World Economic Forum on East Asia: Responding to New Uncertainties Responding to New Uncertainties” was the theme of the 17th World Economic Forum on East Asia, which was held in Kuala Lumpur. As such, 300 leaders from over 25 different countries examined and discussed the challenges and priorities that will ultimately shape the region’s future agenda. At the last World Economic Forum on East Asia, confidence in the resilience of Asia’s economies was marked by positive economic growth forecasts, expanding intra-regional trade, rising investments and staggering levels of US currency reserves. In this context, leaders from Asia expressed their readiness to enlarge their leadership role in global and regional affairs as the centre of power shifts to Asia’s capitals and corporate boardrooms.