Launched in March 2024, the ASEAN-UK Advancing Creative Economy (ACE) programme is co-funded by the UK Government and the British Council in partnership with the ASEAN Secretariat. It positions the UK as a key partner in Southeast Asia’s vibrant creative economy — one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors.
Training and Capacity Building
The programme’s first phase delivered two rounds of the Hybrid Creative Economy Policy Training, reaching nearly 1,000 policymakers and practitioners across ASEAN. It also supported festival management training for 60 ASEAN festival managers to build skills and knowledge to strengthen the region’s festival ecosystem.
Strengthening Industry Linkages
ASEAN-UK Advancing Creative Economy has facilitated UK–ASEAN industry connections through delegation programmes to The Great Escape and FOCUS Wales. These programmes enable ASEAN creative leaders to engage directly with UK festivals, producers, and creative businesses. These exchanges foster long-term partnerships and open new opportunities for collaboration.
Research and Policy Dialogue
The programme commissioned three regional research studies to generate better policy and market intelligence and convened high-level regional dialogues. A key moment was the ASEAN-UK Creative Economy Symposium in Kuala Lumpur, which provided a platform for UK businesses to connect with decision-makers and collaborators across Southeast Asia.
Shaping Regional Policy Frameworks
A major milestone was the co-development of the ASEAN Creative Economy Sustainability Framework, adopted at the ASEAN Leaders Summit in May 2025. The UK played a leading role in shaping this framework, working closely with the ASEAN Secretariat and British Council, alongside experts such as John Newbigin and Cultural Associates Oxford.
Regional Perception Poll Report and ASEAN Creative Economy Sustainability Publication
We are launching a Regional Perception Poll on the ASEAN Creative Economy this October, which will be held alongside the unveiling of the ASEAN Creative Economy Sustainability Framework publication. It will mark a significant step in advancing regional cooperation and shaping the future of ASEAN’s creative economy.
Looking Ahead: Phase 2
Building on these achievements, we are preparing for Phase 2 of the ASEAN-UK Advancing Creative Economy programme. This next phase will broaden professional development opportunities, deepen UK–ASEAN collaboration, and foster innovative projects that strengthen a sustainable, inclusive, and interconnected creative economy across the region.