ASEAN's Economic Future: Collaboration or Competition?

ASEAN Workforce: A Mindset Shift for Regional Competitiveness Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – June 3, 2025 – A recent interview with Lim Chern Yuan, Council Member of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Malaysia and Group CEO of Yinson Holdings Berhad, highlights the urgent need for a change in perspective within the ASEAN community to keep pace with the demands of today's dynamic job market. The discussion, part of Astro AWANI's Consider This segment, underscores the untapped potential for economic growth through collaboration among ASEAN nations. "The biggest shift is mindset," explains Chern Yuan. "All ASEAN countries need to start thinking that it's not a zero-sum game. We need to think 1+1=3." This collaborative approach, he argues, is crucial for attracting major industries and creating a robust regional supply chain. Chern Yuan points to the reliance on China's large, highly skilled workforce as a prime example of the potential benefits of regional integration. He suggests that ASEAN's combined talent pool, coupled with strategic infrastructure and resources, could create a single, competitive market capable of attracting significant investment and fostering economic growth. He envisions a future where individuals from various ASEAN countries seamlessly work together on projects, leveraging the strengths of each nation. The interview concludes with a positive outlook, emphasizing ASEAN's opportunity to build a unified and competitive economic landscape. Chern Yuan's insights offer a compelling case for regional collaboration and highlight the transformative power of a unified ASEAN mindset.