ASEAN forum on inclusive financial well-being

I had the honor of joining the ASEAN Forum on Inclusive Financial Well-being on April 8, upon the invitation of Governor Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour of Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). Held in Kuala Lumpur, the forum was a sideline event of the 2025 ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting (AFMGM) and highlighted the role of financial well-being in driving sustainable growth.

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The forum brought together around 350 participants from ASEAN member states, the ASEAN Working Committee on Financial Inclusion, Malaysian government agencies, financial institutions, NGOs, social enterprises, and academia. Surrounded by policymakers, financial leaders, grassroots advocates, and innovators from across Southeast Asia, one thought echoed in my mind:

“Financial inclusion is not just about opening bank accounts. It is about opening doors.”

I was part of a panel discussion moderated by Ms. Aban Haq from the Alliance for Financial Inclusion. It was a privilege to join BNM Deputy Governor Adrian Zaylani, who shared BNM’s initiatives from a policymaker’s perspective; DBS Bank CEO Tan Su Shan, who highlighted efforts to support SMEs and social enterprises; and Dr. Joanne Yoong, a behavioral scientist who explored the psychological barriers to inclusion. Our discussion made clear that access to financial services is not enough—financial access must lead to opportunity, security, and dignity for all.

Layered challenges