(Kuala Lumpur, 13th) ASEAN Records Sdn Bhd today issued official approval documents to clarify several recent unfounded allegations questioning its legal status.
ASEAN Records Executive Director and Chief Forensic Officer Wong Tze Ning and Koo Chun Ming, along with their legal team, held a press conference accompanied by Xie Zhiwei, Deputy Chief of the DAP Youth Wing of the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur and Chief of the DAP Youth Wing of Kepong.
Huang Zining stated that ASEAN Records received several false accusations questioning its legal status last Sunday (10th) and filed a police report the following day.
She pointed out that as a legally incorporated company in Malaysia, it holds formal written approval from the ASEAN Secretariat, which allows it to use the name “ASEAN” in its company name.
“This approval document, numbered CCAD/LSAD/UNA/2023/Vol.1/014 and dated December 1, 2023, was personally signed by His Excellency Tran Duc Binh, Deputy Secretary-General for ASEAN Community and Corporate Affairs.”
“The approval document has been formally signed and remains fully valid.”
She said that ASEAN Records also holds a ministerial approval issued by the Malaysian government under Section 27(3) of the Companies Act 2016, allowing the use of the gazetted word “ASEAN” in the company name, document number P/S/2023/A/004396, dated November 14, 2023.
Furthermore, regarding allegations of false claims of official recognition, certification, or affiliation, Huang Zining pointed out that ASEAN Records has never made any false statements about its status.
She said that the approval granted by the ASEAN Secretariat in December 2023 explicitly allows ASEAN Records to use the name “ASEAN” as the company’s corporate identity and for the operation of the regional record certification platform.
“Our company has been operating within the scope of this approval since its inception, and has not received any notice of revocation, withdrawal or modification.”
She stated that the company respects the status of the ASEAN Secretariat as a regional intergovernmental body, and that it is an independent business entity operating under the formal approval of the name “ASEAN”.
Huang Zining made these remarks at a press conference held this morning at the Kepong Parliament Service Centre.
On the other hand, Gu Junming clarified that ASEAN Records issues records as an independent regional certification platform, and is not an institution, agency or representative of the ASEAN Secretariat.
“This stance has remained consistent and unchanged in all of our company’s promotional materials, award ceremonies, and external communications.”
“The records issued by our company are recognitions of outstanding achievements at the ASEAN regional level, certified by an independent body operating under the official approval of the name ‘ASEAN’. These records do not claim to be issued directly by the ASEAN Secretariat.”
In addition, he pointed out that ASEAN Records is a commercial entity (Sendirian Berhad) legally registered in Malaysia. It operates as a paid certification platform, and its operating model is consistent with mature certification industry practices globally and regionally. Similar to other internationally recognized certification bodies, it conducts commercial operations while maintaining the credibility of the organization.
He reiterated that the ASEAN record has been approved at both the national level (by the Minister of the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) under the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN)) and the regional level (by the ASEAN Secretariat) to operate as a business entity under the name “ASEAN”.
“The two-tier approval process reflects the company’s legal and transparent operating foundation.”
We are preparing relevant legal documents and will take action against all those involved.
Huang Zining emphasized that the recent accusations against ASEAN Records are all untrue. The company possesses the necessary approval documents, as well as relevant documentary evidence supporting its legal status and operation under the name “ASEAN”.
She said that in order to protect the company, the record holder, and their legitimate rights to use the name “ASEAN,” ASEAN Records will initiate necessary legal action, and will not comment further on the specific details of the relevant litigation proceedings at this time.
“The relevant documents and evidence will be presented at an appropriate time after legal proceedings are initiated against the responsible parties.”
Datin Wen Qiaohe, co-founder of Zhang & Wen Law Firm, pointed out that his legal team has been commissioned to provide legal advice to ASEAN Records, and the relevant legal documents are currently being prepared.
She said that because the incident involves a wide range of issues and a lot of misinformation has appeared in the media and on social media, several investigations are currently underway.
“This press conference is crucial to clarifying the facts. There is no accurate number of people involved at present, but we will take legal action against all those who have been identified as being involved.”
At the same time, Gu Junming expressed his gratitude to the ASEAN record holder, partners, and the many supporters who have trusted the company.
“It is your trust that drives us forward, and we will continue to give our all in accordance with the standards you expect.”
Other attendees included Dato’ Chang Yu Xiang, managing partner of Chang & Wen Solicitors, lawyer Wong Yuen Xuan, and lawyer Wan Mohd Assau.
ASEAN Records is an independent regional record certification platform. Since its official launch on November 14, 2024, it has awarded more than 250 ASEAN-level record certifications to outstanding companies, organizations and individuals. It has also held nine “Gather of Achievers” award ceremonies, with a total attendance of more than 1,500 people.
The ASEAN Records certification is witnessed by senior government officials, including the Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister, cabinet ministers, the Governor of Malacca, and other senior government officials, and has been featured in hundreds of mainstream media reports.
