The ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue (ACSDSD), together with H.E. Ambassador Phasporn and the ASEAN Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ACESP), met with representatives of the National Environment Agency (NEA) Singapore to exchange views on the future direction of the ASEAN Circular Economy Forum (ACEF) and the development of upcoming ACEF Thematic Conferences.
The discussion focused on the evolution of ASEAN circular economy dialogue and Singapore’s potential role in hosting an ACEF Thematic Conference in 2027.
Strengthening the ASEAN Circular Economy Platform
Thailand, as the ASEAN Coordinator for Sustainable Development Cooperation, reaffirmed that the ASEAN Circular Economy Forum (ACEF) will be convened annually in Bangkok from 2026–2030 as part of a broader Sustainable Development Week. This provides a structured, multi-year platform for advancing regional dialogue on circular economy, sustainable production and consumption, and resource efficiency.
To complement the main forum, a series of ACEF Thematic Conferences is being developed. These more focused gatherings (approximately 100–150 participants) aim to explore priority themes aligned with the ASEAN Chair’s agenda and emerging regional needs.
Singapore’s Potential Hosting in 2027
NEA Singapore shared preliminary views on the possibility of hosting the 2027 ACEF Thematic Conference. Various formats and arrangements were discussed, including the option of aligning the thematic conference with existing regional environmental platforms in Singapore to create logistical efficiencies and broader stakeholder engagement. No final arrangement has been determined at this stage.
The exchange highlighted Singapore’s experience in environmental governance, operational excellence, and innovation in waste and resource management as potential areas of thematic relevance.
Advancing an ASEAN-Centric Approach
Both sides emphasized the importance of ensuring that ACEF and its thematic conferences remain strongly ASEAN-centric, with greater visibility for:
- Homegrown circular economy solutions
- Local enterprises and MSMEs
- Practical policy implementation experiences
- Regional partnerships and knowledge exchange
The 2026 thematic conference in the Philippines is expected to focus on MSMEs and regional support mechanisms. In this context, the 2027 conference could explore themes such as governance, transparency, scalable waste management models, or strengthening MSME participation in circular value chains.
Role of ACESP
The ASEAN Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ACESP) will continue to serve as a key mechanism for regional communication, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge sharing. Through ACEF, thematic conferences, and supporting webinars, ACESP aims to translate policy dialogue into accessible and practical insights for governments, businesses, academia, and civil society across ASEAN.
The ASEAN Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ACESP) is a regional facility helping ASEAN Member States (AMS) achieve sustainable consumption and production by accelerating the transition towards a circular economy.
Website: ce.acsdsd.org, acsdsd.org
Facebook: ASEAN CE Platform
LinkedIn: ASEAN Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ACESP)