As 2026 enters its final quarter, the global business landscape continues to evolve, with enterprises facing increasing market competition, rising operational costs, and shrinking profit margins. Finding ways to overcome traditional business limitations, strengthen brand competitiveness, and identify new growth opportunities in emerging markets has become a key priority for business leaders.
To foster stronger economic and trade cooperation between Malaysia and ASEAN countries, the Asia Pacific TOP Excellence Brand Committee (APC), together with the Sabah Business Development Association (SBDA), Cambodia National Federation of Trade and Investment Promotion Association (CAMTIPA), Cambodia Securities, Picasso, First Asia Merchants Bullion Limited, and Global Business Magazine, will jointly organise the APC TOP CEO Gathering (Kota Kinabalu) on 24 October 2026 (Saturday), from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Themed "New Blue Ocean, New Business Opportunities, New Models," the gathering aims to bring together business leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs from diverse industries. Through insightful presentations, international business exchanges, and strategic networking, the event seeks to create valuable opportunities for enterprises to explore new markets, discover innovative business models, and establish cross-border partnerships.
In recent years, ASEAN has emerged as an increasingly important destination for business expansion, driven by its growing consumer markets, regional economic cooperation, and cross-border investment opportunities. Among its emerging economies, Cambodia has attracted growing interest from regional businesses and investors, particularly in financial services, real estate, infrastructure development, and commercial investment.
The gathering will feature distinguished business leaders with extensive international experience, who will share insights into Cambodia's market trends, industry developments, and potential business collaborations. These discussions will provide Malaysian entrepreneurs with a deeper understanding of overseas market environments and practical perspectives on international business expansion.
The event will also introduce two major international platforms: the Cambodia Prime Minister National Forum and the Asia Pacific International Excellence Brand Summit, offering entrepreneurs opportunities to explore high-level government and business engagements, expand their international networks, and establish potential cross-border partnerships.
The Cambodia Prime Minister National Forum is expected to provide opportunities for engagement with Cambodia's incumbent Prime Minister, while the Asia Pacific International Excellence Brand Summit aims to bring together approximately 1,000 entrepreneurs from Malaysia and overseas, promoting international brand recognition, business exchanges, and strategic resource connections.
The gathering will feature two distinguished speakers with extensive experience in international business and investment, offering valuable perspectives on ASEAN markets, business internationalisation, and financial industry developments.
Darren Teng – Vice President of CAMTIPA
Darren Teng serves as Vice President of the Cambodia National Federation of Trade and Investment Promotion Association (CAMTIPA) and is involved in business ventures associated with Picasso Listing Group and Cambodia Securities.
Picasso Group has established a diversified business portfolio spanning finance, securities, insurance, real estate, food and beverage chains, and special economic zones. One of its notable developments is Picasso City Garden, launched in 2017, representing a significant milestone in the group's real estate ventures in Cambodia.
Drawing on his extensive business experience in Cambodia, Darren Teng will share insights into the country's industry development, cross-border investment landscape, and opportunities for enterprises to leverage regional resources and establish strategic business collaborations.
Anthony Wong – Partner of First Asia Merchants Bullion Limited
Anthony Wong serves as Partner of First Asia Merchants Bullion Limited, with involvement in the group's regional business development across precious metals and financial derivatives.
With more than 35 years of industry experience, First Asia Merchants Bullion Limited has established a presence in precious metals, gold trading, and related financial services. The group has also expanded its business interests into Cambodia's financial derivatives sector and other commercial investments.
Beyond financial services, the group has developed business interests across hospitality, food and beverage, real estate, and jewellery-related industries within ASEAN, building extensive experience in cross-sector and international market expansion.
Anthony Wong will share his perspectives on precious metals, financial market developments, and regional business strategies, highlighting emerging market trends and potential commercial opportunities.
Together, the two distinguished speakers will bring valuable international perspectives to the gathering, enabling participating entrepreneurs to gain a broader understanding of ASEAN's economic potential and explore new approaches to cross-border business collaboration.
The Asia Pacific TOP Excellence Brand Committee (APC) has long been committed to promoting enterprise brand development, enhancing international brand visibility, and expanding business networks through international recognition programmes, business summits, entrepreneurial gatherings, and cross-border resource connections.
Beyond sharing market trends and industry insights, the APC TOP CEO Gathering in Kota Kinabalu aims to establish a meaningful platform that encourages genuine business interactions and potential collaborations.
For enterprises seeking to strengthen their market competitiveness, brand development remains an essential foundation for sustainable growth. Meanwhile, businesses planning to expand internationally must also understand local market conditions, establish reliable partnerships, and gain access to relevant international business resources.
Through this gathering, APC hopes to inspire entrepreneurs to rethink their business strategies, strengthen brand influence, explore innovative business models, connect with overseas enterprises, and identify potential cross-border collaboration opportunities.
As a platform connecting enterprises across the Asia Pacific region with international business resources, APC continues to promote regional economic cooperation through entrepreneurial gatherings, international business exchanges, and strategic networking initiatives.
By bringing the APC TOP CEO Gathering to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, the committee aims to strengthen connections between East Malaysian enterprises and international business networks. The event will provide local entrepreneurs with opportunities to gain insights into overseas markets, engage with experienced international business leaders, and explore new directions for cross-border expansion.
Moving forward, APC remains committed to leveraging its international business network to support brand development, strengthen regional partnerships, and help more outstanding enterprises expand beyond their domestic markets onto the international stage.
Event: APC TOP CEO Gathering (Kota Kinabalu)
Date: 24 October 2026 (Saturday)
Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Venue: Level 5, Sepilok Hall, Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Participation Fee: RM50 per person (Refreshments Provided)
Complimentary admission is available to eligible APC award recipients and members of the APC.
Registration Link: http://bit.ly/APCTOPKKOct26
Entrepreneurs who are keen to expand their international business networks, explore emerging ASEAN markets, and discover new collaboration opportunities are warmly invited to participate in this exclusive business gathering.