Viet Nam expects to welcome more than 800 leaders of governments, global leading groups, civil society organisations and media to the World Economic Forum (WEF) on ASEAN slated for this September in Ha Noi.

Illustrative image (Source: World Economic Forum)

The forum will take place on 11 - 13 September under the theme ASEAN 4.0: Entrepreneurship and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

A record number of regional heads of state or government will participate in the event, said the WEF’s press release.

In all, eight ASEAN countries will be represented by their prime minister, president or state counsellor.

Among the registered heads of state or government are President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines; Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad of Malaysia, and Aung San Suu Kyi, State Counsellor of Myanmar, it said.

Justin Wood, Head of Asia Pacific and Member of the Executive Committee at the World Economic Forum, said "the ASEAN region is currently one of the world’s bright spots for economic growth, and their presence shows the commitment they have to ensure this remains the case as the Fourth Industrial Revolution expands in economic scope and impact, and the geopolitical environment around them changes rapidly".

Participants will discuss issues ranging from the region’s geopolitical friction points to entrepreneurship and employment in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. They will do so with the help of leaders of 100 early-stage start-ups, whose companies represent the dynamic nature of entrepreneurial spirit of ASEAN.

Issues to be discussed at the forum include Asia’s New Balance of Power, Factory Asia’s Next Frontier, the Future of Jobs in ASEAN, Asia Economic Outlook, Accelerating the ASEAN Economic Community, ASEAN Pluralism and Designing Cities 4.0. Topics surrounding the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including emerging technologies like autonomous vehicles, blockchain, drones and fintech, will be highlighted. The meeting will also include workplace sessions on topics such as Sexual Harassment at Work, and Workplace 4.0.

Vietnam’s Acting Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung is expected to be one of those who will preside over discussion sessions at the forum.

(Source: VNA)