Path ahead for BIMP-EAGA needs innovation, political will, says President Marcos Jr
KUALA LUMPUR: The path ahead for the Brunei Darussalam-indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) calls for greater innovation and political will, says Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The Philippine President, who chaired the 16th BIMP-EAGA Summit on Tuesday (May 27), said this year's summit holds special significance as it marked eight years of remarkable progress since the adoption of BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025.
'Since 2017, our cooperation has deepened, and partnerships have delivered tangible benefits for the people.
'Together, we have laid down stronger foundations for inclusive, sustainable and innovation driven growth,' he said in his opening remarks.
He said joint initiatives in connectivity, trade and investment facilitation, ecotourism, redevelopment and more, reinforces commitment in narrowing the development gap for the future.
'Let us take this opportunity to not only celebrate these milestones but also affirm our shared vision for a more integrated, prosperous and resilient BIMP-EAGA,' he said.
Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Brunei Sultan His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesia president Prabowo Subianto, Asean secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn and Asian Development Bank president Masato Kanda.
Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan were also among those present.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Many opportunities for Asean amidst US' tariff tantrum, says Asean-BAC head
HANOI (Bernama-VNA): South-East Asian countries can capitalise on the rollout of tariffs and other US policies by re-evaluating overlooked relations with other trade partners and opening their doors to international students. The statement is according to Tan Sri Nazir Razak, Chairman of the Asean Business Advisory Council (Asean-BAC) - the Asean's business lobby. Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reported, Nazir, who leads the council during Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship in 2025, emphasised the importance of strengthening intra-regional economic ties by boosting trade and investment within the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean). He called for forging closer partnerships with other countries in the world such as China, India, and Japan. The Asean-BAC head also proposed Asean and Japan collaborate in fields such as artificial intelligence and energy, as both have the potential to work together and build capacity in this area. - Bernama-VNA
Free Malaysia Today
2 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Some truth to Malays feeling sidelined, says Umno veteran
Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin, a former minister, says the government cannot avoid or ignore the proposed 'Malay unity' movement. PETALING JAYA : An Umno veteran says the unity government must look to regain the confidence of the Malays, following former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's latest effort to unite the Malays and 'restore their political power'. Former minister Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin said the government cannot avoid or ignore this movement as there was truth to the notion that the Malay community feels sidelined under the unity government. He added that Mahathir recognised this and was seeking to exploit it for his own political gain. 'Maybe it's merely a matter of perception or imagination (to some parties), but I think that there's truth to it (at the grassroots level). And something needs to be done to regain the confidence of the Malays. 'Whatever excuses we want to give, when you go to the grassroots, the reality is that many Malays feel sidelined, and Mahathir is exploiting that,' he told FMT. Raja Nong Chik claimed that, based on feedback he received, nine out of 10 of his close Malay peers have expressed concern about the fate of the community under the current administration. 'They worry for the future of the Malays, and these are highly-educated guys. We're not even talking about the grassroots level yet. 'However, this doesn't mean they will vote for the opposition just yet, it's just that they want some assurance (that the special privileges of the Malays would be safeguarded,' said the former Lembah Pantai Umno chief. The new Malay unity alliance was launched by Mahathir on Wednesday, with the backing of Perikatan Nasional's major components, PAS and Bersatu, as well as several Malay-based NGOs and academics. Mahathir, a former Umno president who later led Bersatu, Pejuang and Gerakan Tanah Air before leaving all three, said the alliance would not be a formal political party for now but a loose coalition to gather the Malays under one 'big umbrella'. Raja Nong Chik said the government led by Anwar Ibrahim must handle this new political threat wisely to ensure his administration retains the trust of the Malays.
Free Malaysia Today
2 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Malaysians at Harvard can continue studies for now, says govt
Currently-enrolled students at Harvard can continue their studies without interruption following a US Federal Court decision to suspend a US government order. (EPA Images pic) PUTRAJAYA : Malaysian students attending Harvard University in the US can continue their studies without interruption for now, the higher education ministry said today. Students in Harvard's September 2025 intake were advised to deal directly with the university and their sponsors to obtain the latest developments before making further decisions. The ministry's announcement comes after a US Federal Court judge provided relief to over 6,800 international students there by granting a temporary restraining order on Washington's attempt to bar most newly-enrolled international students at Harvard from entering the country. 'The decision enables international students, including Malaysians, to continue studying without interruption for the time being,' the ministry said. In a statement, the ministry said it was monitoring developments closely through the Malaysian education unit in Washington and officials have also contacted sponsors and US education officials. The ministry reminded students to update their optional practical training information and to be careful in all actions involving immigration matters. 'For now, no Malaysian student has encountered any problems or issues with their records with the student and exchange visitor programme or any withdrawal of their visa,' the ministry said.
