The creation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by end 2015 is expected to bring numerous benefits such as free movement of goods and labour, greater intra-ASEAN investment and trade. Yet with the positives from a single market and production base, negative impacts can also arise, putting vulnerable groups at risk.

These issues must be tackled and resolved within a multi-stakeholder cooperation model. Hence, it is imperative for policy makers, civil society and businesses to work together to strongly encourage the adoption and implementation of responsible business practices or corporate social responsibility (CSR) in achieving sustainable economic growth.

In its efforts to galvanise relevant stakeholders into achieving this goal, ASEAN CSR Network, in partnership with ASEAN Foundation, Oxfam, and the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, is organising the ASEAN Responsible Business Forum. It’s a high-level regional forum that brings together senior leaders from various sectors, government and civil society to connect with and advance responsible business practices and partnerships. 

The Forum is supported by the Government of Sweden through its embassy in Bangkok, the Government of Japan through the Japan-ASEAN Solidarity Fund, the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the Asia-Europe Foundation.

For more information and to register, please visit the Responsible Business Forum website here,