
Asean unity drive 2025 northern route kicks off in Hanoi on Friday (April 25)
PHNOM PENH (Bernama): The Asean Unity Drive 2025 (AUD2025), a regional expedition promoting collaboration and sustainable mobility, commenced its Northern Route from Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, on Friday.
Starting from Hanoi, the convoy will traverse through the culturally rich and scenic routes of Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand before arriving in Malaysia.
The event was co-organised by the Embassy of Malaysia in Hanoi and Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and Iot Institute (MARii), an agency under the Malaysian Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).
The AUD2025 covers over 9,000 kilometres across nine Asean countries, said a MARii press statement.
"We are proud that Hanoi is the starting point of the Northern Route of AUD2025. This initiative reflects the Asean spirit of unity and progress, and we are pleased to support such efforts that bring our nations closer together through innovation and sustainable development,' Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam Datuk Tan Yang Thai said at the flag-off ceremony at the Malaysian Embassy in Hanoi.
The initiative aims to enhance connectivity in Asean, promote sustainable transportation solutions, and foster cross-border cooperation in innovation and mobility technologies, according to the press statement.
The journey will end at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025, Malaysia's largest mobility and automotive exhibition to be held at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang from May 9 to 15, 2025. - Bernama
Hashtags

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


The Sun
6 minutes ago
- The Sun
Malaysia must brace for future US tariffs, says US-Asean Business Council chief policy officer
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia must be prepared to negotiate the next wave of potential US tariffs targeting key strategic sectors and products such as semiconductors, technology products and pharmaceuticals, rather than focusing solely on negotiating reciprocal tariffs reductions currently with the United States. US-Asean Business Council (US-ABC) executive vice-president and chief policy officer Marc Mealy warned that although the 50% tariffs on aluminium and steel may not severely affect Malaysia in the near term, future tariffs imposed under US national or economic security provisions could have a direct impact on Malaysian industries that are highly integrated into global supply chains. 'Steel and aluminium are not Malaysia's primary export sectors to the US, so these new (aluminium and steel) tariffs, which come into effect today (Wednesday), may not hit Malaysia as hard as they would some other countries. 'But we should be clear, there are other tariffs coming and when we talk about semiconductors, high-tech products, pharmaceuticals, the impact on Malaysia could be significant,' he told Bernama in an interview after appearing as a guest on Bernama TV's 'The Nation' programme hosted by Jessy Chahal. Malaysia was hit with baseline and reciprocal tariffs totalling 24% on April 5, along with 168 other US trading partners, with tariffs ranging as high as 54% and a staggering 145% on China but which have now been reduced to 30%. US President Donald Trump then paused the implementation of the tariffs for 90 days, which are supposed to end on July 8, but he moved forward to impose sectoral tariffs on aluminium and steel imports into the US. In a further twist to the tariffs saga, a US Federal Court struck down most of Trump's tariffs, ruling them illegal, but the ruling has now been temporarily halted following an appeal by the Trump administration. Mealy noted that under US law, additional tariffs could be imposed unilaterally by invoking national or economic security reasons, citing Section 232 of the US Trade Expansion Act, which opens the door for Washington to target sectors beyond those currently under reciprocal tariff negotiations. 'In the semiconductor space, Malaysia is globally competitive and that puts it directly in the line of sight for possible future US tariffs. 'So, when Malaysian officials, like Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, go to the US, I would expect them to raise this issue and start negotiating for exclusions or carve-outs in these areas,' he added. The same concerns apply to Malaysia's medical devices and pharmaceutical exports, as these sectors could also fall under US scrutiny. 'Now is the time for Malaysia to reassess its domestic policies, particularly in key industries, and consider reforms to further strengthen investment appeal and mitigate potential fallout. Engage with the US government, but also look inward,' said Mealy. 'What changes can Malaysia make to enhance competitiveness? And as Asean Chair, Malaysia can lead the region to push for progress on initiatives like the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement – that will show global investors that this region is serious about future-proofing its economy.' Mealy underscored that the US private sector remains deeply committed to Asean, with many American companies continuing to expand in Malaysia, particularly in the technology and medical sectors. 'The private sector sees value in Malaysia and Asean, but trade policy changes from Washington could complicate that, unless mitigated by smart diplomacy, reform and regional cooperation.' Although Malaysia might not be severely impacted by the initial round of reciprocal tariffs – which could result in import duties of up to 24% on selected products – the real concern lies in future sectoral tariffs, that could reduce US demand for Malaysian exports. 'Even a 15 to 19% import tax can be a tipping point for an American buyer to source from another country,' Mealy said. Mealy also pointed out that while some Asean countries may not complete negotiations within the current 90-day timeframe, he did not rule out the possibility of the US extending the pause or focus on select countries for deeper discussions. 'For Malaysia, which has been strategic and measured in its approach, this may work to its advantage. But the time to prepare for the next round of trade measures is now,' he said. – Bernama

Barnama
8 minutes ago
- Barnama
MACC First Enforcement Agency To Step Forward As HAWANA 2025 Strategic Partner
KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is the first enforcement agency to step forward to become a strategic partner for the National Journalists Day (HAWANA) 2025, marking a significant step in strengthening collaboration between the media and public institutions. The strategic partnership was announced during the HAWANA 2025 Strategic Partners Appreciation Ceremony held at Wisma Bernama last Tuesday. Representing Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, MACC Director of Strategic Communications Hisyam Mohd Yusoff handed over a mock sponsorship cheque to Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, who officiated the event. Hisyam said the sponsorship reflects MACC's recognition of the media's critical role in disseminating accurate and timely information to the public. 'This strategic partnership is a gesture of support to media organisations for their contribution and collaboration in delivering important information to society. 'Insya-Allah, although this is MACC's first time as a strategic partner, it will set a benchmark for broader and deeper cooperation between the Commission and media organisations in the future,' he said in a statement. HAWANA 2025 has attracted the participation of 79 public and private entities as its strategic partners, including the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC), Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA), Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA), Department of Veterinary Services, Malaysian Foundation for Innovation, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, National Art Gallery, as well as MK Curtain Berhad and GM Klang. HAWANA 2025 will take place at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur from June 13 to 15, with the highlight of the celebration, to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, scheduled for June 14. More than 1,000 media practitioners, representatives of local journalist associations, and media delegates from ASEAN member states are expected to attend, bringing together the professional media fraternity and industry experts to exchange ideas and forge strategic partnerships.


Free Malaysia Today
19 minutes ago
- Free Malaysia Today
NFA after RM6.7mil lost to coffee vending machine investment scheme
Selangor police chief Hussein Omar Khan said the deputy public prosecutor's office decided that no charges for fraud-related offences would be filed. PETALING JAYA : Investigations into a coffee vending machine investment scheme that purportedly led to investors losing some RM6.7 million has been classified by prosecutors as requiring no further action (NFA). Selangor police chief Hussein Omar Khan said 101 reports had been lodged over the scheme from January to April, with complainants saying they lost a total of RM6.7 million. He said the victims were given detailed explanations and representations about the investment scheme, with the promise of high returns, Bernama reported. They then joined the scheme and made payments to the bank accounts with which they were provided. 'The victims were unsure whether the investment was legitimate. Initially, they received some returns, but over time, the payments stopped,' said Hussein. While the cases were probed for cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code, the deputy public prosecutor's office eventually decided that no charges for fraud-related offences would be filed. Hussein advised the complainants to pursue civil action, particularly to contest any breach of the agreement they had signed and to recover their investments. He urged the public to be wary of investment schemes that promise quick profits.