Chairman of DISG, Masuo Kuremura.

New chairman appointed to lead Japan-ASEAN economic growth platform

The Dialogue for Innovative and Sustainable Growth (DISG) has announced the appointment of Mr Masuo Kuremura as its new Chairman, marking a significant step forward in deepening economic co-creation between Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Mr Kuremura, who formerly served as Executive Secretary to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry in Japan, took the helm of the platform in late 2025.
His appointment comes at a pivotal time as Japan introduces a refreshed policy framework focused on four strategic pillars: supply chain resilience, digital investment, innovation, and the Asia Zero Emission Community transition.
Established following the Japan-ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting in 2020, the Dialogue for Innovative and Sustainable Growth serves as a vital bridge between the public and private sectors.
Unlike traditional diplomatic dialogues, the DISG is designed to transform abstract concepts into tangible projects.
The platform currently collaborates with 13 major economic organisations across the region, including the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC).
This network allows the DISG to channel real-world business challenges directly into policy recommendations for regional ministers.
The shift in Japan’s approach reflects the evolving nature of the ASEAN market. While the 1970s and 80s saw the region primarily as a manufacturing hub for Japanese firms, today’s partnership is defined by mutual value. “The era of one-way support has passed,” the organisation stated.
“We are now entering a new phase in which Japan’s technological strengths and ASEAN’s growth potential are combined to co-create value.”
Under Mr Kuremura’s leadership, the Dialogue for Innovative and Sustainable Growth will focus on four priority areas.
These include strengthening supply chains to help ASEAN build autonomous manufacturing bases, and digital investment aimed at developing locally-optimised Large Language Models through Japan’s semiconductor expertise.
The platform will also continue promoting innovation via the “Fast Track Pitch” initiative, connecting Japanese firms with ASEAN startups.
Finally, the Asia Zero Emission Community pillar will focus on a pragmatic energy transition, using Japanese technology in hydrogen and ammonia to balance carbon neutrality with regional energy security.
In his inaugural comments, Mr Kuremura emphasised the importance of reliability and long-term value over short-term cost savings.
“Japan’s strength lies in its reliability—delivering on its commitments—and in providing high-quality solutions that create lasting value for partner countries,” Mr Kuremura said.
He also highlighted the role of the younger generation and startups in building a new economic model that balances growth with social responsibility.
“By integrating the startup ecosystems of Japan and ASEAN, we can build a new model of capitalism; one that balances economic growth with the resolution of social challenges,” he added.
Moving forward, the DISG plans to transition from its pandemic-era online focus to more in-person engagements across the region, aiming to accelerate the implementation of public-private projects that will take the Japan-ASEAN partnership to the next level.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update May 19, 2026)