Kota Kinabalu, 29 September 2025: The 3rd ASEAN Blue Economy Forum convened at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, bringing together policymakers, experts, and stakeholders to translate ASEAN’s blue economy vision into action. Co-organised by ERIA, the Malaysian Ministry of Economy, the Government of Sabah through SEDIA and the Sabah Maju Jaya Secretariat, and the ASEAN Secretariat, the forum explored practical pathways for advancing the region’s sustainable ocean-based growth.

Fittingly held in a city renowned for its maritime heritage and rich marine resources, the forum provided a dynamic platform for exchanging insights and strategies. In her opening remarks, The Honorable Dato Hajjah Hanifah Hajar Taib, Deputy Minister of Economy, underscored the region’s shared responsibility for ocean stewardship. Dato Nor Azmie Diron, Secretary General of the Ministry of Economy, reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to positioning the blue economy as a new frontier for ASEAN’s sustainable growth. Dr Kanchana Wanichkorn of the ASEAN Secretariat presented the ASEAN Blue Economy Implementation Plan, setting the stage for the forum’s plenary sessions.

Plenary Discussions

Plenary 1, moderated by Dr Fauziah Zen (Senior Economist, ERIA), addressed blue economy financing and investment, highlighting data, standards, and inclusivity as key enablers.

• Prof Thorjorn Larssen (NIVA) shared lessons from Europe.
• Dr Ben Milligan (GOAP) outlined the role of ocean accounting.
• Mr Shashwat Koirala (OECD) proposed strategies to close the blue financing gap, including ODA mobilisation and diversified financial instruments.

Plenary 2, moderated by Dr Khaira Ismail (Universiti Malaysia Terengganu), focused on science, technology, and innovation.

• Prof Dato’ Dr Aileen Tan (CEMACS) emphasised the transformative role of innovation amid climate and pollution pressures.
• Prof Indra Jaya (IPB University) proposed an ASEAN Smart Ocean Platform.
• Mr Edwin Seah (SCe Ne Coalition) advocated shifting from a ‘brown’ to a regenerative blue economy.

Plenary 3, moderated by Dr Fukuya Iino (UNIDO Malaysia), examined talent and workforce development.

• Captain Murali Subramaniam (Marine Department Malaysia) highlighted the importance of green digital skills.
• Prof Emeritus Dr Rhodora V. Azanza (Philippines) and Prof Michelle Voyer (ANCORS, Australia) discussed frameworks for building ocean-based industries and the Blue Wealth Framework.

Plenary 4, moderated by Dr Soon Hong Kwan (ASEAN Secretariat), explored regional cooperation.

• Mr Reo Kawamura (ERIA/RKC-MPD) presented frameworks for tackling marine plastic pollution.
• Dr Arisman (CSEAS Indonesia) discussed cross-border coordination.
• Datuk Haji Datu Rosmadi Datu Sulai (Sabah Maju Jaya Secretariat) proposed ‘blue’ Special Economic Zones as growth catalysts.

Two fireside chats enriched the discussions:

• Dr Aretha Aprilia (UNDP Indonesia) highlighted community empowerment through local knowledge, science, and finance.
• Prof Gunter Pauli (ZERI) shared visionary insights on high-growth blue sectors like communications and energy.

A pitching session showcased regional innovations in blue tourism, policy, and research.

Closing and Way Forward

In closing, Dr Fauziah Zen summarised the forum’s outcomes, emphasising that ASEAN possesses both passion and solutions, but requires clearer implementation guidance. Dr Kanchana Wanichkorn linked the discussions to the ASEAN Blue Economy Implementation Plan, while outcomes from the forum informed the 2nd ASEAN Coordinating Task Force on Blue Economy (ACTF-BE) meeting the following day, identifying actionable priorities to advance the regional agenda.