr Kazufumi Watanabe, Group CXO, Executive Vice President and Executive Officer, SOMPO Holdings, Inc. and Respondent, H.E. Mr. Masahiko Kiya, Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN.
Closing Session
Mr Seiji Imai, Co-Chairperson, Japan-Asia Relations Committee, Keizai Doyukai and Chairman, Member of the Board of Directors, Mizuho Financial Group delivered the Closing Remarks.
Photo Gallery
AJBM ASEAN Steering Committee members from Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
Delegates from Malaysia & Members of MAJECA at the 50th AJBM
(from left-to-right) Mr Muhd Hazlam Masri, Special Officer to the Group Chief Strategy Officer, FGV Holdings Berhad, Mr Hiro Chai, Mitsusho Sdn Bhd, Mr Salman Ghazali, Executive Committee Member of MAJECA & Group Chief Strategy Officer, FGV Holdings Berhad, Mr Sivavenayakam Velayutham, Executive Committee Member of MAJECA & Director – Partnership & Key Projects at Finexus Group, Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MAJECA and Mr Samuel Loh, Programme Executive, MAJECA.
(from left-to-right) Mr Samuel Loh, Programme Executive, MAJECA, Mr Seiji Imai, Co-Chairperson, Japan-Asia Relations Committee, Keizai Doyukai and Chairman, Member of the Board of Directors, Mizuho Financial Group, Mr Sivavenayakam Velayutham, Executive Committee Member of MAJECA & Director – Partnership & Key Projects at Finexus Group, Mr Yuji Hirako, Co-Chairperson, Japan-Asia Relations Committee, Keizai Doyukai, Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MAJECA and Mr Salman Ghazali, Executive Committee Member of MAJECA & Group Chief Strategy Officer, FGV Holdings Berhad.
White Paper
Following the conclusion of the 50th AJBM, AJBM Thailand, with the support of YCP Holdings (Global) Limited had prepared a White Paper focusing on food security, mobility, and tourism. This Paper will present key findings and outline proposed strategies to inspire policymakers and businesses to implement impactful reforms may that create lasting change.
The 50th AJBM White Paper aims to provide key insights & highlighted challenging issues faced by each industry, presenting roadmaps and frameworks that sustainable & resilient solutions via strategic, cross-sector collaboration throughout the region.
The reports include:
- Food Security – Addressing vulnerabilities from climate risks and import reliance, this report highlights strategies to build resilient food systems through sustainable practices and local resource optimization
- Mobility – With urbanization intensifying pollution and congestion, this paper explores solutions like electric vehicles and smart traffic systems to enhance urban mobility and reduce emissions
- Tourism – As popular destinations face environmental strain, this report proposes collaborative approaches to promote alternative destinations and sustain regional tourism assets
The link to the 50th AJBM White Paper can be accessed via: https://ycp.com/insights/whitepaper/building-resilient-partnerships-sustainable-futures
MAJECA 