HNWF2025 Fosters ASEAN-Hainan Cooperation in Malaysia

The 18th Congress of the World Federation of Hainanese Associations, known as HNWF2025, concluded in Penang, Malaysia, on November 16, 2025. The event, themed “New Opportunities in Hainan Free Trade Port: Building a New Bridge with ASEAN,” gathered over 3,000 individuals of Hainan ancestry, business professionals, and investors from 23 countries.

Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation between Hainan and the ASEAN region. A highlight of the congress was the Hainan Free Trade Port-ASEAN Investment Summit, where eight enterprises and institutions from Hainan signed memoranda of cooperation with Malaysian counterparts. These agreements spanned various sectors, including outbound tourism, biotechnology, legal consulting, catering services, and cultural research.

The significance of these collaborations is underscored by the participation of the Hainan International Arbitration Court, which signed a cooperation agreement with the Malaysia Hainan Chamber of Commerce. This partnership aims to address international investors’ concerns regarding legal protections, as emphasized by Dato’ Ricky Tan Seng Cheong, Chairman of the conference’s organizing committee. He noted that such agreements would “make investments more secure.”

In addition to business agreements, representatives from Qiongtai Normal University highlighted initiatives aimed at fostering cultural exchanges. Collaborations with the Federation of Hainan Associations Malaysia are designed to encourage young Malaysians of Hainan descent to return to their roots, learning the Hainanese language and traditional culture. The program also promotes student exchanges, enabling the youth to serve as cultural ambassadors between China and ASEAN.

Food and catering brands from Hainan showcased their products during the conference, seeking partnerships with overseas Hainanese communities. This outreach reflects a broader effort to strengthen ties and promote mutual benefits among Hainan’s diaspora.

As Hainan prepares for a new phase of development with the launch of special customs operations on December 18, 2025, the timing of HNWF2025 aligns with the growing policy advantages of the Hainan Free Trade Port. The congress serves as a vital platform for fostering trust and enhancing cooperation with Malaysia and other ASEAN nations.

Delegates left the event with a consensus on the importance of deepening cooperation between Hainan and ASEAN. They emphasized the need to coordinate business resources among Hainanese individuals both locally and globally, aiming to accelerate industrial alignment and project implementation in the region.