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BusinessToday
14-07-2025
- Politics
- BusinessToday
ASEAN Regional Forum Reinforces Security Cooperation Amid Global Tensions
Foreign Ministers from across the Asia-Pacific reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and stability at the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) held in Kuala Lumpur on July 11, amid mounting global challenges ranging from geopolitical tensions to humanitarian crises. Chaired by Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, the meeting underscored the ARF's role as the region's primary platform for constructive political-security dialogue, calling for deeper cooperation, preventive diplomacy and a renewed focus on ASEAN Centrality, in line with the chairmanship theme, 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'. Ministers addressed a wide range of security concerns, including North Korea's missile provocations, maritime disputes in the South China Sea and ongoing violence in Myanmar. The ARF also urged the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula and emphasised the importance of peaceful dialogue and compliance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions. The meeting also highlighted growing threats from cybercrime, terrorism, climate change and transnational crime, calling for cross-sectoral coordination and enhanced capacity-building across ARF platforms. Maritime issues such as piracy and marine pollution were flagged as persistent concerns, with ministers welcoming ongoing cooperation under ASEAN-led frameworks. On Myanmar, the ARF reiterated support for the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus, called for an immediate cessation of violence and commended the efforts of the ASEAN Chair's Special Envoy in promoting inclusive dialogue. Ministers also expressed alarm over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and rising tensions in the Middle East, urging adherence to international law and renewed diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting peace. Looking ahead, the ARF agreed to develop a new post-2025 Plan of Action aligned with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, and supported updating the ARF Vision Statement to ensure continued relevance in an evolving security landscape. The meeting concluded with support for the Philippines as the next ARF Chair in 2026, and acknowledgment of the ASEAN Secretariat's work in fostering transparency through the Annual Security Outlook and inter-sessional initiatives. Related
Scoop
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
New Zealand And Southeast Asia Growing Closer
Press Release – New Zealand Government This weeks engagements have enabled New Zealand to commemorate a half-century of dialogue with ASEAN and reinforce our position as a reliable and valuable partner, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. Minister of Foreign Affairs New Zealand's relationships in Southeast Asia have never been more important for our security and prosperity, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. 'As we deal with the current challenging, uncertain and disordered security environment, New Zealand is working ever more intensively with Southeast Asia,' says Mr Peters, who is currently in Malaysia for the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers Meeting. 'In 2025, we celebrate 50 years of dialogue relations between New Zealand and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN),' Mr Peters says. 'We are working towards agreeing a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN, and this week's meetings in Malaysia have been an important step towards achieving that goal by October 2025. 'This week's engagements have enabled New Zealand to commemorate a half-century of dialogue with ASEAN and reinforce our position as a reliable and valuable partner,' Mr Peters says. Yesterday's meeting was Mr Peters' tenth engagement with the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers since his attendance at the inaugural Foreign Ministers' meeting in Kuala Lumpur in December 2005. 'New Zealand is honoured to be among the original countries to establish the East Asia Summit as the region's premier ASEAN-led strategic forum. Dialogue and cooperation between partners are more important than ever. New Zealand remains committed to our enduring partnership with ASEAN to shape the kind of region we all want. 'We reiterated our concern about the situation in Myanmar and tensions in the South China Sea, discussed security issues in the Middle East, and the increasingly serious challenges to the stability of the Indo-Pacific.' Mr Peters also held bilateral talks with ministerial counterparts from Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, the United States and Viet Nam. The Minister also met with alumni of the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme. 'As New Zealand strengthens its ties with Southeast Asia, it is important we build on our existing people-centred connections. Our Manaaki Scholarship Programme is a key part of this,' Mr Peters says. This week's visit by Mr Peters to Malaysia was the 36th by New Zealand Ministers to Southeast Asia since February 2024. 'New Zealand continues to significantly lift effort and engagement in Southeast Asia in order to enhance New Zealand's security and prosperity. 'We are grateful to ASEAN Chair Malaysia for its hosting of this week's meetings. We look forward to continuing to build our bilateral relationship.' Mr Peters arrives back in New Zealand later today (12 July).
Scoop
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
New Zealand And Southeast Asia Growing Closer
New Zealand's relationships in Southeast Asia have never been more important for our security and prosperity, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. 'As we deal with the current challenging, uncertain and disordered security environment, New Zealand is working ever more intensively with Southeast Asia,' says Mr Peters, who is currently in Malaysia for the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers Meeting. 'In 2025, we celebrate 50 years of dialogue relations between New Zealand and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN),' Mr Peters says. 'We are working towards agreeing a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN, and this week's meetings in Malaysia have been an important step towards achieving that goal by October 2025. 'This week's engagements have enabled New Zealand to commemorate a half-century of dialogue with ASEAN and reinforce our position as a reliable and valuable partner,' Mr Peters says. Yesterday's meeting was Mr Peters' tenth engagement with the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers since his attendance at the inaugural Foreign Ministers' meeting in Kuala Lumpur in December 2005. 'New Zealand is honoured to be among the original countries to establish the East Asia Summit as the region's premier ASEAN-led strategic forum. Dialogue and cooperation between partners are more important than ever. New Zealand remains committed to our enduring partnership with ASEAN to shape the kind of region we all want. 'We reiterated our concern about the situation in Myanmar and tensions in the South China Sea, discussed security issues in the Middle East, and the increasingly serious challenges to the stability of the Indo-Pacific.' Mr Peters also held bilateral talks with ministerial counterparts from Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, the United States and Viet Nam. The Minister also met with alumni of the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme. 'As New Zealand strengthens its ties with Southeast Asia, it is important we build on our existing people-centred connections. Our Manaaki Scholarship Programme is a key part of this,' Mr Peters says. This week's visit by Mr Peters to Malaysia was the 36th by New Zealand Ministers to Southeast Asia since February 2024. 'New Zealand continues to significantly lift effort and engagement in Southeast Asia in order to enhance New Zealand's security and prosperity. 'We are grateful to ASEAN Chair Malaysia for its hosting of this week's meetings. We look forward to continuing to build our bilateral relationship.' Mr Peters arrives back in New Zealand later today (12 July).
The Sun
11-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia warns ARF must evolve to stay relevant amid security challenges
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia, which assumed the ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025, has cautioned that the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) is at risk of becoming irrelevant if it fails to evolve and respond effectively to the region's growing security challenges including maritime tensions, cyber threats and climate change. Malaysia's Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said that while the ARF has long served as an indispensable platform for dialogue and consultation, it should not be complacent about its achievements. 'If we fail to respond, the ARF may risk losing its relevance, precisely when effective and reliable multilateral frameworks and leadership are most needed,' he said in his remarks at the 32nd ARF held in conjunction with the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings, here on Friday. To remain relevant and effective, Mohamad said the ARF must continue to evolve and demonstrate greater agility and responsiveness to new and emerging realities. 'Prioritising these objectives should be key to ensuring that the ARF remains an inclusive and credible regional security architecture,' he said, adding that Malaysia, as Chair, remains committed to revitalising the ARF. In addressing an increasingly wide spectrum of regional security challenges, Mohamad said it is imperative that the ARF maintains the resilience of its institution and the breadth of its cooperation. 'We must also continue to reaffirm our commitment to upholding international law and maintaining a stable, rules-based international order,' he said. Mohamad outlined several priority measures that should be at the heart of the ARF's agenda, including the need for the ARF to remain responsive to the region's most pressing challenges such as maritime tensions in key waterways that risk miscalculation and conflict. 'Cyber threats are escalating, undermining infrastructure, spreading disinformation and eroding public trust. Climate change, once a distant risk, now presents multiple threats that worsen insecurity and displace communities,' he said. Besides that, Mohamad said the ARF must be better equipped to respond swiftly and effectively, and play a stronger role in early warning and response, especially in humanitarian crises, health emergencies and conflict prevention. He said the ARF must also move from dialogue to action. 'The gap between ambition and implementation must be closed,' he said, adding that Malaysia calls for stronger cooperation through joint projects in key areas such as maritime security, counter-terrorism and disaster preparedness, as well as better coordination with other ASEAN-led platforms. Mohamad also noted that the strength of the ARF lies in its inclusivity - uniting 27 participants with diverse perspectives. 'Together, we must strengthen the ARF as a stabilising force - a forum where trust is nurtured, differences are managed, and partnerships are strengthened,' he said. The ARF comprises ASEAN member states and dialogue partners including Australia, Canada, China, the European Union (EU), India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, the United States and the United Kingdom. Other participating countries include Bangladesh, North Korea, Mongolia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste. Today's meeting, among others, gathered US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas. - Bernama
Focus Malaysia
10-07-2025
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
ASEAN biomass: Malaysia's moment to lead; Elridge 'ready to contribute to this momentum':
AS ASEAN Foreign Ministers convene for the 58ᵗʰ ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM) under Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 tomorrow (July 11), the region finds itself at a critical juncture. With 'Inclusivity and Sustainability' as the guiding theme, Malaysia has a rare opportunity to not only lead diplomatically but to define a practical, ASEAN-led renewable energy agenda. Few solutions are as immediate and scalable as biomass. While often over-shadowed by solar and hydroelectric power, biomass offers a dependable alternative which is particularly suited to ASEAN's agricultural economies. Malaysia alone produces more than 90 million dry tonnes of solid oil palm biomass annually, according to the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB). These residues, including palm kernel shells (PKS), mesocarp fibres and empty fruit bunches can be processed into a clean, high-calorific-value biomass fuel to power industrial systems or electricity grids. In light of growing trade protectionism and the imposition of carbon-linked tariffs such as the European Union's (EU) Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Malaysia now has a strategic opportunity to future-proof its exports by advancing domestic biomass utilisation and green energy value chains. This would enable the country to monetise its palm residues not only through international sales but also by generating electricity, decarbonising its industrial base and supplying clean alternatives to fossil fuels. ASEAN's energy transformation As the 2025 ASEAN Chair, Malaysia is well-positioned to lead a regional biomass initiative. This can include establishing harmonised certification standards, promoting intra-ASEAN trade in sustainable fuels and launching joint research through ASEAN Green Fund mechanisms. There is also scope to develop regional carbon credit frameworks tied to verified biomass usage that can enable ASEAN industries meet decarbonisation targets through home-grown solutions. Japan offers a compelling model. Faced with limited land for solar and wind, it embraced biomass through its Feed-in Tariff (FiT) programme. By end-2022, 586 biomass power plants were operational, generating a combined 4.1 gigawatts (GW) of electricity. These plants form part of a broader pipeline of nearly 900 approved projects under the scheme which totalled 8.3 GW in capacity, according to the USDA FAS Japan Biomass Annual 2023. Malaysia has the fundamentals to replicate this success fort there are plentiful agricultural residues, an established palm oil industry and available land for facility development. With clear policies and targeted fiscal incentives such as accelerated capital allowances for biomass infrastructure, the nation can unlock private investment, spur public-private partnerships and scale solutions such as biomass co-firing in power plants, decentralised heat networks and off-grid boiler installations for industry. Rising demand, growing capability Demand for certified, sustainable biomass fuels is growing across Asia, particularly in countries like Japan where biomass is increasingly used in energy systems and industrial fuel switching. At Elridge Energy, we are proud to contribute to this momentum. In FY2024, more than 85% of our revenue was generated from PKS sales. Following our IPO (initial public offering) in August 2024, we have channelled proceeds into developing three new PKS production facilities in Kuantan, Pasir Gudang and Lahad Datu. The Kuantan and Pasir Gudang facilities are to be completed by this year, while the Lahad Datu facility is set to be completed by end-FY2026. Each site is designed for up to 240,000 metric tonnes in annual capacity across two production lines. These sites not only boost our output but reinforce our commitment to sustainability and traceability. Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 presents a timely opportunity to embed biomass in ASEAN's broader energy and climate strategy. Through coordinated policy and collaboration, the Southeast Asian region can accelerate biomass deployment, reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels and foster green jobs in rural and industrial communities alike. This is also a chance to build a truly inclusive green economy by creating sustainable jobs in rural communities where the feedstock originates. Biomass is not just a complementary resource; it is a base-load enabler of energy security, carbon reduction and inclusive development. With abundant feedstock and export-ready capabilities, Malaysia can lead ASEAN toward a low-carbon, self-reliant future. At Elridge Energy, we are committed to this shared vision – not only as producers and exporters but as advocates for a cleaner, more connected ASEAN energy ecosystem. – July 10, 2025 Oliver Yeo is the Executive Director and CEO of Elridge Energy Holdings Bhd, a listed Malaysian renewable energy company specialising in the manufacturing and export of biomass fuels such as palm kernel shells (PKS) and wood pellets. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
