ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn Receives SBF Chairman Mark Lee at ASEAN Headquarters to discuss business priorities
ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn received Mr. Mark Lee, Chairman of the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) and incoming Chair of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) for 2027, at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat on 4 September 2026. The discussion focused on ASEAN’s partnership with the business community, the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Strategic Plan 2026–2030, and preparations for ASEAN-BAC Singapore’s priorities under Singapore’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2027.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the ASEAN Secretary-General and the incoming ASEAN-BAC Chair to discuss the role of the business community in supporting ASEAN’s economic agenda. Discussions centred on reinforcing ASEAN-BAC’s contribution to the implementation of the AEC Strategic Plan 2026–2030, which will guide the development of the ASEAN Economic Community during the 2026–2030 period.
Mr. Lee attended the meeting in his capacity as Chairman of the Singapore Business Federation and incoming Chair of ASEAN-BAC for 2027. Under his incoming leadership, preparations are being undertaken for ASEAN-BAC Singapore’s priorities in conjunction with Singapore’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2027.
The discussion also addressed ASEAN’s engagement with the private sector and the role of ASEAN-BAC in supporting the region’s economic objectives. ASEAN-BAC serves as a platform for the business community to contribute perspectives and recommendations relevant to ASEAN’s economic development and regional priorities.
The meeting between Dr. Kao Kim Hourn and Mr. Mark Lee took place at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat, providing a setting for discussions on the relationship between ASEAN and its business community ahead of Singapore’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2027. The engagement also covered preparations for ASEAN-BAC Singapore and its priorities during the chairmanship.
The meeting underscored the focus on maintaining engagement between ASEAN institutions and the business community as ASEAN advances implementation of the AEC Strategic Plan 2026–2030 and prepares for the next phase of regional economic cooperation under Singapore’s 2027 ASEAN Chairmanship.
Source: The ASEAN Secretariat
