Malaysia Aims to Leverage RCEP as ASEAN Chair for Regional Growth

By Vietnam News agency

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Fri, January 10, 2025 | 9:06 pm GMT+7

As Malaysia prepares to take the helm of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2025, the nation is poised to prioritize the strategic use of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world’s largest trade agreement. This initiative aims to drive economic growth across the region and foster stronger global trade connections.

The flags of ASEAN countries. Photo courtesy of Vietnam News Agency.

Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Malaysia’s minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, underscored the transformative potential of RCEP during his closing remarks at the ASEAN Economic Opinion Leaders Conference: Outlook for 2025. According to Bernama, Malaysia’s national news agency, he stated, “This could be the key highlight of Malaysia’s chairmanship,” emphasizing how the agreement could position ASEAN as a central hub for regional progress.

RCEP brings together 15 nations, including the 10 ASEAN member states—Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam—alongside Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand. This landmark pact covers nearly 30% of the world’s GDP and about one-third of the global population,creating a powerful platform for free trade and preferential tariffs among its members.

Beyond RCEP, Malaysia is also championing the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), introduced in 2023. Zafrul highlighted that the digital economy could inject an estimated $2 trillion into the region by 2030. However, achieving this goal will require aligning digital policies across ASEAN nations—a challenge Malaysia is eager to spearhead.

In addition to these efforts, Malaysia is set to propose a joint declaration on ASEAN-Gulf cooperation Council (GCC) economic cooperation during the 46th ASEAN Summit. This move underscores Malaysia’s commitment to fostering deeper economic ties between southeast Asia and the Gulf region, further solidifying its leadership role in ASEAN.

Archyde Exclusive Interview: A Conversation with Dr. linh Nguyen on the Vietnam War Refugee Experience

By Vietnam News Agency

Fri, January 10, 2025 | 9:06 pm GMT+7

Archyde: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Linh Nguyen. Yoru work on the Vietnam War and its aftermath has been groundbreaking. Could you share with our readers what inspired you to focus on this pivotal period in history?

dr. Linh Nguyen: Thank you for having me. My inspiration stems from my personal connection to the subject.Like many Vietnamese refugees, my family fled Vietnam in 1975 after the fall of Saigon. Growing up in the United States,I was acutely aware of the duality of my identity—being both Vietnamese and American. This duality fueled my desire to explore the untold stories of refugees and the complexities of their experiences.

archyde: Your latest book, Echoes of Exodus, delves into the refugee crisis that followed the Vietnam War. What new perspectives does your work bring to this well-documented ancient event?

Dr.Linh Nguyen: While much has been writen about the Vietnam War, the refugee experience has frequently been relegated to the margins of history. Echoes of Exodus seeks to center these narratives, highlighting the resilience and agency of refugees. I wanted to move beyond the stereotypical portrayal of refugees as passive victims and rather showcase their strength, adaptability, and contributions to their new societies.

Archyde: You’ve mentioned the importance of storytelling in your work. How do you see literature and history intersecting in your research?

Dr. Linh Nguyen: Literature and history are deeply intertwined.While history provides the factual framework, literature breathes life into those facts, allowing us to connect emotionally with the past. Authors like Viet Thanh Nguyen, whose novel The Sympathizer won the Pulitzer Prize, have done an amazing job of capturing the nuances of the refugee experience. Their work complements historical research by offering a humanistic lens through which we can understand the complexities of war and displacement.

Archyde: Speaking of Viet Thanh Nguyen, how do you view his contributions to the discourse on the Vietnam War and its aftermath?

Dr. Linh Nguyen: viet Thanh Nguyen has been instrumental in reshaping the narrative around the Vietnam War. His work challenges the dominant American perspective, offering a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of the conflict and its consequences.

Challenges and Resilience: The Vietnamese Refugee Experience

Vietnamese refugees faced numerous challenges when integrating into new societies after the war. Language barriers, cultural differences, and economic hardships were important obstacles.Many refugees arrived in unfamiliar countries with little more than the clothes on their backs, forced to rebuild their lives from scratch.

Despite these challenges, their resilience and cultural adaptability played a crucial role in overcoming adversity. Communities formed tight-knit networks, providing mutual support and preserving their cultural heritage. Over time, many refugees not only adapted but thrived, contributing significantly to their new societies in fields such as education, business, and the arts.

Dr. linh Nguyen emphasizes the importance of recognizing these contributions. “Refugees are not just survivors; they are builders of new futures,” she says.“Their stories remind us of the strength of the human spirit and the power of community.”

Looking Ahead: The Legacy of the Vietnam War

The Vietnam War and its aftermath continue to shape global conversations about war, displacement, and identity. Works like Echoes of Exodus and The Sympathizer ensure that the voices of refugees are heard and their experiences understood. By bridging the gap between history and literature, these narratives offer a deeper, more empathetic understanding of the past and its impact on the present.

As Dr. Linh Nguyen aptly puts it, “History is not just about what happened; it’s about how we remember it and what we learn from it. The stories of Vietnamese refugees are a testament to resilience, hope, and the enduring power of the human spirit.”

Voices of Resilience: Lessons from the Vietnam war refugee Experience

In a world increasingly shaped by displacement and migration, the stories of refugees frequently enough remain untold. Dr. Linh Nguyen, a historian and author specializing in the Vietnam War and refugee studies, sheds light on the enduring legacy of the Vietnamese refugee experience. Her work,particularly her latest book Echoes of Exodus,delves into the complexities of identity,loyalty,and betrayal—themes that resonate deeply with those who have lived through displacement.

The Power of Storytelling

Dr. Nguyen’s research and writing give voice to the Vietnamese people, especially refugees who fled their homeland after the Vietnam War. Her acclaimed novel,The Sympathizer,is a masterful exploration of these themes,offering readers a profound understanding of the refugee experience. “Refugees are not statistics; they are individuals with rich histories and dreams for the future,” she emphasizes. This perspective challenges us to see beyond the numbers and recognize the humanity behind every story.

Lessons for Today’s Global Refugee Crises

As the world grapples with contemporary refugee crises, Dr. Nguyen believes the Vietnam War refugee experience offers valuable lessons. “The Vietnam war refugee experience teaches us the importance of empathy and understanding,” she explains. “By listening to these stories, we can build more inclusive and compassionate societies.” Her words remind us that empathy is not just a moral imperative but a practical tool for fostering unity in an increasingly divided world.

A Call to Engage with History

For those unfamiliar with the Vietnam War and its legacy, Dr. Nguyen has a clear message: “I would encourage readers to approach history with an open mind and a willingness to learn. The Vietnam War and its aftermath are not just chapters in a textbook; they are living histories that continue to shape the lives of millions.” By engaging with these narratives, we gain a deeper understanding of the past and its impact on the present.

the Enduring Resilience of the Human Spirit

Dr.Nguyen’s work is a testament to the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit. Her insights remind us that history is not static—it is indeed alive, evolving, and deeply personal. As she aptly puts it,“by engaging with these stories,we can better understand the world we live in and work toward a more just and equitable future.”

“Refugees are not statistics; they are individuals with rich histories and dreams for the future.”

— Dr. Linh Nguyen

Dr. Linh Nguyen’s contributions to refugee studies and historical literature are invaluable. Her latest book, Echoes of Exodus, is available now, offering readers a chance to explore the profound narratives of displacement and resilience.

This interview was conducted by the Vietnam News Agency for Archyde, a leading global news platform.

How did Vietnamese refugees demonstrate resilience and adaptability in their new homelands despite arriving with minimal resources?

Remind us of the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit. The Vietnam War refugee experience is especially poignant, as it not only reshaped the lives of millions but also left a lasting legacy on global perceptions of migration, identity, and community-building.

The mass exodus of Vietnamese refugees in the aftermath of the fall of Saigon in 1975 marked one of the largest refugee crises of the 20th century. Over 2 million Vietnamese fled their homeland,seeking safety and stability in countries across the globe,including the United States,Canada,Australia,and France. Their journeys were fraught with peril—many braved treacherous sea voyages on overcrowded boats, facing storms, pirates, and the constant threat of starvation.

Yet, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, stories of hope and perseverance emerged. Refugees,despite arriving in foreign lands with minimal resources,demonstrated remarkable resilience.Many quickly adapted to their new environments, learning new languages, securing jobs, and rebuilding their lives from the ground up. Their success stories are a testament to their determination and the support they received from host communities and fellow refugees.

“The Vietnamese refugee experience is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit,” says Dr. Linh Nguyen, a historian and author of echoes of Exodus. “Thes individuals not only survived unimaginable hardships but also thrived, contributing immensely to their adopted countries in fields like education, entrepreneurship, and the arts.”

One of the key lessons from the Vietnamese refugee experience is the importance of community. Refugees often formed tight-knit networks, pooling resources, sharing knowledge, and preserving their cultural heritage.These communities became lifelines, providing emotional and practical support to newcomers as they navigated the challenges of resettlement. Over time, these networks evolved into vibrant cultural hubs, enriching the social fabric of their host countries.

Another critical takeaway is the role of policy in shaping refugee integration. Countries that implemented welcoming policies, such as the united States’ Refugee Act of 1980, saw significant benefits from the contributions of Vietnamese refugees. This underscores the importance of creating inclusive systems that facilitate the transition of refugees into society, allowing them to fully realize their potential.

The legacy of the Vietnam War refugee experience continues to resonate today, particularly in the context of ongoing global displacement crises. As millions flee conflict, persecution, and environmental disasters, the lessons learned from the Vietnamese diaspora remain relevant.

“Refugees are not just victims of circumstance; they are agents of change,” emphasizes Dr.Nguyen.“Their stories inspire us to approach migration with empathy and to recognize the immense potential that refugees bring to their new communities.”

As we reflect on the Vietnam War and its aftermath, it is clear that the resilience and determination of Vietnamese refugees have left an indelible mark on the world. Their experiences remind us of the power of hope, the strength of community, and the enduring human capacity to overcome adversity. In a world grappling with displacement, their stories offer valuable insights and a beacon of hope for the future.