ASEAN-UK Symposium To Develop ASEAN Creative Economy Sustainability Framework

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 (Bernama) -- The ASEAN-UK Symposium on the Development of ASEAN Creative Economy Sustainability Framework served as a key platform for advancing the region's cultural and creative industries while fostering sustainable development within the ASEAN Creative Economy. 

Tourism, Arts and Culture Deputy Minister Khairul Firdaus Akhbar Khan said that the symposium aims to create a framework outlining a shared vision and strategic directions for advancing the ASEAN Creative Economy. 

He said that the symposium also serves as a platform for knowledge sharing and best practices between ASEAN and the United Kingdom (UK) on the creative economy, where policymakers and stakeholders can explore potential opportunities and strengthen cooperation. 

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“With the right policies and investments, ASEAN can become a global leader in the creative economy. Our shared heritage and rich cultural diversity are our greatest assets, and by working together, we can make a bigger impact worldwide.”

Khairul Firdaus said this in his welcoming remarks at the launch of the symposium, which gathered over 100 participants, consisting of ASEAN policymakers, academia, and practitioners who were engaged to discuss the cultural and creative industries within the regional creative economy.

The ASEAN Creative Economy Sustainability Framework will be one of the key deliverables to be adopted by ASEAN leaders at the ASEAN Summit this year. 

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ASEAN secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn, in his opening remarks, expressed his belief that the ASEAN Creative Economy Sustainability Framework will serve as a roadmap for guiding cross-sectoral collaboration towards achieving meaningful social, cultural, economic, and environmental outcomes in fostering ASEAN Creative Economy.

He also commended the role of the symposium in bringing together key officials from ASEAN sectoral bodies and partners from the UK to develop the framework.

Meanwhile, UK Ambassador to ASEAN Sarah Tiffin said that sharing the expertise and collaborating on the framework will not only strengthen ASEAN’s creative industries but will also foster a future where creativity serves as a cornerstone for inclusive growth.

“The UK is proud to support ASEAN's effort to establish a robust and sustainable creative sector. Creativity and innovation are at the heart of the UK's industrial strategy, driving economic growth, digital innovation, and cultural exchange.

“Through this partnership, we are laying the foundation for stronger cultural ties, innovative businesses, and a thriving regional economy that will benefit generations to come,” she said. 

Director of Southeast Asia at the British Council, Summer Xia, said the ASEAN-UK Symposium marks a powerful step forward in the shared vision of a thriving, innovative, and sustainable creative economy.

He said the British Council looks forward to continuing this journey with ASEAN partners-unlocking new possibilities, amplifying creative voices, and driving lasting impact across the region.

“Through our ASEAN-UK Advancing Creative Economy Programme, we are deepening connections, sparking new ideas, and shaping policies that empower creative industries to flourish. From our launch event in Jakarta last year to this gathering in Kuala Lumpur, the growing momentum of UK-ASEAN collaboration is clear.

“The launch of Arts and Technologies in ASEAN: Interconnected Parts at this symposium reinforces the British Council's commitment to championing creativity as a force for progress, inclusion, and economic growth,” he said. 

Themed ‘ASEAN Creative Economy: From Ideas to Impact’, the symposium is a key milestone in the ongoing efforts to foster closer collaboration between ASEAN member states and the UK in shaping a robust, inclusive, and sustainable creative economy.

The two-day event featured panel discussions from ASEAN and UK experts, as well as workshop sessions on the desired cultural, economic, environmental, and social outcomes to achieve in ASEAN Creative Economy development. These include identified sectoral priorities and institutional mechanisms to drive regional development.

-- BERNAMA