Cambodia Investment Review
CIR Media will once again take part in the prestigious Australia-ASEAN Business Forum, set to be held on August 26–27, 2025, at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Building on the momentum from last year’s participation in Sydney, CIR Media will join regional leaders to strengthen economic, trade, and investment ties between Australia, ASEAN member states, and the broader RCEP bloc.
The 2025 Forum will spotlight Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, alongside expanded engagement under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) framework. This year’s edition notably integrates participation from Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, and Korea, reinforcing multilateral economic ties across the Asia-Pacific.
Keynote Speakers to Drive Regional Dialogue
The Forum will feature an impressive lineup of keynote speakers representing a broad range of government and private sector expertise. Key figures announced include:
- H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN
- H.E. Ms. Tiffany McDonald, Australia’s Ambassador to ASEAN
- Mr. Andrew Goledzinowski, former Australian Ambassador to Vietnam
- Ms. Shinta Kamdani, CEO of Sintesa Group, Indonesia
- Mr. Andrew McKellar, CEO of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Mr. Simon Birmingham, Chair of South Australia & Head of APAC Engagement, ANZ
- Mr. Joe Szakacs MP, Minister for Trade and Investment
- H.E. Arjaree Sriratanaban, Ambassador of Thailand to Australia
From Cambodia, Neak Oknha Rithy Sear, founder and chairman of WorldBridge International Group, will be a key private sector representative, bringing attention to Cambodia’s growing role in regional trade, logistics, property development, and financial services.
Priority Sectors and Forum Highlights
The 2025 agenda will focus on fostering collaboration, investment, and innovation in sectors critical to sustainable growth, including:
- Renewable Energy and the Green Economy
- Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence
- Agriculture and Food Security
- Human Capital and Skills Development
- Trade and Investment
- Empowerment of SMEs and MSMEs
A major highlight of the event will be the Industry Roundtable Forums and Exhibitions, offering sector-specific engagement opportunities. The two-day schedule will conclude with a Gala Dinner aimed at strengthening cross-border business relationships.
Organizing Chairman Francis Wong anticipates significant turnout, with expectations of up to 500 delegates. “ASEAN is the world’s fifth-largest economy, and it is coming to Sydney,” Wong said, underscoring ASEAN’s rising importance on the global stage.
Building on 2024 Success
CIR Media’s participation follows the successful 2024 Australia-ASEAN Business Forum in Sydney, where the organization served as a media partner and featured keynote coverage, including a keynote by Dr. Sok Siphana, who emphasized ASEAN’s pivotal role in regional economic growth under RCEP.
Looking ahead to 2025, Harrison White, CEO of CIR Media, commented: “Participating in the Australia-ASEAN Business Forum reflects CIR Media’s commitment to promoting economic engagement between Cambodia and Australia. We are excited to contribute to this growing dialogue and to further highlight Cambodia’s opportunities on the regional stage.”
With an expanded focus on innovation, trade diversification, and sustainable development, the Australia-ASEAN Business Forum 2025 is poised to deliver tangible outcomes and deepen the region’s economic integration into the future.
