Tengku Zafrul urges closer Asean ties to overcome trade barriers at aseanX launch

Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) chairman Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz speaks during the launch of the aseanX Forum in Kuala Lumpur October 16, 2026. — Picture by Firdaus Latif

By Syed Jaymal Zahiid

First Published: Friday, 16 Oct 2026 1:08 PM MYT

Last Modified: Friday, 16 Oct 2026 1:12 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 — Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz today hailed private information platform aseanX as a potentially vital tool for deeper regional integration, as South-east Asian nations continue working to unlock Asean’s full economic potential.

The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) chairman said the platform could help bridge information gaps for policymakers and businesses seeking to expand across South-east Asia, where regulatory hurdles continue to hamper more open trade.

“I believe that sharing evidence-based information widely among policymakers, businesses and communities enables better-informed decisions so I hope aseanX can play that role as well,” he said in a brief speech at the launch of aseanX’s main office at Menara Eco on Jalan Pudu.

“Because Asean if you look at the next decade will be shaped by transitions that would call nations to act together... I know Asean members must safeguard their national interests but I believe that greater regional cooperation will strengthen collaboration between Asean countries.”

Corporate figure Tan Sri Mohamed Nazir Razak, who has been involved in various Asean business and economic forums, was also present at the launch.

aseanX describes itself as a “regional community enterprise working to bridge South-seast Asia’s information divide by bringing together local businesses, thought leaders and policymakers across all eleven markets”.