CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader said Malaysian businesses had allegedly been offered such certificates for fees of up to RM30,000.
He said this raised concerns over the possible misrepresentation and commercial exploitation of the regional bloc’s name.
“Asean does not permit the use of its name, emblem, or identity for commercial purposes or for the issuance of profit-driven certificates, awards, or records by private entities,” he said in a statement today.
He also shared a letter of clarification from the Asean Secretariat, which said it had not authorised, endorsed, or partnered with any organiser promoting or selling “Asean-certified” records to businesses.
He urged businesses and members of the public to verify Asean-related claims through official channels before making payments or entering into agreements.
“Businesses should not be pressured into paying large sums for recognitions that may create an inaccurate perception of official Asean affiliation or endorsement.
“Asean’s integrity as a respected regional institution must be protected from commercial exploitation and misuse,” he said.
Berita Harian reported that Asean Records Sdn Bhd, an “official record achievement certification platform”, had claimed to have official approval from the Asean Secretariat and Malaysian government to use the regional bloc’s name in the company’s operations.
The company’s director and chief joint adjudicator Eldrick Koh said it had obtained approval from the secretariat in a letter dated Dec 1, 2023, signed by Asean director-general Tran Duc Binh, who was the Asean deputy secretary-general for community and corporate affairs at the time.
He claimed the company also received ministerial approval on Nov 14, 2023 under Section 27(3) of the Companies Act 2016 to use the gazetted word “Asean” in its name.
Under the section, an applicant may appeal to a minister if he or she is unhappy with the registrar’s decision on a name’s availability.
Koh also said Asean Records had never claimed that its certificates or recognitions were officially published by the Asean Secretariat, and that the company was not an organ, agency, or official representative of the secretariat.
“The records issued are recognition of Asean-level achievements by an independent body,” he said.
In response to accusations that the company was promoting and selling certifications, Koh said Asean Records manages a paid platform in line with international certification practices.
“The company has received approval through the Malaysian government, domestic trade and cost of living ministry, and Companies Commission of Malaysia, and from the Asean Secretariat to use Asean’s name in this commercial capacity.
“These two levels of approval reflect the legitimacy and transparency of our operations,” he said.