Dear Members,
Greetings from the Council! September has been an active month, with the UN General Assembly (UNGA) concluding and the Council hosting three high-level engagements with officials from Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand. At the same time, the ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) meeting wrapped up in the region, where we proudly led a mission under the leadership of Marc Mealy. On the sidelines, we also engaged with senior U.S. officials, including U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer, to exchange ideas and will share any further updates once Marc returns.
This year's AEM convened at a critical moment, as the trade landscape continues to shift with legal challenges to The International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a new Executive Order on reciprocal tariffs, and the recent announcement of Section 232 tariffs on heavy trucks, pharmaceuticals, and furniture. These developments make our continued dialogue with senior U.S. government officials all the more vital. Over the past weeks, I’ve met with leaders including Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade William Kimmitt, Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg, and Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific Sarah Ellerman to ensure our members’ priorities are front and center.
Early this month, the Council capped off its 2025 Singapore Business Mission with a productive meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan on September 1. Discussions centered around opportunities for deeper regional cooperation and investment. Minister Dr Balakrishnan emphasized Singapore’s commitment to remaining a digitally empowered, reliable, open, and trusted trade and investment partner to the private sector.
A couple of weeks later, the Council hosted a welcome luncheon at the Army & Navy Club in honor of H.E. Tan Sri Shahrul, Malaysia’s new Ambassador to the United States. Ambassador Shahrul, who began his posting in July, has prioritized strengthening U.S.-Malaysia trade ties, including securing a 19% tariff framework agreement with the Trump Administration. The luncheon, sponsored by ConocoPhillips and Tyson Foods, brought together USABC members, the ASEAN diplomatic corps, and senior U.S. officials to hear the Ambassador’s perspectives and discuss opportunities for deeper partnership.
Meanwhile in the region, the Council and the U.S. Executive Director’s Office of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) co-hosted the second Partners’ Night in Manila on September 15, launching activities ahead of the ADB’s 13th Business Opportunities Fair. The evening featured consultations between USABC members and ADB sectoral teams on procurement, digitalization, healthcare, infrastructure, transport, and energy, with participation from the U.S. Government and ADB officials. Nearly 100 senior representatives from government, multilateral institutions, the diplomatic corps, and the private sector attended, underscoring U.S. businesses’ commitment to advancing sustainable development in the region.
Later that week, I welcomed Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy to our Washington, D.C. office. Building on the momentum of the recently-signed long-term purchase agreement between Thailand's PTT and Alaska LNG, our discussion focused on further strengthening Alaska–ASEAN trade and investment ties across key sectors including energy, defense, minerals, and more. We extend our sincere thanks to Governor Dunleavy and his team for their time and dedication to strengthening U.S.–ASEAN trade and investment relations.
On September 23, the Council, in partnership with BCIU and USCC, hosted a business roundtable in New York with H.E. Lương Cường, President of Vietnam, on the sidelines of UNGA. The event brought together senior Vietnamese leaders—including Deputy Prime Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyễn Hồng Diên, and Ambassador Nguyễn Quốc Dũng—alongside more than 100 participants, including executives from 36 major U.S. companies spanning various industries. During the event, President Lương Cường highlighted the vital role of U.S. businesses in Vietnam’s development and encouraged deeper investment to foster a new era of sustainable cooperation.
Later that day, the Council co-hosted a dialogue with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the American Indonesian Chamber of Commerce in honor of President Prabowo Subianto. The dialogue featured Hashim Djojohadikusumo, President Prabowo’s Privy Advisor and Special Envoy on Climate and Energy as well as the Head of the Advisory Board of KADIN; Anindya Bakrie, Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Pandu Sjahrir, Chief Investment Officer of Danantara. The discussion focused on strengthening commercial ties, expanding opportunities for U.S. companies, and improving the investment climate in Indonesia.
Later that week, the Council co-hosted its second regional AI workshop during the ASEAN Public-Private Dialogue on AI with Indonesia’s Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs, bringing together Southeast Asian policymakers, U.S. industry leaders, and local stakeholders from 27 organizations with support from Amazon Web Services, Google, Meta, Salesforce, Qualcomm, and Cisco. On the sidelines, the Council also held discussions with senior officials from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore, including the Chair of ASEAN’s Working Group on AI Governance and Ethics, to explore opportunities for deeper collaboration on digital transformation and AI governance.
On September 26, the Council, in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, hosted a luncheon with H.E. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Thailand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, on the sidelines of UNGA in New York. Minister Sihasak shared insights into the priorities of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s new cabinet and Thailand’s strategic outlook, with discussions highlighting opportunities to strengthen U.S.-Thailand economic cooperation. Building on this momentum, USABC looks forward to advancing shared priorities during our 2025 Thailand Business Mission in Bangkok, November 11–13. Special thanks to PepsiCo, Cheniere Energy, Guardian Industries, Philip Morris International, and Reckitt for their support.
The Council successfully carried out its 26th annual Business Mission to the 57th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from September 24–26, 2025. Ahead of the mission, the Council submitted a recommendation paper to the AEM, highlighting priorities in reinforcing supply chain resilience, accelerating the digital economy, advancing the circular economy, and strengthening workforce development, and subsequently presented these key messages during the AEM-USTR Consultation Session. The mission also featured bilateral meetings with ASEAN Member States, USTR officials, the ASEAN Secretariat, and ASEAN-BAC Malaysia. Through these engagements, the Council reaffirmed the U.S. private sector’s commitment to supporting ASEAN’s post-2025 agenda and advancing the AEC Strategic Plan 2026–2030, with the aim of further deepening U.S.-ASEAN relations.
To end the month, the Council, together with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the American-Lao Business Association, was honored to host H.E. Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of Laos, for a high-level Business Roundtable during his official visit to Washington, D.C. Marking the 70th anniversary of U.S.-Lao diplomatic relations, discussions highlighted Laos’ commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties, with the Prime Minister encouraging U.S. companies to explore opportunities in infrastructure, energy, and agriculture.
We are grateful to our members and partners whose engagement makes these high-level dialogues possible. As always, the Council remains committed to advancing U.S. business leadership and deepening partnerships across Southeast Asia.
Best Regards,
Brian
EXPERT SPOTLIGHT: UNDER SECRETARY LUKE LINDBERG
On September 9th, Amb. Brian McFeeters (ret.) had the pleasure of meeting with newly confirmed Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg.
Under Secretary Lindberg outlined his priorities for addressing the $50 billion agricultural trade deficit, strengthening partnerships through USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, and expanding opportunities in key growth areas such as protein, biofuels, and halal-based foods.
Read the full interview here: https://www.usasean.org/article/interview-under-secretary-luke-lindberg
BOARD UPDATES
Special Board Meeting
On September 11, the Council organized a call with the Board of Directors to build upon discussions from the July Board Meeting in Hanoi. The Council appreciates the Board's strong leadership and support, which has enabled the Council to strengthen its advocacy, thought leadership, and overall business strategy. The Council looks forward to continuing these discussions during its series of Washington, DC Board engagements this December.
Asian American Business Development Center Gala Dinner
The Council was honored to attend the Asian American Business Development Center Gala Dinner in New York City, celebrating the outstanding contributions of Asian American business leaders. The evening underscored the power of empathy and listening in leadership, exemplified by Ram Krishnan’s inspiring journey to lead PepsiCo US Beverages. The Council was represented by Mario Masaya, Vice President for Research on Technology and Financial Services, and Mega Valentina, Research Director for Maritime Southeast Asia and Financial Services. We extend our congratulations to Southeast Asian honoree Leanne Arcinue on her well-deserved recognition, and we look forward to building on the new connections forged at this important gathering.
UPCOMING EVENTS
2025 Business Mission to the 47th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry (September 30 – October 3)
The Council is organizing the 2025 Business Mission to the 47th AMAF, to be held from September 30 to October 3 in Manila, Philippines. The Mission will focus on advancing U.S. collaboration and support in the ASEAN food and agriculture sector by providing key resources and best practices in sustainable agriculture practices, plant science, animal health, nutrition, agri-tech, and food and beverage. In addition, USABC member companies have the opportunity to engage policymakers across ASEAN’s agriculture and forestry sector on topics including trade facilitation, bilateral investments, and smart agriculture. Participating members will join bilateral meetings with each ASEAN delegation and meetings with representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Embassy in Manila. Members that are interested in the 47th AMAF may reach out to Angga Antagia- Senior Director (Singapore) for Food and Agriculture (aantagia@usasean.org) and Hai Pham - Senior Director (Washington, DC) for Food and Agriculture (hpham@usasean.org).
2025 ASEAN Agriculture Attaché Roundtable (October 8)
The Council is pleased to co-host the ASEAN Agriculture Attaché Roundtable (in person) on October 8, in partnership with the Embassy of the Philippines in Washington, D.C. The event will be held at the Philippine Embassy and will feature participation from the embassy’s economic and commercial sections. This Roundtable offers Council members a unique opportunity to engage directly with the agricultural attachés representing all 10 ASEAN member states in Washington, D.C. Discussions will focus on exchanging perspectives and outlining a roadmap to enhance the business environment in ASEAN, while also supporting the efforts of our ASEAN partners in the United States. Members interested in participating in the 2025 ASEAN Agriculture Attaché Roundtable are invited to contact Hai Pham, Senior Director (Washington, D.C.) for Food and Agriculture, at hpham@usasean.org.
World Bank and IMF Engagement Series
The Council will be hosting a high-level engagement series during the 2025 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund in Washington, D.C. The series will feature a series of bilateral meetings with ASEAN ministries of finance and central banks, offering a platform to amplify private sector dialogue in a multilateral setting. The series will be accompanied by a panel and reception featuring ASEAN government delegations. For more information, please contact Max Knight (mknight@usasean.org).
2025 Indonesia Business Mission (October 15-17)
Our 2025 Indonesia Business Mission is taking place October 15-17 in Jakarta. This year's mission, under the theme "Marking a Year of Progress: Strengthening the U.S.-Indonesia Business Relationship," comes at a pivital moment as President Prabowo begins his first year in office and concludes a framework trade deal with President Trump. The program will feature high-level dialogue with senior Indonesian leaders across government and industry, reaffirming the U.S. private sector's commitment to advancing bilateral trade, investment, and public-private partnerships. We look forward to your participation in this important engagement.
Health & Life Sciences Roundtable (October 23)
The Council will be hosting an in-person Health & Life Sciences Committee Roundtable in Singapore. Modeled on our August 2024 Roundtable, this year's Roundtable will be an important opportunity for members to: review the achievements and progress of our committee, refine our collective strategies to better represent and advocate for your interests across the region, provide input to help shape our priorities going into 2026, and meet in-person with committee leadership and fellow HLS Committee members.
DOC-USABC Nuclear Policy 101 Workshop (October 29)
The Department of Commerce (DOC) and US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) will be organizing a workshop on civil nuclear energy adoption as part of Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW). Held at SIEW, during the Singapore-US Forum, this event takes place in the morning of 29 October 2025. The workshop aims to offer a general roadmap for countries to follow for nuclear energy and discuss challenges to implement a nuclear future. As an organizer, USABC is pleased to offer our member companies access to the Singapore-US Forum and invites members to participate as panelists and to also take up tabletop exhibit space. For more information on participation and sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to Christine Wan (cwan@usasean.org).
ADDITIONAL NEWS
ASEAN Committee Leadership Update: The Coca-Cola Company Steps up as the New ASEAN Committee Chair
The Council is pleased to announce that The Coca-Cola Company has stepped up to serve as the new Chair of the ASEAN Committee and has reaffirmed their commitment in supporting the Committee’s initiatives, with a particular focus on advancing the circular economy in the region, strengthening support for ASEAN’s digital trade regime through DEFA, and promoting standards harmonization and SME empowerment. The Coca-Cola Company, as Chair of the ASEAN Committee, will co-lead the upcoming 26th Business Mission to the 57th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ (AEM) Meeting.
Financial Services Committee Update: Manulife Financial Corporation Appointed as Vice Chair
The Council is pleased to announce that Manulife Financial Corporation has been appointed as the new Vice Chair of the Financial Services Committee as of early August. In this leadership role, Manulife will work closely with fellow committee leaders and members to advance the Council’s priorities for the Financial Services Committee on digital transformation, digital payments, and insurance, while also advocating for future-proof policies to unlock financing opportunities and strengthen ASEAN’s financial ecosystem.
Engagement with ASEAN Standards Body
The Council was invited to participate in the 14th Digital Trade Standards and Conformance Working Group (DTSCWG) Meeting of the ASEAN Consultative Committee for Standards and Quality (ACCSQ) on August 20, 2025. In the DTSCWG-U.S. Dialogue Partner session, the Council proposed to conduct a roundtable on “Best Practices in Implementing and Aligning Cybersecurity Standards and Conformance in ASEAN,” focusing on ISO/IEC 27001 and 27002. Member States endorsed the proposal and recommended holding the roundtable alongside the next DTSCWG Meeting on 2–4 December 2025. Members that are interested in this initiative may reach out to Reihan Farial - Associate for ASEAN (rfarial@usasean.org).
COMINGS AND GOINGS
Julius Asilum joined the Manila office as an Associate on September 1. Most recently, Julius was a USABC Fellow supporting our record-breaking ADS Mission to the Philippines. Before joining USABC, he worked with Arangkada Philippines as a Legislation and Advocacy Research Assistant. Julius recently graduated from Ateneo de Manila University with a BA in Political Science and is originally from Mindanao.
Handy Santoso is the newest member of the Jakarta office, assuming the role of Manager for the ASEAN, Customs, Trade Facilitation, and Indonesia teams on September 3. Before joining the Council, Handy worked at the ASEAN Secretariat as a Customs Officer, where he organized regional policy discussions and coordination among ASEAN Member States, on enforcement, compliance, and capacity-building activities for customs officials. Handy holds a Master of Arts in International Political Economy (IPE) from the University of Warwick and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Brawijaya University.
COUNCIL IN THE NEWS
Vietnam — a “shining star” in global FDI flows-Vietnamnet Global
Warburg Pincus wants to support Vietnam in building high-tech data center - TheInvestor
Vietnam urges larger US investment to boost strategic cooperation – VietnamNet Global
American businesses eye long-term growth in Vietnam market - VOV
President Lương Cường attends a dialogue with American businesses - VnEconomy
President Lương Cường invites American businesses to invest in Vietnam - Báo Tiền Phông
Thailand Seeks Return to Global Stage as Foreign Minister Leads UN Push – The Nation
Foreign minister discusses Thai-Cambodian border row with world leaders – Bangkok Post
ASEAN Remains Gallant And United, Deepens Economic Integration - BERNAMA
Diplomat cites enduring US-PH economic relations – Manila Standard
President Luong Cuong’s working trip to US in the spotlight - VOV
US commits health, economic aid in bilateral talks with PH – The Manila Times
