Latest news with #Asean-GCC
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Timor-Leste eyes October deadline
KUALA LUMPUR: Timor-Leste is confident that it can clear all hurdles in time to secure full Asean membership by October. Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão said the nation has fulfilled more than 80 per cent of the bloc's entry requirements and is racing to wrap up the remainder. Buoyed by strong support from Malaysia, particularly Asean chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Gusmão said he is confident Timor-Leste will soon join as the regional bloc's 11th member. "I'm very confident because my friend and brother, Anwar Ibrahim, has given his full support. "I'm also confident because all the countries have said, 'Yes, you must do everything that is still needed to become a member.' "We have to begin fulfilling the remaining requirements. "The main challenge is completing all preparations. We can say that we've achieved more than 80 per cent. "Our immediate task is to send the laws to Parliament," he said. On Tuesday, Anwar announced that the bloc had agreed to accept Timor-Leste as a full member, pending the completion of legal requirements under the Asean Foreign Ministers (AFM) framework. Anwar said Asean will do "whatever is necessary" to ensure that Timor-Leste becomes the bloc's latest member by October. Timor-Leste, the youngest nation in Southeast Asia, has been pursuing full Asean membership since gaining independence in 2002. The country formally applied for membership in 2011. During the Asean Summit in Cambodia in 2022, Timor-Leste was admitted in principle as Asean's 11th member and granted observer status. STRONG POLITICAL WILL Gusmão said there is strong political will across Timor-Leste's leadership to see the membership process through. "Just yesterday, our parliamentary speaker attended the AIPA (Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly) meeting and has become aware of the steps required. "I believe that once she returns to Dili (Timor-Leste's capital), she will do everything she can to convince Parliament to approve the remaining laws." He said some of the legal instruments required for membership need to be ratified by Parliament. "As I understand it, certain laws must first be approved by Parliament, then sent to the president for promulgation, before final ratification. "That's why we are doing everything to become a full Asean member by October." He said Malaysia has been politically and technically supportive, helping Timor-Leste understand Asean's requirements and guiding the country through the membership process. He added that other member states have also offered assistance, including a personal assurance from Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. CONTRIBUTING TO ASEAN Gusmão acknowledged that Timor-Leste, as a young nation, cannot expect to make immediate, significant contributions to Asean upon joining. He said participation will be an ongoing, year-by-year process. Timor-Leste, he said, plans to leverage its membership to boost its capabilities, particularly in human resource development. "At the Asean-GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) China Summit, one of the issues that was brought up was people-to-people relations, human resource development and skills exchange. "We will seize the opportunity to learn more, for the benefit of our people. "We cannot immediately say that we can export something," he said. He said some areas Timor-Leste could leverage include agriculture, where the focus is on improving food security. "During the summit, everyone, including Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, talked about agriculture. "As a small, mountainous country facing climate change challenges, we face additional difficulties. If successful practices work elsewhere, we can adopt them to boost our ability to feed our people." He highlighted the importance of respecting the unique circumstances of each Asean nation and noted that understanding neighbours' cultures and ways of life is essential to building strong regional ties. A MEANINGFUL SUMMIT Asked for his views on the Asean Summit and its related meetings, he described the event as highly significant, especially due to the depth and value of the exchanges. "It was meaningful due to the openness and exchange of ideas. Anwar presented what Malaysia, as chairman, would do this year, and the theme was inclusivity and sustainability. "There were productive discussions on this, but it was even more meaningful because he also presented a draft of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration On Asean 2045. "It was wonderful, and it also pointed to more integration between countries in all areas, making it significant." He also described the summit between Asean, GCC and China as significant, as all parties had begun exploring ways to boost cooperation amid the challenging global environment. He said they also reaffirmed their commitment to international law and humanitarian rights, particularly for Palestinians in Gaza, during a time of uncertainty and tension. "The three parties expressed commitment to deepen cooperation in economic security, peace, political dialogue and human rights advocacy.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysian semiconductor sector set to integrate advanced tech into farming
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's semiconductor industry is poised to revolutionise agriculture and address global food security challenges by integrating advanced technology into farming practices. Speaking at the Asean-GCC economic forum 2025, Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong underscored the sector's importance not only as a hub for multinational investment but also as a driver of innovation across multiple industries. "The world we live in today is vastly different from just five years ago. We are no longer navigating a single global supply chain but multiple regional supply chains, heavily influenced by geopolitics. "This shift demands that we rethink our strategies and maximise the potential of our key industries, particularly semiconductors," Liew said. He shared that Malaysia's semiconductor ecosystem, centred in Penang but extending nationwide, has become a global benchmark. Traditionally aligned with multinational corporations producing for markets like the United States, the industry is now pivoting toward broader applications and markets, reflecting Malaysia's evolving economic strategy. Liew said the industry's reputation has drawn significant interest from international partners, with Brazil and India among the most recent collaborators. "Brazil views our semiconductor capabilities as a model they can learn from, while India, which is aggressively attracting investment in its own semiconductor industry, wants to leverage Malaysia's established ecosystem," Liew said. Malaysia's ecosystem has become a focal point for foreign investments, supported by a network of local and multinational players. Liew said Malaysia's semiconductor industry must move beyond its traditional role as a supplier for multinational corporations. "We have a strength that many other countries do not have. It's time to use this capability to power industries like agriculture, automotive, defence, and more," he said. Liew also stated that one critical application is addressing global food security. "Semiconductors can drive agricultural technologies that not only benefit Malaysia but also support countries like Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, and even parts of Africa. "By thinking along these lines, Malaysia can position itself as a technology powerhouse," he added. The broader vision for Malaysia is to evolve from being viewed solely as a trading nation to being recognised as a leader in technology and innovation. "Policymakers and businesses must align to this goal. Malaysia has the infrastructure, expertise, and global interest to achieve this transformation," Liew said. He added that the inclusion of China in the Asean-GCC meeting, thanks to the Prime Minister's innovative approach, highlights the opportunities for trilateral collaborations. By integrating technology and markets from Asia, the GCC and China, Malaysia can further solidify its position on the global stage.
The Star
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Brunei Sultan resting at IJN due to fatigue
KUALA LUMPUR: Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is resting at the National Heart Institute (IJN) due to fatigue, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 'Well, he is feeling a bit tired. So, he is just resting at the IJN,' said the Prime Minister briefly during his exit press conference on the 46th Asean Summit and Related Summits at the KL Convention Centre yesterday. Sultan Hassanal has been attending a series of meetings related to the 46th Asean Summit and Related Summits since Monday. The Brunei Sultan was attending the 16th Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), which started at 8.30am yesterday. During the BIMP-EAGA event, Sultan Hassanal was seen being assisted by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as he was walking down the stairs from the stage. The clip of Prabowo assisting Sultan Hassanal has raised questions among netizens. It is understood that the Brunei Sultan was admitted to IJN between the Asean-GCC and Asean-GCC-China Summits that took place yesterday afternoon. The 46th Asean Summit and Related Summits ended yesterday with a gala dinner hosted by Anwar.
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Amid global uncertainty, PM Wong stresses Asean-GCC-China cooperation
(From left) Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed al-Budaiwi, Myanmar's Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aung Kyaw Moe, Qatar's Minister of Commerce and Industry Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Oman's Deputy Prime Minister for Relations and International Affairs Sayyid Asa'ad bin Tariq Al Said, Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Philippines' President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr, Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, China's Premier Li Qiang, Brunei's Second Foreign Minister Erywan Yusof, Ruler of the UAE's Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet, Indonesia's Foreign Minister Sugiono, Laos' Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, East Timor's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, and Asean Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn pose for a family photo on May 27. PHOTO: REUTERS - Amid global geopolitical turbulence and uncertainty, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said Asean, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China can forge deeper ties to unlock new pathways for shared prosperity. Speaking at two landmark summits in Kuala Lumpur on May 27 – the second Asean-GCC Summit and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, PM Wong underscored the potential for these regions to drive global growth and resilience by working more closely together. During the summit between Asean, which comprises 10 member countries, and the GCC, a key bloc of six Arab states, PM Wong said the global environment has become much more uncertain since the two groups last met in October 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 'And in this turbulent world, Asean and the GCC should strengthen our linkages,' he said at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, where both summits were held. PM Wong noted that Asean, with a population of over 670 million, is on track to become the world's fourth-largest economy by 2030, while the GCC is rapidly transforming into an important global player. 'So our two regions should really do more together,' he said. He pointed to the 2023 Framework of Cooperation between the two groups, saying its adoption had boosted Asean-GCC ties and that the latest summit offered an opportunity to forge even closer links. PM Wong outlined three key areas of cooperation for the two groups. On trade and investment, he said Singapore was the first non-Middle Eastern country to establish a free trade agreement (FTA) with the GCC, and discussions are under way to upgrade it. The Gulf Cooperation Council–Singapore FTA was signed in December 2008 and entered into force in September 2013. This agreement can be a pathfinder to a wider Asean-GCC FTA, and PM Wong said he believed other leaders would support this effort, which would lower tariffs, strengthen supply chains, promote food security and enhance investment flows between the regions. 'So I hope we can redouble our efforts to accelerate the study to examine the possibility of having this FTA and also facilitating closer links between our business communities.' PM Wong also called for exploring collaboration between the GCC and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world's largest trade pact that covers 30 per cent of the world's population and economic output. Combined, the RCEP and GCC represent about 35 per cent of global gross domestic product. PM Wong acknowledged that an FTA between the two could be very complex. 'But if we can establish a formal partnership between the two entities, this can facilitate more trade and investment flows, and help to uphold key principles of our rules-based trading system,' he said. Energy transition is another area of shared interest. PM Wong noted how Asean is developing a regional power grid, while the GCC is an energy powerhouse investing in greener energy. 'So we welcome the GCC's support for the Asean Power Grid – be it by investing in and financing new grid infrastructure, or sharing your knowledge on cross-border energy transmission,' he said. PM Wong also pointed to opportunities for cooperation as Asean's demand for clean energy grows. Third, PM Wong said Asean was concluding a Digital Economy Framework Agreement in 2025, which would provide the basis to engage external partners and consider establishing digital partnerships with the GCC. The agreement, introduced in 2023, has been described as a boost for the growth of digital trade and services in the region. Studies suggest it could double the projected value of Asean's digital economy from US$1 trillion (S$1.28 trillion) to US$2 trillion by 2030. PM Wong added that Asean welcomes further cooperation with the GCC on the enablers of the digital economy, including in cyber security, data governance and cross-border data flows. Beyond these economic and technological links, PM Wong said Asean and the GCC have always stood for 'an approach of engagement and dialogue to uphold peace and stability'. Turning to the ongoing conflicts in the world, he reiterated Singapore's position on the Middle East crisis. Where Palestine is concerned, PM Wong said Singapore joins others in calling for an immediate ceasefire and the return of the remaining hostages. 'We also call for all parties to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, and we reiterate our longstanding support for a negotiated two-state solution, which is the only viable path to a comprehensive, just, and durable solution to the conflict.' Summit with China At the Asean-GCC-China Summit, PM Wong said Asean already has strong partnerships with both sides, with links to China growing even stronger since they were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2021. 'We are moving forward from strong foundations and our three regions should do more together,' he said. He suggested some ways to advance this trilateral cooperation, including working on concrete projects under the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). The document, introduced in 2019, sets out how countries in the region can engage in cooperative ways to ensure peace, stability and prosperity. PM Wong noted that many proposals discussed at the summit dovetail with the AOIP's priority areas, and provide a good basis to deepen collaboration. He also highlighted the need to strengthen trade and investment links, pointing out that Asean already has an FTA with China and looks forward to signing an upgrade to this. 'It is natural to extend these linkages towards a trilateral FTA between China, Asean and the GCC in due course,' he said. PM Wong added that the three sides should cooperate in new areas such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence and renewable energy, noting that the GCC and China are global leaders in some of these fields. He said Asean hopes to leverage the GCC and China's expertise to support the Asean Power Grid and the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement. 'This will help all our regions to harness the potential of technological advances, and to meet our shared goal of a sustainable future,' added PM Wong. PM Wong and other leaders also attended a royal luncheon hosted by Malaysia's King, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, at the Istana Negara. In a social media post, PM Wong said he was honoured to attend the event. He noted that His Majesty is a longstanding friend of Singapore, and it was a pleasure to see him again following their last meeting in January. PM Wong also thanked him for his support for the strong and enduring ties between the two countries. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Business Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
Asean, Gulf bloc, China can work closely on trade and investment, energy, digital economy: PM Wong
[KUALA LUMPUR] In a turbulent world, Asean, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China can do more to promote trade and investment, as well as advance common interests in energy transition and the digital economy, Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Tuesday (May 27). The three partners can work on concrete projects under the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, he added. At the second Asean-GCC Summit in Kuala Lumpur, PM Wong said that Asean and the Gulf bloc should strengthen their ties, with the global environment now much more uncertain than at the inaugural summit two years ago. Wtih relations 'boosted' by the 2023 Framework of Cooperation, the two blocs can build on this to 'forge even closer links', he said, suggesting three areas of focus. One area is trade and investment, including a possible Asean-GCC free trade agreement (FTA). Singapore was the first non-Middle Eastern country to ink an FTA with the GCC, with upgrades now being discussed, noted PM Wong. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 8.30 am Asean Business Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies. Sign Up Sign Up This deal can serve as a pathfinder for a wider region-to-region FTA, he said: 'Such an FTA will lower tariffs, strengthen supply chains, promote food security and enhance investment flows between our regions.' He also suggested exploring collaboration between the GCC and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which would connect the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific. Combined, both groupings represent a 'significant' 35 per cent of the world's GDP, he noted. While an FTA between RCEP and GCC would be very complex, a formal partnership would facilitate trade and investment while helping to uphold key principles of the rules-based trading system, he added. In a separate summit with the GCC and China, PM Wong noted Asean's existing FTA with China – with a '3.0' upgrade due later this year – and added: 'It is natural to extend these linkages towards a trilateral FTA between China, Asean and the GCC in due course.' Asean and Gulf Cooperation Council leaders meet for their second summit PHOTO: CMG Second, the energy transition is another area of common interest. PM Wong welcomed the GCC's support for the Asean Power Grid, from investing in and financing grid infrastructure, to sharing knowledge on cross-border energy transmission. 'As Asean's demand for clean energy grows, there will also be opportunities for cooperation with the GCC on this front,' he added. Third, Asean could consider a digital partnership with the GCC, once it concludes its own Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) this year. The Asean agreement will provide a basis for the bloc to engage external partners in this domain, noted PM Wong. 'We welcome further cooperation with the GCC on the enablers of the digital economy – including in cybersecurity, data governance and cross-border data flows.' At the Asean-GCC-China Summit, PM Wong said that Asean hopes to leverage the expertise of both the GCC and China to support the Asean Power Grid and DEFA. 'This will help all our regions to harness the potential of technological advances, and to meet our shared goal of a sustainable future,' he said. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong meeting Chinese Premier Li Qiang ahead of a gala dinner on Monday PHOTO: LAWRENCE WONG X At the Asean-GCC Summit, PM Wong also broached the issue of Palestine, saying: 'Between the GCC and Asean, we have always stood for an approach of engagement and dialogue to uphold peace and stability, and this is very important as we confront the ongoing conflicts in the world.' 'Singapore continues, and joins colleagues around the table, to call for an immediate ceasefire and the return of the remaining hostages.' Later, at a wrap-up interview with Singapore media, he added that the humanitarian disaster in Gaza is 'the result of Israel going too far in its actions'. 'A ceasefire is still not enough, because even after a ceasefire – you can have a ceasefire for a few days, a few weeks, a few months, even years – violence can still recur again.' He called for all parties to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, and reiterated Singapore's longstanding support for a negotiated two-state solution. Bilateral meetings At the sidelines of the summit, PM Wong met the Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for the first time since he became prime minister in 2024. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong (left) with the Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. PHOTO: MDDI They first met in 2017 when PM Wong was minister in attendance during the emir's state visit to Singapore. In a social media post on Tuesday, PM Wong said: 'I look forward to working closely with His Highness to further deepen our multifaceted cooperation – as we navigate an increasingly complex and challenging global landscape together.' Prime Minister Lawrence Wong (left) with Bahrain Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. PHOTO: MDDI Separately, he also met Bahrain Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Noting that Singapore and Bahrain are small island states of about the same land size, PM Wong said: 'We share a similar outlook – always trying to find relevance and add value to the world.' Both countries have much to gain from the mutual sharing of experiences and best practices, he said, adding that he looks forward to working together to enhance their partnership. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong with King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar PHOTO: BERNAMA PM Wong and his counterparts were also hosted to a royal luncheon by King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar. In another social media post, he called the sultan a 'longstanding friend of Singapore', adding that it was a pleasure to see him again following their last meeting in January. PM Wong also thanked him for his steadfast support for the strong and enduring ties between the two countries.
