A New Era for Southeast Asia: Malaysia Leads the Way in 2025
As the world hurtles towards 2025, Malaysia stands poised to navigate Southeast Asia through a significant chapter in its history. As Asean Chair, Malaysia will steer the region towards allowing “inclusivity” and “sustainability” to finally drive progress for all. This is not just any another year; Asean celebrates 10 years of its Economic Community. With the region on the cusp of becoming the world’s fourth-largest economy, there’s no time for complacency.
Embracing Inclusivity and Sustainability
The heart of Malaysia’s Asean agenda lies in the Ten pillars of the MADANI framework: Sustainability, Compassion, Respect, Innovation, Prosperity, and Trust. By weaving these values into our Asean agenda for 2025, we are pushing for progress that benefits everyone in the region.
For too long, Southeast Asia ran the risk of “empty wins,” celebrating economic prosperity without ensuring it benefits everyone. Our challenge in 2025 is to bridge these gaps, making sure the gains of a united Southeast Asia are felt by women, youth, and micro, small, and medium enterprises. This means modernizing our economies.
This year, we must embrace the opportunities offered by the digital economy. The world is accelerating towards e-commerce, and Asean must lead the way in digitalization while simultaneously addressing urgent environmental challenges. We must work together to transition to sustainable practices, ensuring that growth doesn’t come at the cost of our planet.
Malaysia recognizes that true prosperity cannot solely benefit the elites. The MADANI Government envisions prosperity for all, a future where growth intersects with sustainability for healthier, more just societies. This year, we will leverage Malaysia’s experience and insights to propagate sustainable development throughout the region.
A Packed Agenda for 2025
2025 will be a year of intense discussions and collaboration. The two Asean Summits in Kuala Lumpur are the major testaments to this commitment.
The year won’t just be about summits and speeches. On a holistic scale, various groups will convene throughout the year. From the ASEAN+3 Summit to the East Asia Summits, Malaysia will diligently champion regional security, economic integration, and sociocultural development.
The year 2025 presents a unique opportunity for Asean, particularly for its economic progress. The focus is on Concordance and collaboration, reflected in the four key areas for the Asean Economic Pillar: Enhancing Trade and Investment, Cultivating a more inclusive and sustainable pathway, strengthening regional integration and connectivity, and bolstering digital resilience.
In February 2025, Kuala Lumpur will host key economic thinkers at the 31st Asean Economic Ministers (AEM) Retreat. This will be followed by the Asean Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ meeting in April, showcasing Asean’s commitment to economic stability. The year hopes to culminate in September 2025 with the 57th AEM and AEM Dialogue Partners Consultations accompanied by the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Ministerial Meeting, again in Kuala Lumpur, signifying a year of intense dedication towards Asean’s economic future.
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Building a Stronger Asean for All
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## A New Era for Southeast Asia: An Interview with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chair
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show. Today, we’re discussing the exciting developments within ASEAN, especially with Malaysia taking the helm in this pivotal year. Joining us is the ASEAN Chair, Prime Minister [Insert Name].
**Prime Minister:** Thank you for having me. It’s a privilege to lead ASEAN during such a crucial time for our region.
**Interviewer:** As ASEAN celebrates the 10th anniversary of its Economic Community, and with Southeast Asia poised to become the fourth largest economy globally, what are your key priorities for 2025?
**Prime Minister:** This year, we’re focusing on two core principles – inclusivity and sustainability. Our MADANI framework, with its ten pillars of Sustainability, Compassion, Respect, Innovation, Prosperity, and Trust, will guide our actions. We cannot simply celebrate economic growth without ensuring everyone benefits. Our aim is to bridge the gap, bringing women, youth, and micro, small, and medium enterprises into the fold of progress.
**Interviewer:** That’s a bold ambition. How do you plan to achieve this inclusivity?
**Prime Minister:** We recognize the transformative potential of the digital economy. We aim to accelerate digitalization across ASEAN, opening up opportunities for everyone. Simultaneously, we’re committed to addressing pressing environmental challenges. By embracing sustainable practices, we can ensure that growth doesn’t come at the cost of our planet.
**Interviewer:** The article mentions “empty wins”. Could you elaborate?
**Prime Minister:** While Southeast Asia has seen significant economic progress, we must acknowledge that the benefits haven’t always been shared equally. This year is about changing that narrative. We need to create an environment where everyone can thrive, not just a select few.
**Interviewer:** what message do you have for the people of ASEAN and the world as we move into this new era?
**Prime Minister:** ASEAN is entering a golden age. With our commitment to inclusivity and sustainability, we’re poised to become a truly prosperous and equitable region. We invite the world to join us on this exciting journey.
