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Who We Are

The RCEP BUSINESS LEADERS FORUM is an influential business group that brings

together a distinguished network of business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors,

policymakers, and professionals from across the 15 nations that make up the Regional

Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).


Established with a vision to foster deeper economic integration and collaboration, the

RCEP BUSINESS LEADERS FORUM acts as a dynamic platform for promoting trade,

investment, innovation, and sustainable development throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

It seeks to serve as the private sector voice within the RCEP framework, creating bridges

between governments and enterprises, and driving strategic dialogues that lead to real

economic transformation.


Headquartered in Malaysia, the Forum is guided by its Founding President, Mr. Jeff Leong,

a renowned international lawyer with a long-standing track record in advancing

cross-border investment and legal frameworks across World. Under his visionary

leadership, the Forum continues to grow as a trusted platform for connecting key players

in the RCEP region and beyond.


ABOUT THE REGIONAL COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP (RCEP)

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is the largest free trade agreement in the world by GDP, covering approximately 30% of global economic output and involving one-third of the global population. It comprises the 10 ASEAN member countries — Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam — as well as Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand.

Signed in 2020, RCEP is designed to simplify trade, eliminate tariffs, harmonize standards, and enhance cooperation across a wide range of economic activities including goods, services, investment, intellectual property, digital trade, and e-commerce. It aims to strengthen regional supply chains, improve transparency, and create new opportunities for economic growth and resilience across diverse economies

VISION AND MISSION OF THE RCEP BUSINESS LEADERS FORUM

The RCEP BUSINESS LEADERS FORUM exists to support the implementation and

expansion of RCEP’s economic goals through private sector engagement. Its mission is to:

  • Drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth by empowering businesses across all member states.


  • Strengthen regional integration by deepening trade and investment linkages;


  • Champion innovation and digital transformation to future-proof businesses in the RCEP economy;


  • Promote cross-border partnerships and joint ventures to stimulate industry and infrastructure development;


  • Serve as a collaborative interface between the private sector and government bodies to shape effective, business-friendly policies.

The Forum acts as a convener of ideas and a catalyst for action, bringing together like-minded stakeholders who share a commitment to building a more prosperous and interconnected Asia-Pacific region.

STRATEGIC PILLARS AND ACTIVITIES

The work of the RCEP BUSINESS LEADERS FORUM is structured around several key pillars that support meaningful collaboration and tangible economic progress:

  1. Trade and Market Access - The Forum organizes business delegations, trade expos, roundtables, and virtual networking events to create meaningful connections and help members explore emerging markets, form new partnerships, and navigate trade regulations.
  2. Investment and Project Facilitation - By acting as a connector between investors, developers, and governments, the Forum helps unlock new investment opportunities in strategic sectors such as infrastructure, logistics, clean energy, manufacturing, technology, and agriculture.
  3. Policy Engagement and Regulatory Advocacy - The Forum engages in constructive dialogue with government agencies, regional institutions, and trade bodies to promote harmonization of standards, regulatory alignment, and ease of doing business across borders.
  4. Innovation and Sustainability - Recognizing the critical importance of environmental responsibility and technological advancement, the Forum promotes innovation in digital trade, green technologies, smart cities, and ESG-aligned business practices.
  5. Capacity Building and Talent Development -  The Forum supports education, mentorship, and leadership development programs that empower the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs in the region. It also champions research collaborations and academic exchanges to strengthen local capabilities and knowledge ecosystems.

CONCLUSION

As the Asia-Pacific region undergoes rapid transformation, the RCEP BUSINESSLEADERS FORUM is poised to play a vital role in shaping the trajectory of regional trade and development. It is more than just a platform — it is a movement led by business leaders who believe in the power of cooperation, innovation, and mutual growth. By fostering high-impact partnerships, facilitating access to markets and capital, and engaging in regional policy discussions, the RCEP BUSINESS LEADERS FORUM is unlocking the full potential of the world’s largest trade bloc. It invites enterprises of all sizes — from startups to multinational corporations — to come together in pursuit of shared prosperity, regional resilience, and long-term success. Together, through collaboration and purpose, the members of the RCEP BUSINESSLEADERS FORUM are building a connected and competitive future for the entire Asia-Pacific.