Creative economy sustainability symposium

KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), in collaboration with the ASEAN Secretariat, the United Kingdom Mission to ASEAN, the British Council, and Cultural Associates Oxford, has successfully convened the ASEAN-UK Symposium on the Development of ASEAN Creative Economy Sustainability Framework.

The two-day event, held on Feb 20 to 21 here, served as a key platform for advancing the cultural and creative industries in the ASEAN region.

The symposium brought together over 100 participants, including ASEAN policymakers, academics and industry practitioners, to discuss the growth of the ASEAN Creative Economy (ACE).

“This symposium provides an opportunity to exchange ideas and evidence-based approaches to promote the creative economy, drawing from the insights of UK experts and practitioners. The ultimate goal is to develop a framework outlining a shared vision and strategic direction for advancing the ASEAN Creative Economy,” according to a press release byMOTAC yesterday.

The ASEAN Creative Economy Sustainability Framework is vital for Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN and the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Culture and Arts (AMCA) in 2025.

“The event featured panel discussions and workshops, where ASEAN and UK experts deliberated on key cultural, economic, environmental, and social goals. Discussions also focused on sectoral priorities and institutional mechanisms to drive sustainable regional development,” it said.

The ACE Symposium 2025 marks a significant milestone in the strengthening of ASEAN-UK collaboration. By leveraging the expertise shared at the event, stakeholders aim to forge stronger partnerships, enhance regional capabilities, and implement innovative strategies to boost cultural and creative industries across ASEAN.

“The initiative highlights the role of creativity and culture as key drivers of economic growth, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability, positioning ASEAN as a global leader in cultural exchange and innovation,”it said.

In his opening remarks, ASEAN secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn, noted the cross-sectoral nature of the ASEAN Creative Economy, which spanned multiple policy areas, including culture and the arts, intellectual property, MSMEs, tourism, education, services, labour, gender and information.

He commended the symposium’s role in fostering ASEAN-UK collaboration, stating that the ASEAN Creative Economy Sustainability Framework would serve as a roadmap for meaningful social, cultural, economic and environmental progress.

“The United Kingdom is proud to support ASEAN’s effort to establish a robust and sustainable creative sector. Creativity and innovation are at the heart of the UK’s industrial strategy, driving economic growth, digital innovation, and cultural exchange.

By sharing our expertise and collaborating on the ASEAN Creative Economy Sustainability Framework, we are not only strengthening ASEAN creative industries but also fostering a future where creativity serves as a cornerstone for inclusive growth.” said UK Ambassador to ASEAN, Sarah Tiffin, reaffirming the United Kingdom’s commitment
to supporting ASEAN’s creative sector.

British Council’s Southeast Asia director, Summer Xia, also highlighted the importance of UK- ASEAN collaboration, particularly through the ASEAN-UK Advancing Creative Economy Programme.

He said the growing momentum of UK- ASEAN partnerships from the launch event in Jakarta last year to this symposium demonstrated UK’s ongoing commitment to championing creativity as a force for progress, inclusion and economic development.