Asean Supply Chain Council Shifted to Permanent Status
Business leaders have gained a formal pathway to influence regional trade policy as the council institutionalizes its operations.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in People
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The Asean Supply Chain Council has transitioned into a permanent structure under the Asean Business Advisory Council to streamline private-sector recommendations. This shift occurred during the 3rd Asean Supply Chain Council Meeting held in Manila.
Why it matters
By moving to a permanent operating structure, the council aims to ensure consistent policy advocacy and supply-chain oversight across rotating leadership cycles. This provides operators with a direct channel to address trade barriers and regional logistics challenges.
The council held its 3rd meeting following its establishment on Sept 23, 2025. The transition to a permanent structure is intended to maintain operational continuity under the Asean Business Advisory Council.
The players
Michael Tan
The incoming chairman of the Asean Supply Chain Council who now leads the organization's permanent operational phase.
Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai
The outgoing chairman of the Asean Supply Chain Council who led the organization prior to the transition.
Asean Business Advisory Council
The regional business body that now hosts the Asean Supply Chain Council as a permanent fixture.
The details
The council has institutionalized its operations to provide a structured pathway for private-sector recommendations to reach Asean leaders. This new permanent framework replaces ad-hoc processes, ensuring that supply-chain challenges and trade barriers are addressed consistently as chairmanship changes occur. Michael Tan assumed the role of chairman during the meeting to oversee these new terms of reference and work programme.
Timeline
Sept 23, 2025: The Asean Supply Chain Council was established.
Sept 18, 2026: The 3rd council meeting took place and chairmanship transferred.
Market Landscape
The council's transition into a permanent operating structure follows a growing trend of institutionalizing private-sector advisory bodies within regional trade blocs. This shift marks a departure from temporary project-based committees, aligning with the long-term governance patterns established by the Asean Economic Community Blueprint.
Operators should monitor the council's upcoming work programme to identify potential changes to regional trade compliance and logistics regulations. The formalization of the council suggests that policy recommendations may carry more weight, making it a critical body to watch for shifts in Asean trade barriers.
The takeaway
The move to a permanent council structure signals a shift toward more consistent and formalized policy advocacy for regional supply chains. Operators should track the council's new work programme to identify regulatory shifts affecting cross-border trade in the region.
Further reading
For more updates on regional industry leadership and organizational changes, visit our People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NST Online.
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