1st ASEAN Supply Chain Council (ASCC) Meeting in 2026

On January 23, 2026, Tan Sri Dato’ Soh Thian Lai, Chairman of the ASEAN Manufacturing Network, delivered the welcome remarks at the inaugural ASEAN Supply Chain Council Meeting. The meeting saw strong participation, with 56 representatives from the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, the ASEAN Manufacturing Network, and partner ASEAN sectoral business associations coming together to advance a more coordinated regional supply chain agenda.

Discussions focused on moving beyond fragmented efforts towards stronger alignment across policies, systems, and market practices. Food and beverages, as well as semiconductors, were identified as priority sectors for 2026. Participants highlighted practical challenges affecting supply chain performance, including traceability requirements, logistics bottlenecks, standards and certification complexities, and persistent talent shortages. A key takeaway was that ASEAN’s strength lies not only in its large market, but also in its connected ecosystem that enables both large companies and smaller businesses to participate and grow across the region.

The outcomes and insights from this first meeting will help shape recommendations to ASEAN economic ministers and leaders. The meeting marks an important step towards building supply chains that are more resilient, better connected, and prepared to respond to evolving global challenges.