Home » ASIA » Mastercard ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit to Drive Economic Empowerment and Digital Transformation Across Southeast Asia Published on
August 16, 2025The rise of a new middle class, a population that is digital-first, and active entrepreneurial ecosystems are helping Southeast Asia become one of the most economically and socially active Southeast Asia is one of the most dynamic emerging regions in the world. Southeast Asia. Understand Global has partnered with ASEAN Business Advisory Council and Mastercard to organize the ASEAN Inclusize Growth Summit which is to take place in Kuala Lumpur this October. Mastercard ASEAN’s inclusion Summit is marking the first of the three regional summits planned in three years to aid the ASEAN region in sustainable innovation, economic growth, and consumer empowerment.The Summit builds on the success of Mastercard’s Global Inclusive Growth initiatives and serves as a high-level forum where government leaders, business pioneers, and development organizations can exchange ideas and explore collaborative solutions. The focus will be on inclusive growth strategies that create tangible opportunities for all, with special attention to micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), digital innovation, cybersecurity, and impact-driven partnerships.Advertisement According to recent projections from the World Data Lab, the ASEAN middle class is expected to reach 450 million by 2035, representing 56% of the region’s population. This growth coincides with the rapid expansion of Southeast Asia’s digital economy, which is projected to nearly double in gross merchandise value from US$263 billion in 2024 to US$560 billion by 2030. Capturing the benefits of this digital transformation requires targeted policies, infrastructure development, and cross-sector collaboration to ensure accessibility, inclusivity, and sustainability.Small and medium-sized enterprises form the cornerstone of Southeast Asia’s economic landscape, representing over 97% of all businesses and generating approximately 85% of regional employment. In Malaysia alone, these enterprises drive around 40% of the nation’s GDP while providing jobs to more than seven million individuals. Mastercard’s Center for Inclusive Growth is supporting this critical segment through its flagship Mastercard Strive programs in Malaysia and Indonesia, aiming to uplift 400,000 MSMEs via digital upskilling, mentoring, networking opportunities, and access to essential credit resources. Complementing these initiatives, Mastercard is collaborating with the Asian Development Bank to catalyze up to US$1 billion in financing for MSMEs across Asia-Pacific, with at least half directed toward women-led or climate-focused enterprises.Cybersecurity also forms a key pillar of inclusive growth. Mastercard, in partnership with the ASEAN Foundation, has launched initiatives to strengthen the cyber …
