Dear Members,
There were 64 working days in Q1, and I’m proud of our teams for putting on 32 events during that period, both in the ASEAN region and DC, including several well-subscribed business missions (see Q1 SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES, last item below). Also grateful to members for joining and supporting. Advocacy is a contact sport.
This month, to cite two highlights, I was honored to join about a dozen USABC member company representatives at a March 9 dinner and mingling session with Philippine President Marcos, and a March 23 session hosted by USABC Chair Warburg Pincus for Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh to talk about the Vietnam International Finance Center, both in NYC. Our Philippines team had a packed month, hosting roundtables on health, food security, sustainable supply chains and logistics, and digital economy and workforce development, with one more roundtable on AI set for April 14 (see SPECIAL PROJECTS, below). Those are in support of the Philippines’ ambitious 2026 ASEAN Chairship.
We also continue to work priority issues behind the scenes: I joined about 25 of our member companies on March 30 on a late night (DC time) call with lead Digital Economic Framework Agreement (DEFA) negotiator Prewprae Chumrum to talk how USABC can help DEFA succeed. I welcome your ideas and suggestions on how we can best support your company (bmcfeeters@usasean.org).
Best Regards,
Brian
MARCH EVENTS
We began the month hosting Acting Director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) Thomas Hardy for a business roundtable on March 2. The meeting convened members to discuss “fully funded” USTDA’s strategic engagement across ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific. Topics included USTDA’s positioning in the region, the evolving Indo-Pacific energy security outlook, and priorities ahead of the March 14-15 Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum (IPEM) in Tokyo which included the participation of the US Secretaries of Energy and the Interior, who co-lead the administration’s National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC). Developments in critical infrastructure, resilient supply chains, and public-private initiatives shaping the commercial landscape were also discussed.
On March 3, the USABC and member companies held a roundtable on Capitol Hill with Congressman Ryan Zinke, Chairman of the Foreign Military Sales Task Force of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Representative Zinke and his team shared insights into the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) approval process, the Task Force’s priorities in ASEAN, and broader U.S.–ASEAN foreign policy initiatives, including artificial intelligence and energy security. USABC expressed its commitment to working closely with Representative Zinke’s office to advance shared objectives across key industry areas, particularly in the context of the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship.
On March 3rd, USABC was pleased to host leading Indo-Pacific expert Lindsey Ford, former senior U.S. Defense Department official, from the Center for a New American Security and Ann E. Kowalewski from Beacon Global Strategies for a timely geopolitical briefing in Singapore. The discussion ranged from the implications of rising tensions in the Middle East and impacts on energy prices, supply chains, inflationary pressures, and regional stability – to updates on how the U.S. is approaching discussions around tariffs and transshipment, energy and technology, and how ASEAN and broader Indo-Pacific countries are reacting.
On March 5, we were honored to host His Excellency Dr. Suriya Chindawongse, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the United States, for a special roundtable discussion following the recent 2026 General Election. Ambassador Suriya shared valuable insights on Thailand’s current economic and political landscape, the outlook for U.S.–Thailand trade relations, and the direction of the new administration as it continues to shape its policy agenda. The conversation also addressed sector-specific business perspectives across food and agriculture, travel and tourism, energy and sustainability, and digital economy, along with opportunities to deepen U.S.–Thailand economic engagement.
President Marcos Reception and Sideline Programming
On March 9, the Council and select member companies had the opportunity to attend a business reception in honor of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on the occasion of his visit to New York City. During the reception, the President warmly engaged with U.S. private-sector representatives, underscoring the longstanding collaboration between the Philippine government and its industry partners. The dinner signaled growing investor confidence and reinforced the Philippines’ commitment to providing a welcoming environment for business. (image I)
On the sidelines of this presidential visit, the Council convened two roundtables with stakeholders in New York City. The first brought together Consul General of Indonesia Winanto Adi and our member companies, along with representatives from Bank Indonesia, the Indonesia Investment Promotion Center (IIPC), Bank Rakyat Indonesia, and Bank Negara Indonesia. The discussion covered Indonesia’s macroeconomic outlook, implications of Danantara for foreign investors, and priority sectors. Many thanks to our Board Chair Warburg Pincus for hosting. (image II)
The second roundtable featured the Philippines Secretary of Information and Communications Technology Henry Aguda. Discussions with member companies emphasized the importance of accelerating digital government services delivery to support innovation and private sector-led growth. During the roundtable, DICT announced concrete partnerships with USABC member companies to advance cybersecurity resiliency and digital connectivity. We appreciate Brunswick GroupPartner Seth Faison for generously hosting this roundtable on short notice. (image III)
On March 11, the Council, in partnership with the Embassy of Vietnam in the United States and the Columbia University Weatherhead East Asian Institute, co-hosted an executive leadership forum titled “Strengthening U.S.–Vietnam Relations through Technological Partnerships and Cooperation: Harnessing Strategic Technology Sectors for a New Phase of Bilateral Cooperation.” The program brought together senior government officials, industry leaders, and academic experts from both countries to explore how the two countries can deepen collaboration across strategic technologies from semiconductors to AI, big data, quantum, cloud, cybersecurity, robotics, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing, in line with the 11 strategic technology groups that Vietnam announced in 2025. Discussions also addressed critical infrastructure needs to promote strategic technologies including energy, data, networks, cybersecurity, and standards, among others. Speakers highlighted the growing U.S.–Vietnam complementarity in high-tech supply chains, and the essential role of talent development, trusted infrastructure, enabling regulatory environments, and financing tools offered by U.S. agencies such as DFC, EXIM, and USTDA. The forum concluded with a shared commitment to translate momentum in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership into concrete, actionable technology partnerships that support sustainable growth and mutual prosperity.
Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial & Business Forum: IPEM
See the LinkedIn video here.
USABC participated in the Indo-Pacific Energy Ministerial and Business Forum in Tokyo on March 14-15, which focused on strengthening energy security and enabling energy trade and investment across the Indo-Pacific. Discussions underscored the importance of mobilizing private sector investment, improving regulatory clarity, and scaling technologies such as LNG, nuclear energy, AI-driven energy solutions, and critical infrastructure to help countries diversify their energy sources, which is a driver for broad-based economic growth, while advancing a shared vision for a secure, prosperous Indo-Pacific. As part of its support to the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, USABC arranged speakers from its member companies, including Excelerate Energy, Chevron, and I Squared Capital. At the forum, USTDA also advanced key initiatives and partnerships, including renewing its cooperation with Japan Bank for International Cooperation in Japan, launching the U.S. Global Gas Initiative, supporting regional Indo-Pacific engagement on advanced nuclear technologies, and announcing a pilot project in Indonesia with Lilac Solutions and PT Geo Dipa Energi to extract lithium from geothermal brine.
On March 23, I was privileged to join a Warburg Pincus-hosted investment seminar led by WB Managing Director Christopher Turner and Vietnamese Nguyen Hoa Binh to talk about the Vietnam International Finance Center, to be co-located in HCMC and DaNang. The DPM and his colleagues explained the investor-friendly features to be introduced, including tax reductions and other incentives. DaNang is earmarked as a center for advanced fintech.
Business Roundtable on Digital Assets with Networking Reception
On March 25, the Council convened leading U.S. digital asset companies for a discussion on the evolving regulatory landscape for digital assets in both the United States and Southeast Asia, noting that the USG is pushing for acceptance of US stablecoins in ASEAN and elsewhere. The program concluded with a U.S.-ASEAN networking reception, generously hosted by Robinhood, which brought together officials from the U.S. government, ASEAN embassies, Congress, member companies, think tanks, and the broader Southeast Asia policy community in Washington.
On March 26, USABC convened an in-person dialogue with Singapore’s Minister of State for Trade & Industry and National Development Alvin Tan. Building on the recent Committee of Supply budget announcements, the dialogue covered key developments shaping the region, including the shifts in the global political environment as well as progress on ASEAN initiatives such as DEFA and early preparations for Singapore’s 2027 ASEAN chairmanship.
On March 31, the US-ASEAN Business Council was pleased to host its ICT Committee Meeting at ICT Committee Chair Cisco's Washington, DC office. The meeting featured a timely discussion with Acting Assistant Secretary Bill Guidera of the International Trade Administration, highlighting the importance of the American AI Exports Program, outlook of U.S.-ASEAN digital economy collaboration, and broader opportunities for public-private partnership.
SPECIAL PROJECTS HIGHLIGHT
Philippines ASEAN Chairship Roundtable Discussion Series
In March, the Council and ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Philippines marked a significant milestone in their support of the Philippines' 2026 ASEAN Chairship, formalizing their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding and convening four of five high-level roundtable sessions. Across both the signing and the sessions, the series brought member companies into the conversations, aiming to help shape ASEAN's direction for the year while engaging high-level officials from the Philippine government, multilateral institutions, think-tanks, and other key stakeholders.
The inaugural session examined the intersection of food systems, environmental sustainability, and public health, with Undersecretary Eduardo Punay of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the agency chairing the Socio-Cultural Community, Assistant Secretary Noralene Uy of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and former Agriculture Secretary William Dar, now Senior Adviser at ASEAN-BAC Philippines, providing government perspectives.
The second session focused on how preventive healthcare, digital health, and AI intersect with economic competitiveness and regional integration, with participants calling for healthcare to be elevated within ASEAN's economic pillar, with Secretary Henry Aguda of the Department of Information and Communications Technology and Director-General Paolo Teston of the Food and Drug Administration leading a whole-of-government panel aligned with the Philippines' Priority Economic Deliverable 13 on AI for Health.
The third session took up one of ASEAN's most operationally urgent challenges, strengthening ASEAN supply chains in the context of geopolitical tensions, climate disruptions, and illicit trade, with government perspectives from Undersecretary for Supply Chains Mary Jean Pacheco of the Department of Trade and Industry, Deputy Commissioner Marissa Cabreros of the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Assistant Secretary Rhenita Rodriguez of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Director Raul Nagrampa of the Bureau of Customs, and Atty. Ferdinand Pauig, Chair of the ASEAN Single Window Legal and Regulatory Working Group.
The fourth session examined how ASEAN can accelerate inclusive digitalization and close digital divides, with Digital Economic Framework Agreement (DEFA) adoption on the horizon and workforce readiness emerging as the critical determinant of success, meriting responses from Director General Kiko Benitez of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Undersecretary Sancho Mabborang of the Department of Science and Technology, Undersecretary Leandro Angelo Aguirre of the Department of Information and Communications Technology, and Assistant Secretary Janir Datukan of the Department of Education, among other senior officials.
Artificial Intelligence, April 14
The fifth and final session will complete the series ahead of the Strategic Action Plan launch on April 29.
ADVOCACY
Online Safety Act (ONSA)
Malaysia’s Online Safety Act (ONSA) 2024 was passed in December 2024 with very limited stakeholder engagement. Based on feedback from our SMP members, we understand that the Ministry of Communications held only a small number of briefings with SMPs, with access to draft texts remaining limited. Since the Act’s passage, USABC has been advocating for broader public consultations on the proposed frameworks and measures.
In December 2025, the Council submitted an industry letter urging the government to expand public consultations on the proposed act ahead of ONSA’s implementation on January 1, 2026. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has since released consultation papers on the proposed Online Safety Plan (OSP) and the Codes of Duties in late February this year. The consultation is currently ongoing, and we are now preparing a consolidated industry submission.
First Structured Engagement with Customs and Tax Authorities Yields Early Results
On the sidelines of the Philippines ASEAN Chairship Roundtable Discussion Series, USABC met separately with Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno and BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza to address members’ customs and tax concerns. At the Council’s suggestion, both agencies agreed to pilot a shared working tracker, maintained by USABC, to consolidate urgent and actionable member issues, alongside status updates and designated points of contact.
The mechanism introduces greater structure to processes that most members must navigate regularly, and that have often proved complex. Though still a work in progress, it has already begun to improve coordination and shorten resolution timelines for some companies. Members reported improved engagement with the Bureau of Customs, including the expedited updating of permits and certificates. In one instance, sustained coordination enabled a company to secure its import permit and resume operations without disruption, supporting business continuity in the Philippines.
US-ASEAN BUSINESS COUNCIL INSTITUTE (USABCI) UPDATES
USABCI Awards First VWAI Grant of $50,000 to Cultural Vistas
USABCI’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Cultural Vistas has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the US Department of Defense/War, through USABCI, in support of the Vietnam Wartime Accounting Initiative (VWAI). This funding will enable us to advance our work, expand our impact, and deliver meaningful outcomes for a key priority of the Vietnamese government and the Vietnamese people.
The USABCI Board is grateful for Cultural Vistas’ partnership and shared commitment to VWAI and looks forward to driving progress and creating lasting value and partnership with the people of Vietnam.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: MEMBERSHIP SURVEYS
December 2025 Membership Survey
Find the link here.
Geopolitical Developments & Impacts on Business Operations in ASEAN
Find the link here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
2026 Virtual Business Mission to the 13th ASEAN Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting (AFMGM) (April 8-10)
The Council will convene a virtual (based on Government of Philippines energy-saving policy) Business Mission in conjunction with the 13th ASEAN Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting (AFMGM), bringing together U.S. industry leaders and key ASEAN financial authorities to advance shared priorities across three core themes: accelerating ASEAN's digital transformation and regional competitiveness for trade and capital markets, enhancing ASEAN's digital payments ecosystem, and advocating for future-proof policies to safeguard long-term development in the region. The Mission will include a plenary session with ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, as well as bilateral meetings with finance ministries and central banks across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, in addition to engagement with the ASEAN Secretariat and U.S. Treasury. The Mission provides participants with targeted opportunities to advance regulatory alignment, promote responsible digital finance innovation, and strengthen the frameworks needed to support a resilient and inclusive Southeast Asian financial system. For more information, please contact Christine Wan (cwan@usasean.org) or Bella Afifa (safifa@usasean.org).
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Workshop in Malaysia (April 9)
The final workshop in the Strengthening Regional Circular Economy Cooperation through EPR Engagements series will take place on April 9 in Kuala Lumpur, with the aim to strengthen circular economy initiatives and address growing waste management concerns across Southeast Asia. The main focal points of discussion will include Effective and Inclusive EPR Schemes through Producer Responsibility Organizations, Innovative Enablers of the Circular Economy, and Strategic Opportunity for Malaysia’s EPR Direction. Please email Reihan Ihza Farial (rfarial@usasean.org) with any questions.
Digital Transformation in Government: Artificial Intelligence (April 13-14)
In April, the Council will convene a two-part series on artificial intelligence in Manila: a capacity-building workshop on April 13, followed by a roundtable on April 14. The workshop will focus on practical applications of AI in government; the roundtable will sharpen public-private dialogue on policy priorities ahead of the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN chairmanship. Set against mounting energy pressures, both engagements aim to reinforce resilience, spur innovation, and accelerate digital transformation in the public sector- while deepening collaboration among business, government, and partners on the responsible adoption of AI. Should you be interested in attending these events, contact Cath Salazar (csalazar@usasean.org).
2026 Vietnam Business Mission (April 14-16)
The Council is pleased to announce that the annual Vietnam Business Mission will be held on April 14-16 in Hanoi. Taking place at a pivotal moment following the conclusion of Vietnam's 14th Party Congress, the Mission will engage new senior leadership and key ministries across a broad agenda spanning digital transformation, energy security, green and circular economies, global supply chain integration, banking and capital markets, healthcare, and business environment reform. As one of the first U.S. private-sector delegations to Vietnam under the new Party Congress’ term, the Mission will provide participants with high-level access to government counterparts, including the CPV General Secretary, Prime Minister, and National Assembly, as well as a broad range of ministries and state enterprises. Engagements with the U.S. Embassy, international financial institutions, and a senior economists’ luncheon are other highlights. The Mission offers a unique opportunity to shape policy, address investment bottlenecks, and demonstrate the long-term commitment of the U.S. private sector to Vietnam's business and development priorities. For questions, you may contact Le Nguyen (lnguyen@usasean.org).
COMINGS AND GOINGS
A very warm welcome to Bhredipta "Bhre" Socarana who joined the Indonesia team on March 2 as Country Representative. Bhre’s expertise lies in digital infrastructure and intellectual property.
Bhre worked for the Indonesian Government at the Ministry of Communications and Informatics (now Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs) and the Ministry of Cooperatives, advising senior officials on digital policy and platform regulation. He handled national cybersecurity incidents affecting hundreds of government agencies and assessed digital transformation readiness for key national programs. He was also involved in the development of Indonesia’s legislation and policies related to the digital ecosystem and supported Indonesia’s OECD accession process in various areas, including the digital economy.
In the private sector, Bhre worked for a Singpore-public policy consulting firm and a Jakarta law firm where he has providedcompliance guidance covering Asia-Pacific jurisdictions and advised multinational companies on market access, technology compliance, and issues affecting the entertainment and creative industries.
Bhre earned a Master of Laws (LLM) from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Bachelor of Laws from Universitas Gadjah Mada.
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After two years, the Council bid farewell on March 20 to Logan Carnicelli, Associate Country Research Analyst, Energy; Philippines; Food & Agriculture; Customs, Trade, and Supply Chains; and Timor Leste. The Council will miss Logan’s energy sector contributions, his enthusiasm, and his entrepreneurial spirit.
COUNCIL IN THE NEWS & MEDIA UPDATES
Interim CEO op-ed: Why tariffs aren’t the biggest factor holding back US-Asean trade
From Classrooms to Climate Impact: Two Careers Flourish in Singapore
Southeast Asia could become a booming AI market if its data centers can beat the heat | Fortune
PH military, maritime leaders slam coercion, status quo shifts in WPS - THEPHILBIZNEWS
Inclusive digitalization, workforce urged as ASEAN nears DEFA adoption | Philippine News Agency
Phl pushes digital, workforce agenda for ASEAN
ASEAN, US biz councils push for SE Asia supply chain resilience | Philippine News Agency
Rosen Partners CEO meets Vietnam's Public Security Minister to boost cooperation
Trump's AI exports program moves to the next phase
Cambodia and US strengthen investment cooperation through 4th Public-Private Dialogue - Khmer Times
US medical company to invest $200M in PH manufacturing plant — Marcos - Malaya Business Insight
Forum discusses Vietnam-US tech cooperation
Marcos Pitches the Philippines' Bid For UN Council Seat | OneNews.PH
Vantive executive discusses reframing Vietnam's dialysis challenge - VnExpress International
The Philippines is open for business, President Marcos tells American investors
Amending the Law on Foreign Trade Management: Responding to the rapid changes in the global market.
Việt Nam steps up cooperation with US businesses to attract international capital
Where Innovation Meets Regulation: FDA Joins ASEAN Healthcare Dialogue
Q1 SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES
(Business Missions in bold)
Completed Events (United States)
Jan. 5 – Roundtable with Assistant Secretary of State Michael DeSombre (EAP)
Jan. 22 – Roundtable with Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez
Feb. 2 – Exclusive Roundtable with Vietnam Minister of Industry & Trade
Feb. 5 – Roundtable on Subsea Cable for Vietnam Delegation
Feb. 18 – Roundtable & Gala Dinner with Indonesia PresidentPrabowo Subianto
Feb. 19 – US-Indonesia Economic Dialogue with KADIN and APINDO
Feb. 25 – Defense Attaches’ Speaker Series feat. DPAA Director Kelly McKeague
Feb. 26 – CCAG (Q1, US-China-APEC)
Feb. 26 – Roundtable with Assistant Secretary of Commerce David Fogel
March 2 – Roundtable with USTDA Director Thomas R. Hardy
March 3 – Roundtable with Representative Ryan Zinke on U.S. Foreign Policy in Asia
March 5 – Roundtable with Thailand Ambassador to the U.S. Suriya Chindawongse
March 9 – Roundtable on Trade, Tariffs, and Investment Opportunities in Indonesia hosted by Warburg Pincus in NYC
March 9 – USABC and 12 member companies at PresidentMarcos’ NYC dinner
March 10 – Roundtable with DICT Secretary Aguda, Govt of Philippines
March 11 – US-Vietnam Technological Partnerships Forum (co-hosted with Columbia University & Vietnam Embassy)
March 23 – Warburg Pincus Investment Event for Vietnamese DPM in NYC
March 25 – Roundtable on Digital Assets
March 31 – ICT Committee Meeting Featuring ITA DAS Bill Guidera
Completed Events (ASEAN)
Jan. 9 – Luncheon with U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Sean O’Neill (Bangkok, Thailand)
Jan. 12–14 – Digital Economy Mission to Vietnam (Hanoi, Vietnam)
Jan. 13–16 – Business Mission to ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting (Hanoi, Vietnam)
Jan. 20 – Indonesia ICT Workshop (Jakarta, Indonesia)
Jan. 26–30 – Business Mission to Meeting of the ASEAN Tourism Ministers (Cebu, Philippines)
Jan. 29 – Southeast Asia Briefing with Vriens & Partners (Singapore)
Jan. 29 – ASEAN-BAC ASEAN Chairship Handover Ceremony (Manila, Philippines)
Jan. 30 – Philippines Chairship Briefing (Singapore)
Jan. 31 – 27th Joint Business Council Meeting (Batangas, Philippines)
Feb. 3–4 – Farm to Table Multistakeholder Forum (Jakarta, Indonesia)
Feb. 9 – 10 – Roundtables with Asia Tech Alliance on AI and Data Centers (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
Feb. 10–11 – Business Mission to the ASEAN Secretariat–Philippines 2026 Chairship (Jakarta, Indonesia)
Feb. 16 – Closed-Door Discussion on Thai Politics with a Briefing by BowerGroupAsia Thailand Director (Bangkok, Thailand)
Feb. 20 – Roundtable with Agriculture Counsellor Adam Branson (Bangkok, Thailand)
March 3 – Briefing with Lindsey Ford, Adjunct Senior Fellow at the Center for a New American Security (Singapore)
March 3 – Philippines ASEAN Chairship Strategic Initiative Roundtable 1: Sustainability and Food Security (Manila, Philippines)
March 4 – Philippines ASEAN Chairship Strategic Initiative Roundtable 2: Healthcare (Manila, Philippines)
March 10 – Roundtable with the US State Department Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Director of the Office of Economic Policy and Alternate Senior Official for APEC Joseph Bristol (Singapore)
March 18 – Philippines ASEAN Chairship Strategic Initiative Roundtable 3: Sustainable Supply Chains and Logistics (Manila, Philippines)
March 19 – Philippines ASEAN Chairship Strategic Initiative Roundtable 4: Digital Economy and Workforce Development (Manila, Philippines)
March 26 – Post-Committee of Supply 2026 Dialogue with Singapore MOS Alvin Tan (Singapore)
March 31 – 2026 Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) Briefing with DEFA Negotiating Committee (Virtual)
