Inclusivity, sustainability, partnerships are the focus for Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship, says Anwar

Acknowledging the responsibilities of Malaysia as the chair of ASEAN next year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that the focus would be on inclusivity, sustainability and partnerships.

“Hence, our chairmanship theme of ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’ in 2025 reflects a vision of Asean where all members, regardless of size or economic capacity, benefit from growth and development,” he said during a public lecture themed “Bridging Futures: Strengthening Malaysia-China Relations and Asian Centrality in a Shifting Global Order in Peking University.

He acknowledged China’s major stride in digital transformation, artificial intelligence and green energy areas that ASEAN views as vital to address global challenges and long term resilience.

He also reiterated Malaysia’s committed to initiate the ASEAN, China and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) trilateral forum that would present a unique dimension to China-ASEAN relations.

The trilateral forum aims to expand ASEAN partnerships and recognise the Gulf region’s growing in global trade and geopolitics.

“By linking Asean, China and the GCC, we can build a bridge between East Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East to enable deeper economic, cultural and strategic ties among our regions.

“This would contribute to creating a shared vision for cooperation on global challenges such as energy security, sustainable development and economic diversification.”

ASEAN is a region with 671 million people and a combined GDP of US$3.8 trillion, equivalent to the fifth largest economy in the world.