ASEAN Circular Economy Week 2025

13–17 October 2025 | Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) & nearby venues, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The ASEAN Circular Economy Week 2025 will bring together governments, businesses, innovators, investors, and civil society to accelerate the transition towards a circular economy in ASEAN. Through high-level forums, partner events, and multi-stakeholder dialogues, the week will highlight green skills, innovative solutions, and investment opportunities that drive inclusive and sustainable growth for the region.

Main Highlight: ASEAN Circular Economy Forum 2025 (ACEF 2025)

Theme: “Accelerate the circular economy transition in ASEAN with green skills, innovative solutions, and investments”
Dates: 16–17 October 2025
Venue: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

ACEF 2025 is the flagship event of ASEAN Circular Economy Week and serves as ASEAN’s annual platform to advance circular economy dialogue and cooperation at the regional level. Building on the success of ACEF 2023 in Jakarta and ACEF 2024 in Bangkok, this year’s Forum will take place under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, which emphasizes “Inclusivity and Sustainability” in line with its national MADANI vision.

The Forum will focus on three critical enablers of the circular transition:

• Developing green skills and workforce capacity across ASEAN

• Scaling up innovative circular solutions

• Mobilising finance and investment for impactful circular practices

Key Discussions Will Include:

• Regional certification standards for circular economy-related skills

• Identifying and scaling innovative solutions across ASEAN

• Raising finance community interest in circular practices

• Showcasing global good practices in skills development, innovation, and bankable investments

• Multi-stakeholder dialogue on how circular economy practices can contribute to ASEAN Community Vision 2045

Partner Events (13–15 October 2025)

Before the Forum, a series of partner-led activities will enrich ASEAN Circular Economy Week:

• SEA-Map Innovation & Investment Platform (GIZ): Matchmaking between innovators and investors, with a focus on plastic circularity.

• Circular Business Models (Sitra, EU Circular Economy Resource Centre, Finnish Embassy, Business Finland): Strengthening ASEAN–EU–Finland business collaboration in circular solutions.

• Additional partner-led side events (open for proposals) focusing on skills, innovation, and investment in the circular transition.

Objectives of ACEF 2025

• Showcase good practices and regional initiatives in building skills, scaling innovation, and mobilising finance

• Strengthen ASEAN cooperation and policy dialogue on circular economy

• Support the development of a shared ASEAN vision for the circular economy aligned with ASEAN Community Vision 2045

• Facilitate ownership and continuity of partner-supported circular initiatives in ASEAN

Target Audience

ACEF 2025 will convene:

• ASEAN Member State government officials & ASEAN Secretariat divisions

• ASEAN Working Groups under ASOEN (Chemicals & Waste, Marine Environment, Sustainable Cities, Environmental Education, etc.)

• ASEAN Economic Community representatives (ACCMSME, ACCP, etc.)

• EU institutions, Member States, and ASEAN Dialogue Partners

• International organisations (UNEP, UNDP, ADB, etc.)

• Businesses, start-ups, and investors in ASEAN and the EU

• Academia, think tanks, NGOs, and training centres

📍 Why Attend?

Join policymakers, business leaders, innovators, and changemakers shaping ASEAN’s transition towards a resilient and inclusive circular economy. Contribute your expertise, explore partnerships, and gain insights into the latest policy, innovation, and investment opportunities driving sustainable growth in ASEAN.

👉 Stay tuned for registration details at acef2025.acsdsd.org