Malaysia Prepares to Lead ASEAN in 2025, Focusing on Inclusivity and Sustainability
In a recent event at the Malaysian embassy in Amman, Ambassador Mohamad Nasri Abdul Rahman unveiled the logo and theme for Malaysia’s upcoming chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2025. The theme, “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” will guide Malaysia’s leadership as it navigates complex regional and global challenges.
A Legacy of Leadership
Ambassador Abdul Rahman emphasized the significance of the occasion: “Today brings us another step closer towards the beginning of an important new role for Malaysia.” He highlighted that the logo and theme, officially unveiled by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Foreign Minister Dato’ Sri Utama Mohamad Hasan on October 22, represent a proud moment for Malaysia.
“Malaysia is deeply honoured and stands ready to assume this pivotal responsibility,” the ambassador stated, outlining key priorities for the Malaysian chairmanship. These include strengthening ASEAN centrality, promoting greater intra-ASEAN trade and investment, and ensuring that inclusivity and sustainability take center stage in regional community-building efforts.
This chairmanship will mark the fifth time Malaysia has taken the helm of ASEAN, a testament to its long-standing commitment to regional cooperation. Malaysia previously held the chairmanship in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Regional Cooperation
Ambassador Abdul Rahman highlighted the ASEAN-GCC plus China Summit, scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur in 2025, as a significant demonstration of ASEAN’s commitment to collaborating with the wider global community. “It is therefore with great joy that I introduce the logo and the theme of the ASEAN-Malaysia Chairmanship 2025,” he said.
Beyond fostering closer ties, Malaysia will also focus on ensuring that ASEAN harnesses the benefits of advances in science, technology, and innovation. This includes embracing digital transformation and new technologies to drive sustainable and inclusive growth.
“Malaysia’s vision of the ASEAN will remain immutable, and will continue to reflect the hopes of the ASEAN peoples, for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region that is ready to contribute positively to global affairs,” Ambassador Abdul Rahman underlined.
Proven Model for Development and Stability
ASEAN, a regional bloc established in Bangkok on August 8, 1967, comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. The ambassador underscored ASEAN’s nuanced and pragmatic approach as a model for managing geopolitical competition between major powers.
“The ASEAN’s commitment to neutrality, dialogue, and regional cooperation has kept Southeast Asia stable amid external rivalries,” he emphasized.
Economic Ties and Future Partnerships
Ambassador Abdul Rahman highlighted the strong economic ties between ASEAN and key partners. In 2023, ASEAN’s trade with China reached US$696.7 billion, solidifying China’s position as ASEAN’s largest trading partner since 2009.
Trade with the United States, Australia, and India also remains significant, amounting to US$395.9 billion, US$183.4 billion, and US$131 billion respectively in 2023. These countries are among ASEAN’s Comprehensive Strategic Partners.
ASEAN is also Korea’s second-largest trading partner, largest consumption market, and second-largest investment destination, highlighting the bloc’s growing economic importance on the global stage.
How will Malaysia, as ASEAN chair, navigate complex geopolitical issues within the region while upholding ASEAN’s principles of consensus and non-interference?
## Malaysia Gears Up for ASEAN Leadership in 2025
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**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing Malaysia’s upcoming chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, in 2025. Joining us to shed light on this important development is Ambassador Mohamad Nasri Abdul Rahman, representing Malaysia in Amman. Ambassador, thank you for being here.
**Ambassador Abdul Rahman:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Malaysia has a long history with ASEAN, having led the bloc several times before. What makes this particular chairmanship unique?
**Ambassador Abdul Rahman:** This year marks a particularly exciting time for Malaysia as we prepare to assume the ASEAN chairmanship for the fifth time. We’ve chosen the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability” to guide our leadership, reflecting our commitment to building a more equitable and resilient ASEAN community. [ [1](https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/great-expectations-as-malaysia-is-set-to-head-asean-in-2025) ]
**Host:** Inclusivity and Sustainability – those are broad aims. Can you elaborate on what concrete steps Malaysia intends to take during its chairmanship to achieve these goals?
**Ambassador Abdul Rahman:** Absolutely. We aim to strengthen ASEAN centrality on the regional and global stage. We’ll work to promote greater intra-ASEAN trade and investment, and ensure all members benefit from economic growth. Moreover, we’re committed to addressing pressing issues like climate change and promoting sustainable development across the region.
**Host:** That’s encouraging to hear. There are a lot of geopolitical challenges in the region. How does Malaysia plan to navigate these complex issues during its term?
**Ambassador Abdul Rahman:** ASEAN has always been a platform for dialog and cooperation. We will continue to foster open and constructive discussions on sensitive issues, seeking mutually beneficial solutions that uphold ASEAN’s principles of consensus and non-interference.
**Host:** The ASEAN-GCC plus China Summit is scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur in 2025. Can you tell us more about this significant event and its importance for Malaysia’s chairmanship?
**Ambassador Abdul Rahman:** We see this summit as a prime opportunity to strengthen ties between ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and China. This collaboration is crucial for promoting regional stability, economic growth, and addressing shared challenges such as climate change and terrorism.
**Host:** Ambassador, thank you for sharing these insights with us today. We look forward to following Malaysia’s leadership as they steer ASEAN towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.
**Ambassador Abdul Rahman:** Thank you for having me.
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