From Left : SSP Asia Rayyan Sudhakar and Guna Mahalingam
KUALA LUMPUR, May 6, 2026 — The ASEAN Leadership and Partnership Forum (ALPF) was successfully held at The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur, reaffirming its position as one of the region’s leading platforms for advancing economic cooperation, inclusive and sustainable development, and regional business collaboration. Since its inception, the forum has been hosted across major ASEAN cities including Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Singapore, Bangkok, Hanoi, Manila, Phnom Penh, Vientiane, and Naypyidaw.
The 2026 edition, themed “Navigating ASEAN in a New Geopolitical Era: Keeping Centrality, Securing Prosperity, Empowering People,” brought together government leaders, policymakers, parliamentarians, business executives, academics, and think tank leaders to discuss ASEAN’s strategic priorities amid growing geopolitical uncertainty.
Through leadership sessions, strategic roundtables, and the closing luncheon, the forum explored regional resilience in trade and supply chains, ASEAN integration through the digital economy and energy connectivity, sustainable financing, and the leadership required to strengthen long-term prosperity and people-centered growth in an increasingly complex global environment.
At the forum, Guna Mahalingam, Founder & CEO of Strategic Swiss Partners AG (SSP), was honored with the ASEAN Outstanding Entrepreneur Excellence Business Leader Award in recognition of his visionary leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and impactful contributions in connecting businesses, innovation, and investment opportunities across the ASEAN region.
The recognition further highlights SSP’s growing role in fostering cross-border strategic partnerships between ASEAN and international financial and investment communities, while supporting initiatives focused on sustainable growth, innovation, and regional collaboration.
Held in conjunction with the 48th ASEAN Summit taking place in Cebu, Philippines from May 7–8, the ASEAN Leadership and Partnership Forum (ALPF) served as a dynamic platform for meaningful dialogue, strategic collaboration, and a shared vision for ASEAN’s continued growth, resilience, and prosperity.
The forum was organized by;
KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific
ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC)
ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines
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