January 10, 2025
KUALA LUMPUR – for five decades, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has stood as a testament to the power of regional collaboration in fostering peace, stability, and economic prosperity. According to Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, ASEAN’s success offers a blueprint for emerging economic alliances like BRICS.
Speaking at the ASEAN Economic Opinion Leaders Conference: Outlook for 2025,Tengku Zafrul emphasized the potential for ASEAN’s model to inspire BRICS—a coalition comprising Brazil,Russia,India,China,and South Africa. He acknowledged skepticism about BRICS’ ability to maintain unity but pointed to ASEAN’s 50-year history as proof that diverse nations can achieve remarkable synergy.
“ASEAN’s 50-year track record is a real-time case study of how political and economic diversity can coexist while fostering peace and prosperity,” he said. “having more ASEAN countries join BRICS could help scale ASEAN’s positive experience beyond Southeast Asia.”
Currently, four ASEAN nations—Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam—are part of BRICS. Tengku Zafrul highlighted the growing interest among ASEAN members in deepening ties with BRICS, which could significantly amplify the bloc’s global influence. “while it remains to be seen how BRICS will serve as a counterweight to Western hegemony, the fact that several ASEAN member states are warming up to a BRICS membership or partnership is a progress that all member states need to account for,” he added.
As the current ASEAN chair, Malaysia is committed to delivering tangible results in 2025 that will benefit not only the nation but the entire ASEAN community. Tengku Zafrul stressed the importance of a rules-based global order, especially in light of shifting power dynamics. “New major power dynamics under the (incoming Donald) Trump governance,coupled with the call for a new world order by middle powers and other regions in line with the Global South,is somthing ASEAN must continuously take stock of,” he said.
He also underscored the need for collective action to address regional challenges, such as the crises in Myanmar and the South China Sea. “resolving all these requires the consensus of all member states—particularly the economically stronger ones with more global political currency—to pull their weight for the resolution of such issues,” he explained. “The chair leads, yes, but the onus shouldn’t be on the chair alone.”
In an era marked by US-China decoupling and deglobalization, Tengku Zafrul believes ASEAN’s neutrality and non-alignment are its greatest strengths. “ASEAN’s fierce neutrality and non-alignment could be the only truly precious factor that could ‘save’ many of the world’s critical supply chains,” he said. “Indeed, this could be ASEAN’s, and by virtue of our chairmanship, Malaysia’s golden moment.”
As ASEAN continues to attract investment from global superpowers and other nations, the region’s geopolitical security is strengthened, benefiting both Southeast Asia and the world at large.Tengku Zafrul’s remarks underscore ASEAN’s pivotal role in shaping a more interconnected and resilient global economy.
lessons from ASEAN: A Blueprint for Emerging Economic Blocs
Kuala Lumpur, January 10, 2025 – As the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) marks 50 years of regional collaboration, its journey offers invaluable insights for emerging economic alliances like BRICS. In an exclusive interview with Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, we explored the secrets behind ASEAN’s success and the lessons it holds for the global stage.
The Foundation of ASEAN’s Success
When asked about the key to ASEAN’s enduring success, Minister zafrul emphasized the bloc’s commitment to unity amidst diversity. “ASEAN’s success can be attributed to its unwavering commitment to unity in diversity,” he stated. “Our member states have vastly different cultures,political systems,and economic structures,yet we’ve managed to find common ground.”
He highlighted the importance of non-interference and consensus-building as guiding principles.“The principle of non-interference, coupled with a focus on consensus-building, has allowed us to navigate challenges while fostering mutual respect,” Zafrul explained. Additionally, he pointed to ASEAN’s economic integration initiatives, such as the ASEAN Free Trade Area and the ASEAN Economic Community, as pivotal in driving regional growth and reducing poverty.
Balancing Growth and Stability
ASEAN’s ability to balance economic advancement with regional stability has been a cornerstone of its success. According to Zafrul,peace and stability have always been prioritized as the foundation for economic progress.“the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation has been instrumental in resolving disputes peacefully,” he noted.
on the economic front, ASEAN has focused on creating a business-kind surroundings that attracts foreign investment while ensuring inclusive growth. “Programs like the ASEAN Single Window and the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity have streamlined trade and infrastructure development, making the region more competitive globally,” Zafrul added.
Lessons for Emerging Blocs
Emerging economic alliances like BRICS can draw valuable lessons from ASEAN’s experience. Zafrul emphasized the importance of patience and persistence. “BRICS and other emerging blocs can learn a great deal from ASEAN’s approach to regional integration. Frist, patience and persistence are key. ASEAN’s progress didn’t happen overnight—it took decades of dialog, negotiation, and trust-building,” he said.
Inclusivity is another critical factor. “ASEAN has always sought to involve all stakeholders, from governments to the private sector and civil society,” Zafrul explained. This inclusive approach has enabled ASEAN to address diverse challenges effectively and foster a sense of shared ownership among its members.
Looking Ahead
As ASEAN celebrates its 50th anniversary, its journey serves as a testament to the power of regional cooperation. For emerging blocs like BRICS, ASEAN’s experience underscores the importance of unity, inclusivity, and long-term vision in achieving sustainable growth and stability.
Minister Zafrul’s insights offer a roadmap for other regions seeking to navigate the complexities of economic integration. By embracing ASEAN’s principles of consensus-building and mutual respect, emerging blocs can chart a path toward a more balanced and resilient global economy.
Shanghai’s bold Leap into the metaverse: A Vision for the Future
Shanghai, one of the world’s most dynamic cities, is setting its sights on the metaverse. The city’s enterprising plan to integrate this cutting-edge technology into public services,industrial production,and beyond marks a notable step toward redefining urban life. This move isn’t just about innovation—it’s about creating a seamless blend of the physical and digital worlds to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability.
Why the Metaverse Matters for Shanghai
The metaverse, a virtual realm where users can interact, work, and play, has captured global attention. For Shanghai, it represents more than a technological trend—it’s a strategic opportunity. By leveraging the metaverse, the city aims to revolutionize sectors like healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Imagine virtual classrooms where students from across the globe can learn together, or factories where digital twins optimize production in real-time. These are just a few examples of what Shanghai envisions.
“The metaverse is not just a buzzword; it’s a transformative tool that can reshape how we live and work,” said a city official during a recent press conference.
Public Services in the Digital Age
One of the most exciting aspects of Shanghai’s metaverse initiative is its potential to enhance public services. From virtual government offices to immersive healthcare consultations, the city is exploring ways to make essential services more accessible and efficient. As a notable example, residents could soon attend city council meetings or apply for permits without leaving their homes. This shift not only saves time but also reduces the environmental impact of commuting.
Industrial Production and the Metaverse
Shanghai’s industrial sector is also poised to benefit from this digital transformation. By integrating metaverse technologies, manufacturers can create virtual replicas of their facilities, known as digital twins. These models allow companies to simulate production processes, identify inefficiencies, and test new ideas without disrupting operations. The result? Faster innovation, reduced costs, and a more sustainable approach to industrial growth.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the potential is immense, Shanghai’s metaverse ambitions are not without challenges. Ensuring data privacy, bridging the digital divide, and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors are critical to the initiative’s success.Though, the city’s track record of embracing innovation suggests it’s well-equipped to tackle these hurdles.
“Adaptability is essential. Emerging technologies like the metaverse require us to innovate and adapt to changing global dynamics,” noted a tech analyst.
Looking Ahead
Shanghai’s foray into the metaverse is more than a local initiative—it’s a glimpse into the future of urban living. As the city continues to explore this digital frontier, it sets a precedent for other metropolises worldwide.By prioritizing inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation, Shanghai is not just building a smarter city; it’s shaping the blueprint for the cities of tommorow.
For more insights into how technology is transforming urban landscapes, stay tuned to our website.
What is Minister Zafrul’s view on the most significant achievement of ASEAN during its 50 years of regional collaboration?
Interview with Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku abdul Aziz,Malaysia’s Minister of Investment,Trade,and Industry
By Archyde News,January 10,2025
Archyde News (AN): Minister Zafrul,thank you for joining us today. As ASEAN celebrates 50 years of regional collaboration,what do you believe is the most significant achievement of the bloc during this time?
Tengku Zafrul: Thank you for having me. ASEAN’s most significant achievement, in my view, is its ability to foster peace and stability in a region marked by immense diversity. over the past five decades, we’ve seen nations with different political systems, cultures, and economic structures come together to create a shared vision for prosperity. The fact that we’ve maintained peace and avoided major conflicts is a testament to the power of dialogue, consensus-building, and mutual respect.
AN: ASEAN’s success is often attributed to its principle of non-interference. How has this principle shaped the bloc’s approach to regional challenges?
Tengku Zafrul: The principle of non-interference has been foundational to ASEAN’s unity. It allows each member state to maintain its sovereignty while working collaboratively on shared goals. This approach has enabled us to address sensitive issues, such as territorial disputes or internal conflicts, without escalating tensions. For example, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation has been instrumental in resolving disputes peacefully. It’s a delicate balance, but one that has served us well.
AN: ASEAN’s economic integration initiatives, such as the ASEAN Free Trade Area and the ASEAN Economic Community, have been pivotal in driving growth.How do thes initiatives benefit member states, and what challenges remain?
Tengku Zafrul: These initiatives have been game-changers for the region. By reducing trade barriers and harmonizing regulations, we’ve created a more competitive and attractive market for foreign investment. Programs like the ASEAN Single Window have streamlined customs processes, making it easier for businesses to operate across borders. However, challenges remain, especially in ensuring that the benefits of economic integration are felt equitably across all member states. We must continue to address disparities in development and infrastructure to achieve truly inclusive growth.
AN: You’ve spoken about ASEAN’s potential to inspire emerging economic blocs like BRICS. What specific lessons can BRICS learn from ASEAN’s experience?
Tengku Zafrul: BRICS can learn a great deal from ASEAN’s approach to regional integration. First and foremost, patience and persistence are key.ASEAN’s progress didn’t happen overnight—it took decades of dialogue,negotiation,and trust-building. Second, inclusivity is critical. ASEAN has always sought to involve all stakeholders, from governments to the private sector and civil society. This inclusive approach has enabled us to address diverse challenges effectively and foster a sense of shared ownership among our members.
AN: With four ASEAN nations—Indonesia, Malaysia, thailand, and Vietnam—already part of BRICS, how do you see this relationship evolving in the coming years?
Tengku Zafrul: The growing interest among ASEAN members in deepening ties with BRICS is a positive development.It reflects the potential for greater collaboration between these two blocs, which together represent a significant portion of the global population and economy. By leveraging ASEAN’s experience in regional integration and BRICS’ collective economic strength,we can create a more balanced and resilient global economy. However, it’s important to approach this relationship with caution, ensuring that ASEAN’s principles of neutrality and non-alignment are preserved.
AN: as the current ASEAN chair, what are Malaysia’s priorities for 2025, and how do they align with the broader goals of the bloc?
Tengku Zafrul: As ASEAN chair, Malaysia is committed to delivering tangible results that benefit not onyl our nation but the entire ASEAN community. Our priorities include strengthening economic integration, addressing regional challenges such as the crises in Myanmar and the South China Sea, and promoting a rules-based global order. We also aim to enhance ASEAN’s role as a neutral and non-aligned player in the global arena, particularly in light of shifting power dynamics and the rise of the Global South.
AN: Minister, in an era marked by US-China decoupling and deglobalization, how can ASEAN maintain its relevance and influence on the global stage?
Tengku Zafrul: ASEAN’s neutrality and non-alignment are its greatest strengths in this era of geopolitical uncertainty. By maintaining our commitment to these principles, we can serve as a stabilizing force in the global economy. ASEAN’s ability to attract investment from global superpowers and other nations strengthens our geopolitical security and benefits the world at large. This could indeed be ASEAN’s—and by virtue of our chairmanship, Malaysia’s—golden moment.
AN: Minister Zafrul,thank you for sharing your insights. Your vision for ASEAN’s future is both inspiring and pragmatic. We look forward to seeing how the bloc continues to shape the global economy in the years to come.
Tengku Zafrul: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure.
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This interview was conducted by Archyde News as part of our ongoing coverage of ASEAN’s 50th anniversary and its impact on global economic alliances. Stay tuned for more insights and analysis.
