ASEAN must move beyond traditional trade ties with China and focus on strategic technological collaboration, sustainable growth, and human capital development, said the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, at the China Conference: Southeast Asia 2025. He emphasised the need for ASEAN to take a leadership role in driving economic transformation in a rapidly changing global landscape.
In his keynote address, Anwar highlighted Malaysia’s central role in shaping the future of Southeast Asia and reaffirmed the importance of Malaysia’s non-aligned position, rejecting economic coercion and unilateral actions that could destabilise the region. He stressed that ASEAN should enhance its global engagement by strengthening ties with emerging economies such as the Gulf Cooperation Council and BRICS, thus ensuring ASEAN’s strategic relevance in a multipolar world.
He outlined three key challenges that ASEAN must tackle for long-term resilience: diversifying supply chains, ensuring energy security, and harnessing the digital economy. Anwar called for ASEAN to become a more reliable global trade hub by addressing supply chain disruptions, investing in advanced manufacturing, and tapping into green technologies. He also pointed to Malaysia’s renewable energy target of 70% by 2050 as a benchmark for ASEAN’s sustainability efforts.
Anwar further stressed the importance of embracing artificial intelligence to drive regional supply chains and positioning ASEAN at the forefront of the digital economy. He urged the implementation of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, focusing on AI governance, cybersecurity, and digital inclusivity to bridge the digital divide and ensure seamless cross-border digital trade.
Concluding his speech, Anwar urged ASEAN to act urgently and decisively to secure a prosperous and resilient future. He called for a collaborative effort from governments, businesses, academics, and civil society to create an inclusive, sustainable, and innovative ASEAN. Malaysia, he stated, stands ready to lead the region in this transformative journey.
