BIMP-EAGA Fuels Trade, Investment And Energy Growth
By Karina Imran & Anas Abu Hassan
KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Bernama) -- The joint initiatives under the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) have played a vital role in narrowing the development gap within the sub-region.
These efforts have been particularly impactful in connectivity, trade and investment facilitation, as well as food and energy security, said Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Other areas that have seen significant progress since BIMP-EAGA was launched in 1994 include ecotourism and green development, he said.
'As we convene today, let us take this opportunity not only to celebrate these milestones but also to affirm our shared vision for a more integrated, prosperous and resilient BIMP-EAGA.
'The path ahead calls for even greater synergy, innovation and political will. I am confident that through our cooperation, we will continue to transform these aspirations into a lasting impact for our people,' said Marcos, who chaired the 16th BIMP-EAGA Summit held here today.
Also present were Malaysia Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, and Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto.
He noted that the 46th ASEAN Summit this year in Kuala Lumpur holds special significance, as it marks eight years of progress since the adoption of Vision 2025.
Cooperation among BIMP-EAGA members has deepened since 2017, yielding tangible benefits for communities across the region, he said, adding: 'Together, we have laid down stronger foundations for inclusive, sustainable and innovation-driven growth.'
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Malaysian Reserve
19 minutes ago
- Malaysian Reserve
Op Sohor: MACC received information from Johor Regent
CYBERJAYA — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) revealed today Johor Regent, Tunku Mahkota Ismail had provided information that assisted the investigations under Op Sohor, which are currently still ongoing. Its chief commissioner, Tan Sri Azam Baki said the Regent also wanted to curb smuggling at the country's borders. 'I would like to inform that His Royal Highness Tunku Mahkota Johor as Regent of Johor, has been very cooperative in this matter and wants such activities to be curbed,' he told the media after the close of the Anti-Corruption Graduates Convention (KOMAWAR) here today, adding that the syndicate is believed to be focused only in the southern region of the country with no new arrests being made. 'I expect so far there has been no (new arrests), if there are any links, (for instance) when we look into money laundering it might be possible there are other parties benefitting from this activity, and if so, we will investigate further,' he said. He also said that the commission was looking into the reasons behind the existence of the online media company that two of the suspects arrested under Op Sohor were working for and confirmed that both suspects were not from any mainstream media. 'They work for a company, which name I can't reveal, and we're looking into why it was set up,' Azam said, adding that they believed that both the suspects acted as enablers by leaking information to the syndicate. The MACC had arrested five senior armed forces officers on Wednesday for allegedly leaking military operation information to smugglers and colluding with a syndicate to smuggle in contraband, including drugs and cigarettes, estimated to be worth RM5 million a month. Meanwhile, Azam said during his speech at the close of KOMAWAR that it was organised not only to provide exposure and education on corruption and integrity but to instill values and build character among university students. The biennial KOMAWAR's objective is to shape a generation of graduates to reject corruption and allow youth to support integrity and transparency in the country's administration, he added. — BERNAMA

Barnama
5 hours ago
- Barnama
Pahang Introduces Malaysia's First Prebiotic Rice
TEMERLOH, Aug 16 (Bernama) -- Pahang has become the first state in Malaysia to produce prebiotic rice, marketed under the brand name Beras Pahang. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the rice differs from other local varieties as it offers multiple benefits. 'Beras Pahang has its uniqueness. It is a prebiotic rice, low in sugar, and suitable for those with diabetes. 'It has already entered the market in limited quantities. For now, we are prioritising sales in Pahang before distribution in other states,' he told reporters after opening the Pahang Mini MAHA 2025 at Dataran Temerloh here today. Cultivated in the Ganchong paddy fields in Pekan, the rice is said to be tastier, more fragrant and softer, while its prebiotic content supports digestion and overall bowel health. At the event, Beras Pahang was offered at RM8 per kilogramme. Commenting on the inaugural Pahang Mini MAHA 2025, Wan Rosdy said it will be held at different locations each year following an overwhelming response, with over 80,000 visitors recorded today. Meanwhile, citing the Malaysian Agriculture Census interim report released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia, he said Pahang has proven its capability as the country's second-largest contributor to the agriculture sector, after Johor, with sales worth RM25.12 billion. Of that amount, he said 88 per cent came from the crop subsector, proving Pahang's fertile land and the hardworking spirit of its people.


Free Malaysia Today
5 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Cabinet agrees to act against ‘irresponsible politicians', says minister
Science, technology and innovation minister Chang Lih Kang criticised an 'irresponsible politician' for stoking tensions during the Merdeka month and for bullying. PETALING JAYA : The Cabinet decided yesterday to have firm action taken against 'irresponsible politicians' inciting sentiments over the recent Jalur Gemilang controversy, according to federal minister Chang Lih Kang. Chang, who is minister for science, technology and innovation, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and other ministers were 'very concerned' that the issue would dampen public enthusiasm for National Day. Referring to reports of a police investigation regarding the controversy, he said: 'We shall wait and see whether anyone will eventually be charged in court,' Malaysiakini reported him as saying in a speech in Klang today. In a video on social media, Chang took further shots at an 'irresponsible politician' for stoking tensions during the Merdeka month. 'It's not only irresponsible, it is an act of bullying. Everyone knows who I am talking about.' His remarks appeared to be about Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh, who led a group to a hardware shop in Penang after its owner was reported to have accidentally hung the national flag upside down. 'We are a nation and society governed by the rule of law. If there is a problem, lodge a police report and let the authorities take action. 'You are not an enforcement agency. You cannot just bring a group of people to someone's shop, disrupt their business and bully them,' Chang said.