Investors' interest in ASEAN as a bloc is on the rise. If there is one overarching theme for the CIMB ASEAN conference, it is the push for greater linkages and opportunities to be realised. We are proud to be a part of this process and present some highlights.

On 12-14 June, CIMB held their ASEAN conference at the Mandarin Oriental in Kuala Lumpur, playing host to close to 100 corporates and speakers and 455 delegates from the investment world. Keynote speakers included Prof. Kishore Mahbubani, Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, and Mr Toyoo Gyohten, President of the Institute for International Monetary Affairs.

Asia's rising role within the changing global landscape was a pertinent topic that kicked off the conference discussions. Prof. Kishore Mahbubani stressed that Asia's moment for greater influence on the world stage has arrived. Prof Mahbubani further highlighted that ASEAN is entering a sweet spot in economic, geopolitical and cultural terms. CIMB certainly agree.