February 5, 2026
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – The ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Brunei Darussalam participated in the ASEAN-BAC Chairmanship Handover Ceremony on January 29 at Malacañang Palace, Manila in the Philippines.
The Brunei delegation was represented by Managing Director of Adinin Group of Companies Musa bin Adnin and President of National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Brunei Darussalam Haji Abdul Saman bin Haji Ahmad, who witnessed the transition of the ASEAN-BAC Chairmanship from Malaysia to the Philippines for 2026.
The handover was followed by a series of key meetings from January 28 to 31, including the 105th ASEAN-BAC Meeting and the 27th Joint Business Council (JBC) Meeting in Nasubgu, Batangas, and the 65th East Asia Business Council (EABC) Meeting at The Manila Hotel, Manila.
The gatherings provided ASEAN-BAC members and partner business councils with a platform to exchange views on regional economic cooperation, trade and investment priorities, and ongoing ASEAN-BAC initiatives.
As aligned with the priorities of the 2026 ASEAN-BAC agenda, the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS 2026) and ASEAN Business Awards (ABA 2026), will serve as the flagship events of the year on November 9 and 10 in Manila.
ASEAN-BAC Brunei Darussalam remains committed to advancing initiatives that strengthen regional cooperation, drive inclusive growth, and broaden opportunities across Southeast Asia.
Serving as the official private sector interface with the ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM), ASEAN-BAC is tasked with providing private sector feedback and recommendations to enhance ASEAN’s economic integration and competitiveness.
The council, established in 2003, comprises business leaders and entrepreneurs from ASEAN member states. – Lyna Mohamad