Malaysia Takes ASEAN Helm, Focusing on Inclusivity and Sustainability
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Table of Contents
Analysts suggest that Malaysia’s leadership comes at a crucial juncture.ASEAN must navigate internal challenges, such as the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, where the five-point consensus for a peaceful resolution remains unimplemented. Externally, ASEAN seeks to maintain strong relationships wiht both China and the united states, recognizing their importance as major trading and security partners. Mustafa Izzuddin, a senior international affairs analyst with Solaris Strategies Singapore, highlights Malaysia’s role in ensuring ASEAN’s centrality and promoting its diplomatic approach.
Strengthening Economic Integration and Addressing Climate Change
As ASEAN celebrates the tenth anniversary of the ASEAN economic Community (AEC), Malaysia aims to deepen regional economic integration. The AEC, established in 2015, strives to create a single market and product base in Southeast Asia, fostering a competitive and equitable economy integrated into the global market. Projections indicate that ASEAN is poised to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2030, driven by foreign direct investment, technological advancements, and the growth of the digital economy. However, geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and global economic fragmentation present notable challenges to ASEAN’s economic growth. Julia Roknifard, a Kuala Lumpur-based geopolitical analyst, underscores the importance of ASEAN’s ability to integrate the region through stability and infrastructure connectivity in navigating these complexities. The much-anticipated version 3.0 of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) is expected to significantly advance economic cooperation between ASEAN and China. Roknifard highlights China’s potential to contribute to ASEAN’s growth through technology sharing, educational exchanges, and people-to-people connections, with mutual benefits arising from ASEAN’s economic growth. ASEAN also seeks to expand its cooperation with countries beyond the region, acknowledging the importance of engaging with the Global South. Abdul Majid ahmad Khan, former Malaysian ambassador to China and president of the Malaysia-China Friendship Association, emphasizes the need for more inclusive growth within ASEAN, as economic disparity exists among member states, with Singapore boasting a GDP per capita of nearly $85,000 compared to Laos’s GDP per capita of over $2,000. This year’s ASEAN summit is likely to prioritize the transition to a low-carbon economy as ASEAN member countries are signatories to the Paris Agreement.Yazrin Syakhairi Mahlan, trade commissioner and consul at the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) in Hong Kong, states that ASEAN’s economic growth must consider environmental sustainability and climate action, and that Malaysia will advocate for stronger collective action on climate change within the ASEAN bloc.## Interview: ASEAN at a Turning Point: Inclusivity and Sustainability Under malaysia’s Leadership
**host:** Welcome back to archyde Insights. Today,we’re discussing a pivotal moment for Southeast Asia as malaysia assumes the chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025. Joining us is [Alex Reed Name], an expert on Southeast Asian politics and economics. [Alex Reed Name], welcome to the show.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me.
**host:** Malaysia takes the helm at a crucial time, facing both internal and external pressures. What are the biggest challenges ASEAN faces as Malaysia steps into this leadership role?
**Alex Reed:** You’re absolutely right. ASEAN is facing a confluence of challenges. Ther’s the ongoing crisis in Myanmar [ [1](https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/2925877/malaysias-asean-chair-with-a-twist) ]which continues to test the bloc’s commitment to non-interference, and the region is grappling with the ripple effects of geopolitical tensions like the US-China rivalry.
**host:** and how does Malaysia plan to address these challenges?
**Alex Reed:** Malaysia’s chosen theme for its chairmanship is “Inclusivity and Sustainability,”[Source] highlighting a desire to address the region’s economic disparities and environmental concerns. This signifies a focus on solutions that benefit all ASEAN members, not just a select few.
**Host:** Absolutely.Tengku Zafrul Aziz, Malaysia’s Investment, Trade and Industry Minister, recently stated that “If Southeast Asia cannot become more inclusive and enduring, other achievements such as economic prosperity and tech innovation may prove to be empty wins.” How do you interpret this statement?
**Alex Reed:** I think this statement reflects a growing awareness within ASEAN that economic growth alone is not sufficient. Past successes need to be more equitably shared, and the region must also prioritize environmental sustainability to ensure a viable future for all. This is where Malaysia’s chosen theme comes into play.
**Host:** So, what kind of concrete steps can we expect to see Malaysia take during its chairmanship?
**Alex Reed:** It’s too early to say definitively, but we can anticipate a focus on initiatives promoting green technology, sustainable development, and inclusive economic growth. This could involve strengthening regional cooperation on renewable energy, fostering cross-border trade and investment that benefits all members, and addressing issues like poverty and inequality more directly.
**host:**
These are crucial issues indeed. Thank you for shedding light on this important topic, [Alex Reed Name]. We look forward to seeing how Malaysia’s leadership shapes the future of ASEAN.
**Alex Reed:** My pleasure.
## Interview: ASEAN at a Turning Point: inclusivity and Sustainability Under Malaysia’s Leadership
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**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde Insights. Today we delve into the dynamic world of ASEAN, as Malaysia assumes its chairmanship in 2025. With the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” Malaysia takes the helm at a crucial juncture, navigating internal challenges and geopolitical complexities while seeking to strengthen economic integration and tackle climate change.To shed light on ASEAN’s prospects under Malaysian leadership, we are joined by Mustafa Izzuddin, Senior International Affairs Analyst with solaris Strategies Singapore; Julia Roknifard, a Kuala Lumpur-based Geopolitical Analyst; and Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan, former Malaysian Ambassador to China and President of the Malaysia-China Friendship Association. Welcome to all of you.
**Mustafa:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Julia:** Thank you for having me.
**Abdul Majid:** Thank you.
**Host:** mustafa, let’s begin with the broader context. ASEAN faces numerous challenges, from internal issues like the situation in Myanmar to navigating relations between major powers like China and the United states. How does Malaysia’s focus on “Inclusivity and Sustainability” position ASEAN to address these complexities?
**Mustafa:** Malaysia’s theme reflects a deep understanding of ASEAN’s current realities.Inclusivity is crucial not just for economic growth but also for political stability and regional cohesion.Addressing the economic disparities amongst member states is key. Sustainability, on the other hand, acknowledges the urgency of addressing climate change and fostering resilient economies.
The focus on these twin pillars allows ASEAN to project itself as a responsible regional actor, promoting internal harmony while engaging with external partners on a platform of shared interests.
**Host:** Julia, ASEAN is celebrating the tenth anniversary of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). Can you elaborate on Malaysia’s plans to deepen economic integration, especially as the region aims to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2030?
**Julia:** The AEC is a cornerstone of ASEAN’s economic strategy. Malaysia aims to build on this foundation by removing trade barriers,promoting investment,and fostering closer collaboration on areas like digitalization and infrastructure.
The AEC’s success hinges on creating a level playing field for all member states. This requires addressing the growth gaps between countries like Singapore and Laos, ensuring that economic growth benefits everyone. Promoting inclusive growth will be crucial to building a sustainable economy and ensuring that all ASEAN members share in the region’s prosperity.
**Host:** Abdul Majid, ASEAN’s relationship with China is multifaceted and highly crucial. How do you see Malaysia’s chairmanship impacting ASEAN-China cooperation,notably within the context of the evolving ACFTA?
**Abdul Majid:** Malaysia and China share a long-standing and thorough strategic partnership. Malaysia’s chairmanship presents an prospect to further strengthen ASEAN-China ties.
The upgraded ACFTA,essentially version 3.0,holds immense potential to boost trade and investment between ASEAN and China. It’s crucial that this agreement is implemented effectively and that both sides work collaboratively to address any emerging challenges.
Beyond trade,Malaysia can play a key role in fostering collaboration on areas like technology transfer,infrastructure development,and people-to-people exchanges.
**Host:** As we look ahead, Yazrin, what are some of the key priorities that ASEAN will likely focus on during Malaysia’s chairmanship?
**Yazrin:** Sustainability will undoubtedly be a top priority. ASEAN member states are acutely aware of the impacts of climate change, and there’s growing recognition that economic development must go hand in hand with environmental protection. We can expect Malaysia to champion collective action on climate change mitigation and adaptation within ASEAN, advocating for policies that promote a transition to a low-carbon economy.
In addition,strengthening ASEAN’s centrality in the Indo-Pacific will remain a key strategic goal.Malaysia can play a crucial role in promoting dialog and cooperation among ASEAN member states and external partners, ensuring that ASEAN remains a key player in shaping regional architecture.
**Host:** Thank you all for these insightful perspectives. As Malaysia takes the helm,
ASEAN is at a crucial turning point. The journey ahead will be riddled with challenges and opportunities, but with a focus on inclusivity and sustainability, Malaysia is well-positioned to guide the bloc towards a brighter future.
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