The Borneo Economic Community (BEC) is a subregional, business-driven multi-stakeholder platform aimed at realizing the vision of ASEAN Centrality and ASEAN Incorporated within the Borneo subregion. It brings together governments, businesses, investors, development institutions, academia, and civil society to advance economic integration, cross-border connectivity, and sustainable development across the island of Borneo.
Through a bottom-up approach — including initiatives such as the Borneo Economic Forum — promotes strategic dialogue, investment, policy coordination, and business collaboration to strengthen trade, industrial cooperation, and connectivity among Brunei Darussalam, the Indonesian provinces of Kalimantan, and the Malaysian states of Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan.
In doing so, it aims to:
Foster cooperation among key stakeholders across Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia.
Promote trade, investment, and connectivity throughout the island of Borneo.
Strengthen and empower the role of Borneo businesses in driving regional growth.
In doing so, BEC seeks to strengthen regional cooperation among governments, businesses, and other stakeholders across Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, and Malaysia; facilitate cross-border trade, investment, and connectivity; and empower Borneo businesses to drive regional economic growth through strategic partnerships, industrial cooperation, and greater participation in regional and global value chains. Through these efforts, BEC aims to position Borneo as a globally competitive and integrated subregional growth engine within ASEAN, grounded in local strengths, inclusively driven, and committed to shared prosperity across the island.
Borneo Economic Community Timeline
Establishment of Borneo Economic Community
On 5 September 2023, the BEC was formally established through the signing of the Statement of Cooperation (SoC) during the 2nd Borneo Business Roundtable, held as part of the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS) 2023 in Jakarta.
2nd Borneo Economic Forum
On 7-8 October 2026, BEC convene the 2nd Borneo Economic Forum in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. This year's forum seeks to further advance discussions on Borneo's development priorities, with a particular focus on the importance of regional connectivity amid growing global uncertainty and fragmentation.
The Inaugural of Borneo Economic Community
On 28 April 2023, the idea of the BEC was introduced during the Inaugural Borneo Economic Roundtable in Bandar Seri Begawan, held on the sidelines of the Brunei Business Conference 2023.
Inaugural of Borneo Economic Forum
On 13 August 2024, the Borneo Economic Community (BEC) convened the inaugural Borneo Economic Forum (BEF) in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, under the theme "Regional Connectivity: A Pathway to Inclusive Growth."
3rd Borneo Economic Forum
The 3rd Borneo Economic Forum will be held in Nusantara, Indonesia, in 2027, marking the next chapter in BEC’s efforts to strengthen regional economic integration, foster cross-border collaboration, and advance Borneo’s shared economic future.
Borneo Economic Community Signatories
The Borneo Economic Community brings together chambers of commerce, business associations, companies, and institutional partners from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, and Malaysia through a shared commitment to regional economic cooperation. United by the Statement of Cooperation, BEC signatories work towards strengthening cross-border connectivity, facilitating trade and investment, and unlocking Borneo’s economic potential. Through collective action and private-sector collaboration, they contribute to building a more integrated, competitive, and inclusive subregional economy within ASEAN and Southeast Asia.
Borneo Economic Community (BEC)
Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) — West Kalimantan
Kadazandusun Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI)
Imasa Dinasti Sdn Bhd
Confer Sdn Bhd
Sarawak Business Federation (SBF)
Sabah Bumiputera Chamber of Commerce (SBCC)
Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MICCI)
PT Interport Mandiri Utama
Hatiassets Ltd.
BIMP-EAGA Sarawak Association (BESA)
Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) — South Kalimantan
SabahAster Energy and Chemicals Ltd.
YCH Group
Indonesian Business Council (IBC)
ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Indonesia
Sriwijaya Capital
Adinin Group of Companies