Dear members,
Greetings from the Council and a happy Thanksgiving to our friends who celebrate!
This month has proven to be a busy one for the Council, not least because of the outcome of the U.S. election. The incoming administration is likely to alter the landscape of international trade, and we look forward to continuing to provide the advocacy, intelligence, and programming that our members need. Even with the uncertainty accompanying a U.S. leadership transition, I’m confident that the American private sector will remain the cornerstone of this country’s ever-strengthening ties with Southeast Asia.
To provide members with an up-to-date analysis of this political transition, a recent meeting of the Council’s Chairman’s Council Advisory Group (CCAG) featured Ambassador Frank Lavin (ret.) and Ambassador Bill Heidt (ret.) sharing their insights on how the Trump administration will impact trade and diplomatic relationships with ASEAN. The panel—which gathered Chairman’s Council and board members—was followed by a productive discussion on the Council’s 2025 strategic priorities, during which attendees discussed the areas that would be most valuable to member companies in the year ahead.
In other news, the Council held its final engagement this year under our 2024 DEFA special project with the Negotiating Committee for the landmark Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which aims to strengthen ASEAN’s digital market through fair competition, innovation, and regulatory alignment across the region for digital products. As the special project wraps up its first year of work, the Council hosted a Workshop on Non-Discriminatory Treatment of Digital Products in Jakarta on the sidelines of the 7th DEFA Negotiation Round. We will continue supporting the development of the DEFA through a series of capacity building and bilateral engagement programs in 2025, under our DEFA 2.0 special project. Please see the newsletter’s Special Projects section for more information.
This month has seen two successful business missions in the region, beginning with a mission to the 30th ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting (ATM) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Council’s Senior Vice President and Regional Managing Director Ambassador Brian McFeeters (ret.) and FedEx’s Ilham Bustami co-led the delegation of U.S. companies, who met with the ASEAN Transport Ministers, Timor Leste, and the ASEAN Secretariat. The Council also presented a policy paper on Integrated Transport Solutions in ASEAN, with recommendations on modernizing logistics centers, promoting public-private partnerships and ESG investments, and integrating intermodal safety and cross-border security.
I was also delighted to lead our annual Thailand Business Mission along with Ambassador McFeeters in Bangkok. Our delegation of senior executives from 41 U.S. companies engaged with Thailand’s new Prime Minister and her government, gained insight into the Royal Thai Government’s priorities and policies, and identified new opportunities for collaboration and investment. The delegation reaffirmed the economic and geostrategic importance of U.S.-Thai relations and discussed ways to shape the future of business in Thailand and in the region. The mission also underscored the potential for deeper collaboration in sectors like digital technology, sustainability, health care, and infrastructure.
We’re looking forward to two more business missions before the end of the year. On December 2, we’ll hold an ASEAN Business Mission to the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia. The mission aims to foster collaboration between the U.S. private sector and the Secretariat, focusing on areas aligned with our special project on Malaysia’s upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship.
Directly following the ASEAN Business Mission, the Council will lead a delegation of 50 U.S. companies to Jakarta from December 3 to 5 for our annual Indonesia Business Mission. In the leadup to this mission, I had the opportunity to meet with President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto in Washington, D.C., during his official visit to the United States. We discussed the upcoming mission, and President Prabowo expressed his eagerness to engage with companies in the delegation.
Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs of Indonesia Airlangga Hartarto
Ahead of the Indonesia Business Mission, the Council also hosted a roundtable luncheon in Washington, D.C. in honor of H.E. Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs of Indonesia. Minister Airlangga highlighted Indonesia’s economic accomplishments over the last decade and cited the Prabowo administration’s goals to achieve high growth while maintaining low inflation. I look forward to exploring how the U.S. private sector can contribute to these goals in Jakarta next month.
Finally, Ambassador McFeeters will lead our Aerospace, Defense, and Security (ADS) industry mission to Vietnam from December 16 to 18, during which we anticipate member companies will meet with senior leaders of the Ministry of National Defense (MND) and the Ministry of Public Security (MPS), among others.
I hope to see many of you at one of these missions or at our upcoming events, and I wish you a happy holiday season in December. Thank you for your continued engagement and support.
Best regards,
Ted
Month in Review
On November 5, the Council, led by Senior Vice President and Regional Managing Director Ambassador Brian McFeeters (ret.), met Indonesia's newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, H. E. Sugiono. The discussion centered on shared goals and opportunities to strengthen U.S.-Indonesia relations through business cooperation.
From November 6 to 8, the Council attended the Singapore Fintech Festival as a non-profit partner. The Council engaged in discussions with the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN, formerly Elevandi) regarding potential collaboration between the two organizations. Recently rebranded, GFTN—the non-profit fintech ecosystem catalyzer of the Monetary Authority of Singapore—has established four pillars to guide its activities: Forums, Advisory, Capital, and Platform. The Council plans to monitor fintech advancements and establish an annual presence at the Singapore Fintech Festival. We welcome input and interest from members to help shape this initiative. Please contact Bella Afifa (safifa@usasean.org) to express your interest.
On November 7, the Council hosted a sharing and networking session with members and U.S. Department of State cyber officials based in the Indo-Pacific region. The event included a moderated dialogue with the Council’s ICT Committee leaders on key digital concerns in ASEAN and ways that U.S. Embassy cyber officials can assist with the industry’s advocacy and business challenges. The Council is grateful to Salesforce for hosting the event and our ICT Committee leadership for joining us in this dialogue.
In mid-November, the Council attended the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29). As an Observer Organization, the Council receives limited Blue Pass access that member companies can use. Please reach out to Christine Wan (cwan@usasean.org) for more information on Blue Zone passes for COP30 in 2025.
On November 13, the Council hosted a dialogue in Singapore with Eng Gin Moe, Indo-Pacific Unit Chief at the Cyberspace and Digital Policy (CDP) Bureau at the U.S. Department of State. The discussions centered on Thailand’s upcoming ADGMIN 2025 chairmanship priorities, implications of the new U.S. administration, and regional concerns shared by U.S. companies. Participants identified several areas where public-private partnerships would be beneficial, including in advancing opportunities to support AI capacity building, bolster digital infrastructure like Open RAN, and combat online scams.
From November 13 to 19, Ambassador Brian McFeeters (ret.) led a series of high-level discussions with key Philippine government officials to strengthen economic collaboration. These engagements included a follow-up to our members’ meeting in Washington with Secretary of Finance Ralph Recto, in addition to meetings with Assistant Secretary Kristine Joy Diaz-Teston of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs; Undersecretary of the Department of Energy Rowena Cristina L. Guevara; and Undersecretaries of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Juan Miguel Cuna, Ignatius Loyola Rodriguez, and Joselin Marcus Fragada.
On November 14, the Council, in partnership with IBM, Google, and Amazon Web Services, and in collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), hosted the 3rd Digital Transformation in Government Series workshop in the Philippines. The event brought together a record of over 120 attendees from 45 Philippine government agencies to address cybersecurity challenges and discuss the implementation of the National Cybersecurity Plan for 2023-2028.
Technical sessions led by industry leaders focused on securing digital identity and information, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and adopting cloud security best practices. Key attendees included Ambassador Brian McFeeters (ret.), Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Undersecretary Agapito Guanlao, DICT Undersecretary for Cybersecurity Jeffrey Ian Dy, and Budget and Management Undersecretary Maria Francesca del Rosario. The Council plans to expand the series in 2025 to continue exploring digital transformation opportunities in the Philippines.
On November 14, Ambassador Ted Osius (ret.) hosted Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) of Vietnam Nguyen Hoang Long and his delegation for a business roundtable with member companies. This event was held on the sidelines of his visit to Washington, D.C. for the U.S.-Vietnam Energy Security Dialogue. The roundtable provided an excellent opportunity for members to engage directly with Deputy Minister Long, who was appointed this June to oversee Vietnam’s energy sector and economic relations with the Americas at the MOIT. Deputy Minister Long highlighted Vietnam’s focus on power market development, energy conservation and efficiency, transmission, power storage, and emphasized offshore wind, battery storage, smart grid, hydrogen, and LNG as key areas for advancing green energy initiatives.
On November 15, the Council and the Philippines’ Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) signed an MOU to strengthen public-private collaboration in streamlining government processes and improving the ease of doing business. The Council will work closely with ARTA to address regulatory challenges, promote investments, and support the Philippines’ global competitiveness. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing regulatory reforms and fostering an environment conducive to sustainable economic growth.
On November 15, the Council, in partnership with BowerGroupAsia (BGA), hosted a briefing session at Boeing’s Singapore office. The event featured expert insights from Dr. Douglas Ramage, Founding Managing Director of BGA Indonesia, and Kenneth Ponggawa, Senior Research Analyst. The session provided an in-depth analysis of Indonesia’s evolving political and policy landscape under the Prabowo administration, including the administration’s policy priorities, influential figures, shifts in the business environment, and areas to watch in key investment sectors. With over 100 virtual participants joining the session, members received valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges of navigating this new chapter in Indonesia.
Delegations and Envoys
From November 12 to 20, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Marisa Lago led a delegation of U.S. business leaders to the Philippines and Indonesia. As part of the Innovative Technologies for Urban Infrastructure Development Mission to the Philippines and Indonesia, the delegation met with senior government officials and business communities to strengthen U.S. partnerships in smart cities, digital ecosystems, and sustainable development. (Source)
From November 13 to 14, United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai participated in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting in Lima, Peru. On the margins of the meeting, Ambassador Tai met with Thailand’s Minister of Commerce Pichai Naripthaphan. (Source)
From November 19 to 21, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III traveled to Laos for the 11th annual ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus, which marks the fourth time that the Secretary has participated in the annual meeting. (Source)
From November 19 to 22, Acting Special Coordinator for the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) Helaina Matza traveled to Manila to attend the third Trilateral Luzon Economic Corridor Steering Committee Meeting. (Source)
From November 20 to 21, the United States and Thailand co-hosted a Southeast Asia Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Workshop in Bangkok, Thailand. The multilateral workshop brought together 64 civilian, law enforcement, and military leaders from Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States and Thailand. (Source)
Upcoming Special Projects
Supporting Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship
A White Paper development and series of government engagements in support of Malaysia’s assumption of the ASEAN Chair in 2025, focused on five key priority areas: digital economy, healthcare, energy transition, talent acquisition, and socio-economic inclusion.
For more information, please contact Angga Antagia (aantagia@usasean.org).
- EPR Workshop and Policy Dialogue Series
A Workshop Series throughout 2025 on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
For more information, please contact Angga Antagia (aantagia@usasean.org) or Celine Kusnadi (ckusnadi@usasean.org).
- Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) 2.0
Following the success of the 2024 DEFA Workshop Series Program, the Council plans to continue this special project in 2025.
For more information, please contact Marcella Suwandhi (msuwandhi@usasean.org).
- Healthcare and Life Sciences (HLS) Preventative Healthcare White Paper
A paper on preventative healthcare (pharmaceutical, medical devices, and others) policy gaps as well as policy recommendations in three ASEAN countries, targeting achieving SDG3 by 2023.
For more information, please contact Gretchen Kunze (gkunze@usasean.org).
- Philippines’ Government Procurement Reform Act
Advocacy support, including organizing a workshop with the procurement board and/or roundtable with the law’s principal authors.
For more information, please contact Angelica Takashima (atakashima@usasean.org) or Oli Oliveros (eoliveros@usasean.org).
- Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Educational Series
A series to share insight and views on the region’s energy transition, to accelerate the adoption of CCS and demonstrate how the U.S. private sector can support energy development in the region.
For more information, please contact Angga Antagia (aantagia@usasean.org).
Upcoming Events
On December 2, the Council will hold an ASEAN Business Mission in Jakarta, Indonesia. The mission, under the theme of “Advancing Sustainable Development in the Health, Environment, and Energy Sectors for Resilient Growth in ASEAN,” aims to foster collaboration between the U.S. private sector and the ASEAN Secretariat. The mission will be held in conjunction with the 2024 Indonesia Business Mission from December 3 to 5. For more information, contact Marcella Suwandhi (msuwandhi@usasean.org).
From December 3 to 5, the Council will hold its 2024 Indonesia Business Mission. Co-led by Ambassador Ted Osius (ret.) and Ambassador Brian McFeeters (ret.), the mission is designed to establish strategic relationships with key ministries, including new ministries under the Prabowo administration. For any questions, please contact Mega Valentina (mega@usasean.org) or Nugraheni Utami (utami@usasean.org).
On December 9, the Council and the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) are pleased to celebrate ASPI’s ASEAN Emerging Female Leaders cohort at our holiday reception. The ASEAN Emerging Female Leaders, which consists of women from the public and private sector across Southeast Asia, are visiting Washington, D.C. to enhance their knowledge and expand their networks in international trade. Representatives from the U.S. government, ASEAN embassies, and the private sector will be in attendance, among other members of the Southeast Asia policy community to welcome them to Washington. Special thanks to Brown-Forman for hosting and serving specialty cocktails for this event!
From December 16 to 18, the Council will lead its Aerospace, Defense, and Security (ADS) industry mission to Vietnam. Anticipated engagements include meetings with the Prime Minister and senior leaders of the Ministry of National Defense (MND) and the Ministry of Public Security (MPS), discussions with procurement agencies, a site visit to a defense manufacturing facility, engagements with the U.S. Embassy team, including Ambassador Marc E. Knapper and working-level counterparts, and a roundtable with a high-level leader from the U.S. Department of Defense. For more information, please contact Chuck Casey (ccasey@usasean.org) or Thanh Vu (tvu@usasean.org).
Comings and Goings
Ms. Linh Phuong Nguyen is the new Executive Assistant in the Vietnam office. Linh will support our Deputy Regional Managing Director and Chief Representative in Vietnam, Mr. Vu Tu Thanh, in addition to working with members of the Food & Agriculture portfolio. Prior to joining the Council, Linh worked as a Public Affairs Assistant for T&A Ogilvy, where she facilitated project development; built and maintained partnerships with donors, government entities, and other stakeholders; and designed reports. She has a Master of Arts in International Communication Management from The Hague University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands, and a bachelor’s degree in international law from the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.
Council in the News
HCMC - NY Fall Forum 2024: New opportunities for US collaboration - SGGP News
PH is No. 1 destination for US investors in ASEAN - Manila Bulletin
US firms seen to continue investing in PH regardless of election results - ABS-CBN News
Pioneering innovation: Turning challenges into competitive advantages - KrASIA
Thailand Readies Incentives to Win From Trade War in Trump Era - Bloomberg
Leaders reflect on Trump presidency - Malaya Business Insight
Prabowo Dipuji Trump Luar Biasa, Investasi Antikorupsi bagi Perusahaan AS Pun Didorong - Kompas
Keterbukaan Presiden Prabowo terhadap Bisnis dari AS Diapresiasi - RRI
Kunjungi Amerika, Prabowo Dorong Investasi Perusahaan AS di Indonesia - VOA Indonesia (YouTube)
Trump's return won't halt US business push in Philippines - Manila Bulletin
Govt supports U.S. firms in investing in Indonesia - Antara News
DTI chief meets with US business leaders in Peru - Philippine News Agency
APEC Meeting with PM Paetongtarn - Instagram of Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris Sangiampongsa
PH reiterates intention for free trade deal with US - Malaya Business Insight
DTI chief meets US business leaders - The Manila Times
US-Asean biz group to invest in PH - Malaya Business Insight
U.S. Trade Mission Visits Indonesia to Foster Bilateral Cooperation - Tempo.co
US tech giants to help Philippines boost cybersecurity defenses - Manila Bulletin
How Asean is bracing for Donald Trump’s tariff tactics - Straits Times (podcast)
US firms support Philippines' fight against red tape - Manila Bulletin
Malaysia aims for greater logistics and transport integration as Asean chair - The Star
Connectivity will boost trade within Asean, says Loke - The Star
Govt ropes in US varsity to build semiconductor ecosystem - Antara
Airlangga Optimistic That Indonesia Can Accelerate Economic Growth And Sustainable Investment - VOI
Trade surplus with US to top agenda - Bangkok Post
Thailand welcomes US investment surge - The Nation
Thai trade talks: Minister navigates surplus dilemmas with US - Thaiger
Paetongtarn hosts 40 US firms, promises support for investments - The Nation
Philippines reaffirms ASEAN transport cooperation, pushes for modernized system - Manila Bulletin
