The event comes at a time when ASEAN is facing growing challenges in geopolitics, trade, green transformation, and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and digital economies. As host of APEC 2027, Vietnam is expected to work with ASEAN to shape a long-term roadmap for inclusive and sustainable growth.

In his opening remarks, Professor Robert McClelland, Dean of the School of Business at RMIT Vietnam, emphasized the university’s 2031 strategy: “Turning Knowledge into Action,” reaffirming RMIT’s commitment to becoming a leading university in the Asia-Pacific region.

He outlined three strategic pillars: lifelong learning, impactful research and innovation, and community service. These are anchored in strengths across technology, smart cities, social innovation, and regional partnerships aimed at driving competitiveness and shared prosperity.

Former Vietnamese Ambassador to the US, Pham Quang Vinh, delivered a keynote speech on ASEAN’s business priorities for APEC 2027. He highlighted the importance of unity within the region.

“On the road to APEC 2027, Vietnam aims to cooperate with ASEAN and Asia-Pacific partners to define shared long-term priorities - from digital economy and green trade to regional connectivity,” Vinh said. “This is not only an opportunity for Vietnam to demonstrate leadership but also a chance to help ASEAN build a strong foundation for inclusive, sustainable, and resilient growth. Forums like today’s at RMIT are critical bridges between policy recommendations and practical implementation.”

Professor McClelland later chaired a high-level panel featuring former ambassadors and regional experts from ASEAN and Australia. Discussions ranged from tariff shocks and supply chain restructuring to cross-border labor mobility and certification standards. Speakers emphasized the need to turn policy dialogues into pilot models that inspire business confidence and reinforce ASEAN unity.

Andrew Goledzinowski, former Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, noted, “One key lesson from the Australia-ASEAN partnership is that connectivity extends beyond trade - it includes people and skills. If we can create clearer pathways for talent mobility and mutual recognition of qualifications, our economies will gain sharper competitive edges.”

In addition to the plenary session, the forum featured three thematic tracks with experts from Sunway University, the APEC Study Centre Australia, Austrade, RMIT, National University of Singapore, Amazon Web Services, New Energy Nexus Vietnam, GUILD Asia, and Padjadjaran University (Indonesia):

Trade and supply chains: Focused on transforming trade commitments into tangible opportunities through resilient supply chains, intra-regional trade, logistics corridors, and visa policies.

Digital economy: Analyzed the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, AI adoption in finance and public services, and infrastructure expansion needs.

Green transition: Explored transition finance, renewable energy, electric vehicle corridors, and startup ecosystems, with case studies from Vietnam, Singapore, and Indonesia.

Professor Nguyen Quang Trung, Acting Associate Dean for Partnerships & Engagement at RMIT Vietnam’s School of Business, affirmed the forum’s actionable purpose.

“ABTF 2025 is not just a platform for dialogue - it’s a forum for action. In line with RMIT’s strategic vision, we’re connecting governments, businesses, and academia to co-identify shared priorities and feasible solutions for ASEAN as it faces AI disruption, green growth, geopolitical shifts, and tariff challenges. Our focus is to move from discussion to implementation and contribute meaningfully to Vietnam’s APEC 2027 roadmap.”

As part of the event, organizers announced plans to publish a bilingual policy brief titled Phu Quoc 2027 ASEAN Business & Technology Policy Brief, compiling key insights and policy recommendations from the forum. The document will be released shortly after the event to support the APEC 2027 preparatory process.

Quan Dinh