MALAYSIA will host the inaugural ASEAN E-Commerce Conference 2025 from 24 to 25 November at the Grand Hyatt, Kuala Lumpur, in conjunction with its ASEAN Chairmanship this year.
The two-day conference, themed “ASEAN E-Commerce Transformation: Bridging Gaps, Enhancing Competitiveness”, is being organised by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) in strategic collaboration with the Malaysia E-Commerce Chapter under the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI).
“This inaugural conference will bring together policymakers, regulatory agencies, industry players and online entrepreneurs from across ASEAN to discuss the strategic direction of a dynamic and competitive regional e-commerce transformation,” the organisers said in a statement released by KPN on Thursday.
Prominent industry names such as Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, Mudah.my, and Carousell are supporting the event, alongside several co-sponsors.
KPDN emphasised that the partnership reflects “a shared commitment to strengthening digital trust, fostering innovation, and driving inclusive digital economic growth across the region”.
The conference will also focus on advancing key regulatory priorities, including consumer protection frameworks and the development of a resilient and sustainable digital ecosystem.
It complements ongoing efforts under the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which is currently being finalised.
Organisers have identified two core objectives: to build a trusted regional e-commerce market—addressing online consumer protection, cross-border regulatory alignment, digital piracy, and counterfeit trade—and to enhance ASEAN’s digital ecosystem.
The latter includes strengthening last-mile logistics, expanding access to digital financial services such as Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), and supporting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through e-commerce platforms.
“MICCI believes that e-commerce has the potential to transform economies, empower communities, and build resilience throughout ASEAN,” the chamber stated.
“However, this requires regulatory alignment, ecosystem readiness and cross-border cooperation. This conference will serve as a platform to strengthen dialogue between industry and regulators, and to build an inclusive ecosystem in which all players—from global platforms to rural MSMEs—can thrive.”
Over 350 participants are expected to attend, including delegates from ASEAN member states, industry leaders, and academics. The programme will feature 14 sessions and 33 panellists from both the public and private sectors, covering policy, innovation, and sectoral challenges.
The conference will be officiated by Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, Minister of Domestic Trade, while the keynote address will be delivered by James Dong, President of International Marketplace at Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group. A host of high-level speakers from regional government bodies and leading digital firms are also confirmed.
Malaysia’s e-commerce sector continues to show robust growth. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), annual revenue reached RM1.23 trillion in 2024. In the first half of 2025 alone, the sector recorded RM625 billion—RM13.5 billion more than the same period last year.
At the ASEAN level, the *e-Conomy SEA 2024* report by Google, Temasek and Bain & Company revealed that the regional digital economy generated USD11 billion in revenue last year—nearly triple that of 2022.
The value of ASEAN’s digital economy is projected to hit USD1 trillion by 2030, with e-commerce the fastest-growing segment. Gross merchandise value (GMV) is forecast to grow 22 per cent annually, reaching USD230 billion by 2026.
KPDN has invited participation from all stakeholders including government agencies, private sector representatives, academia, e-commerce entrepreneurs and non-governmental organisations. Registration is open via the official conference portal at [https://www2.micci.com/asean-e-commerce-conference-2025](https://www2.micci.com/asean-e-commerce-conference-2025), with early bird rates available until 15 October 2025.
“The participation of all stakeholders is vital in strengthening the regional digital ecosystem and advancing the national digital economy agenda,” said Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh.
“KPDN remains committed as a catalyst for strategic collaboration, consumer protection, and sustainable e-commerce development for the benefit of the people and regional prosperity.” - Sept 4, 2025
