The launch of the Regional Connectivity Fund, which will support the ASEAN Power Grid), is a concrete sign of ADB’s longstanding and deep commitment to Southeast Asia, says Zhang. Photo credit: ADB.
Nianshan Zhang will lead ADB’s strategic agenda in Southeast Asia, advancing the bank’s delivery of its sovereign, nonsovereign, and advisory solutions in nine countries.
In February, Nianshan Zhang assumed the role of Director General of ADB’s Southeast Asia Department. He expressed his commitment to continue supporting ADB’s close collaboration with countries in Southeast Asia to advance sustainable and inclusive economic growth, harness emerging opportunities, and address development challenges.
“Southeast Asia is one of the most dynamic subregions in Asia and the Pacific, and I am honored to have this opportunity to lead ADB’s engagement in this important area,” said Mr. Zhang. “We will continue to build on our strong relationships with countries in the region and other partners to deepen resilience against recent economic shocks, deliver sustainable services, and promote regional cooperation and integration and common prosperity for all of the region’s people.”
Zhang will lead ADB’s strategic agenda in Southeast Asia, advancing the bank’s delivery of its sovereign, nonsovereign, and advisory solutions in Cambodia, Indonesia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Viet Nam, including support for the ASEAN Presidency in 2026.
Zhang has almost four decades of professional experience, including 23 years with ADB. Prior to his appointment as Director General for Southeast Asia, he served as Head of the bank’s Office of Safeguards where he led the implementation and monitoring of ADB’s safeguards policy and procedures and the development of the new Environmental and Social Framework. He has served in senior operational and management roles, notably as Deputy Country Director at the Pakistan Resident Mission and Deputy Director General for the Central and West Asia Regional Department.
Since assuming his new role, Zhang has engaged closely with country teams and key stakeholders, including through a series of country visits across Southeast Asia to strengthen coordination between ADB and countries to ensure ADB support is delivering value and addressing countries’ priority development challenges.
ADB is stepping up as the region’s premier financing and advisory partner to help build an integrated Southeast Asia that is resilient against the challenges and uncertainties ahead.
ADB is working even more closely with ASEAN, said Zhang, as it begins to implement its long-term plan ASEAN Vision 2045. He said the recent launch of the Regional Connectivity Fund, an initiative of the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund (AIF), is a concrete sign of ADB’s longstanding and deep commitment to Southeast Asia. ADB is administrator and a co-shareholder of the AIF.
The Regional Connectivity Fund will support the ASEAN Power Grid, where ADB is ready to commit up to $10 billion over the next decade. The regional grid will connect the electricity networks of ASEAN member states, enabling cross-border power trading. ASEAN’s vision is to achieve fully integrated grid operations by 2045.
ADB is also developing other regional initiatives to build AI readiness, deepen capital markets, develop the blue economy, and build river and flood resilience. In March, ADB supported the ASEAN Business Environment Forum and launched a new report, Advancing the Green Economy Transition in ASEAN, convening government and private sector leaders and underscoring the bank’s broader support for ASEAN’s economic transformation.
