The ASEAN Circular Economy Forum (ACEF 2025) will be held in Kuala Lumpur. The forum runs on 16 and 17 October 2025 at KLCC. The event is part of ASEAN Circular Economy Week.
Purpose and themes
The forum aims to speed up the region’s shift to circular systems. It brings together policymakers, business leaders, academics, and civil society. Key themes include policy frameworks, green skills, innovation, financing, and waste management.
Agenda and format
ACEF 2025 will combine plenaries, thematic tracks, and hands-on workshops. Speakers will include regional ministers and private-sector champions. The schedule focuses on practical solutions that can be scaled across ASEAN member states.
Private sector action
The private sector is stepping up. The ASEAN Circular Economy Business Alliance (ACEBA) now provides an avenue for companies to share best practices and collaborate. ACEBA aims to mobilise business action and peer learning across the region.
Malaysia’s policy push
Malaysia is hosting the forum during its ASEAN chairmanship year. The country has launched a Circular Economy Blueprint for Solid Waste (2025–2035). The blueprint sets out pillars such as governance, digitalisation, infrastructure, market creation and incentives.
Why this matters
ASEAN faces fast urbanisation and rising waste streams. A circular transition can reduce pollution and secure material supplies. It can also create new green jobs and local value chains. The forum is a chance to match policy with investment.
Barriers to scale
Funding gaps remain for early circular ventures. Capacity varies across countries. Informal waste actors need support to join formal value chains. Better data and aligned regulations are also needed.
What to expect after the forum
Participants will be asked to commit to concrete follow up actions. The hope is to turn dialogue into national roadmaps and bankable projects. Strong public-private partnerships will be essential.
Regional cooperation and innovation
The success of ACEF 2025 will also depend on stronger regional cooperation. Cross-border projects in recycling, bio-based materials, and renewable energy are expected to be announced during the event. Innovation hubs and start-up accelerators from Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam will present pilot solutions in packaging, food systems, and green manufacturing. These collaborations show that ASEAN’s strength lies in sharing knowledge, scaling innovation, and creating joint standards that make circular economy growth real and measurable.
ACEF 2025 is arriving at a critical moment. It offers a platform to turn regional ambition into results. If commitments are followed by finance and implementation, ASEAN could move faster toward a resilient, low-waste future.
