The ASEAN-UK Symposium on the Development of the ASEAN Creative Economy Sustainability Framework took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on February 20-21, bringing together policymakers, academics, and industry experts to discuss sustainable growth in the creative economy. Organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (Motac) in collaboration with the ASEAN Secretariat, the UK Mission to ASEAN, the British Council, and Cultural Associates Oxford, the symposium served as a platform to strengthen ASEAN-UK cooperation in advancing the cultural and creative industries. 

The event emphasized the importance of integrating sustainability into the creative economy, aligning with ESG principles and carbon neutral strategy goals. Discussions centered on key cultural, economic, social, and environmental priorities to foster long-term resilience and sustainability in the creative sector. Panel discussions and workshops highlighted strategies for institutional support, funding mechanisms, and the role of public-private partnerships in driving sustainable growth. 

A central outcome of the symposium was the ASEAN Creative Economy Sustainability Framework, a key deliverable for Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN chairmanship. This framework aims to guide sustainable development efforts in the region by leveraging innovation, creativity, and cross-sector collaboration. By aligning with international sustainability goals, it seeks to position ASEAN as a global leader in cultural exchange and creative industry development. 

ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn underscored the cross-sectoral nature of the creative economy, which intersects with various policy areas, including culture, tourism, intellectual property, MSMEs, and digital transformation. He commended the symposium’s role in fostering ASEAN-UK cooperation and reinforcing sustainability as a core pillar of regional economic strategy. 

The United Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to ASEAN’s creative sector, emphasizing the role of creativity in economic growth, digital innovation, and sustainability. UK Ambassador to ASEAN, Sarah Tiffin, noted that by sharing expertise and supporting initiatives like the ASEAN Creative Economy Sustainability Framework, the UK is helping ASEAN build a more resilient and inclusive creative industry. 

British Council Southeast Asia Director, Summer Xia, also highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between the UK and ASEAN. He pointed to the ASEAN-UK Advancing Creative Economy Programme as a crucial mechanism for fostering sustainable creative sector growth. The symposium demonstrated the growing momentum of UK-ASEAN partnerships and the increasing recognition of creativity as a catalyst for economic development, cultural exchange, and sustainability. 

This initiative underscores the creative economy’s role in advancing ESG goals and sustainable economic policies. By integrating a carbon neutral strategy into creative industries, ASEAN and the UK are setting a precedent for how cultural sectors can drive economic resilience while minimizing environmental impact. The ASEAN Creative Economy Sustainability Framework is expected to serve as a roadmap for inclusive, long-term progress, ensuring that sustainability remains at the heart of the region’s creative economy transformation. 

Sources : 

https://www.sarawaktribune.com/asean-uk-symposium-advances-creative-economy-sustainability-framework/ 

https://asean.org/secretary-general-of-asean-delivers-pre-recorded-remarks-at-the-asean-uk-symposium-on-the-development-of-the-asean-creative-economy-sustainability-framework/ 

https://bernama.com/en/region/news.php/sports/news.php?id=2394471 

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/02/21/asean-aims-to-tap-uk-creative-sectors-to-boost-economy