The ASEAN Mentors for Entrepreneurship Network (AMEN) was established by the ASEAN BAC as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) platform where mentors and teaching modules for MSMEs can be continually developed and actively shared across ASEAN as an effective way to promote inclusive growth and prosperity for all, as showcased by its theme for 2017 (ASEAN BAC 2017). Empowering the MSMEs as bearers of jobs and livelihood opportunities and as agents of economic growth is vital to achieving inclusive growth and poverty reduction. As the backbone of the ASEAN economy, they constitute 89-99 percent of establishments and provide 52-97 percent of total employment in the region.

The AMEN Program will be sustained in the long-term by the ASEAN member-countries through the bloc’s continuing drive for MSMEs development. Another key factor that comes into play is the sustained prioritization that individual ASEAN member-countries give MSME development; their ongoing programs for the same prove as much.

At present, the ASEAN BAC has proceeded to form a Technical Working Group made up of representatives of the member-countries to propel the AMEN Program towards its efficient implementation. On 15 July 2017, the ASEAN BAC members were asked to appoint their respective AMEN Mentor Champions and AMEN Focal Points so as to properly mobilize them for the endeavor.

The AMEN Program will be formally launched at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit on November 12, 2017, with a formal declaration by the ASEAN members.

Be a Partner for Change! Be a Mentor for Entrepreneurship in ASEAN!
Visit the AMEN website at www.aseanmentors.org