The ASEAN Circular Economy Forum (ACEF) 2025 brought together policymakers, innovators, businesses, and development partners to accelerate ASEAN's transition toward a circular economy. Hosted under Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship with the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability," the Forum focused on advancing circular solutions through green skills development, innovation, and strategic investment.

The AKCF-funded Integrated Municipal Solid Waste Management (IMSWM) Project, implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), operated Booth throughout the four-day event at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The booth showcased the project's key achievements through visual infographics and video presentations, highlighting the development of the ASEAN Regional Strategy on IMSWM, which mainstreams climate change and circular economy approaches in waste management systems.

Visitors to the GGGI booth explored how the project is driving sustainable waste management practices across ASEAN Member States through two main components: the development of regional strategy and guidelines, and project preparation support for five investment projects in Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Philippines, and Thailand. These initiatives address various aspects of municipal solid waste management, including waste sorting, composting, and integrated waste management systems.

The Forum reinforced ASEAN's commitment to the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint 2025 and ASEAN Vision 2040, promoting circular innovation and partnerships for a sustainable and resilient future across the region.