Kuala Lumpur, 14 August 2026: ERIA President Tetsuya Watanabe met with YB Liew Chin Tong, Deputy Minister of Finance of Malaysia, to discuss financing mechanisms for long-term economic transformation, strategic infrastructure, and ASEAN resilience.

The meeting explored how public and private financing can support regional priorities, including the energy transition, digital infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, climate-resilient infrastructure, and industrial upgrading. President Watanabe outlined ERIA’s work on public–private partnerships, blended finance, and fiscal instruments to mobilise investment for strategic development priorities.

Both sides highlighted the role of sovereign wealth funds in supporting long-term economic transformation and discussed the possibility of co-investment amongst regional funds. They also examined how development finance institutions, public funding, and private capital can be combined to de-risk projects and attract larger pools of capital.

On energy security, President Watanabe shared ERIA’s ongoing work on the ASEAN Regional Oil Stockpiling Strategy. He noted that regional stockpiling could strengthen ASEAN’s preparedness for future energy disruptions, provided that robust legal, financial, and operational frameworks are established.

On industrial policy, the two leaders discussed the role of tax incentives, strategic funds, development financing, investment allowances, green taxonomies, and carbon-related measures in driving investment in clean energy, technology, and industrial upgrading. President Watanabe reiterated ERIA’s interest in fostering deeper collaboration amongst investors, corporates, research institutions, and entrepreneurs.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming the vital role of innovative financing, public–private collaboration, and regional co-operation in building a more resilient and competitive ASEAN economy.