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New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] Anwar: Businesses must seize the economic momentum established by leaders
KUALA LUMPUR: The business community of Asean, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China must seize the economic momentum established by their leaders and turn it into tangible outcomes. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that while governments have laid the groundwork for stronger regional cooperation, the private sector must now step up to ensure that the ambitions of shared prosperity and deeper integration are fully realised. "We have done our part. The political leadership has assured you of stability and given you the policy clarity, attractive investments, and the promotion of new technology. "We will do whatever is necessary to promote investments and make our countries attractive to investors. "Now that we have finished our session, the ball is in your court. The business community, the corporate players, the captains of industry must seize the moment and do whatever is necessary, because we have given our support and policy clarity," he said in his opening remarks at the Asean-GCC-China gala dinner, held in conjunction with the Asean-GCC Economic Forum 2025. Anwar praised the collective leadership of Asean, the GCC and China for reaching a consensus that outlines shared principles of good governance, clear economic policy and prioritising citizens' welfare. "As such, I salute all our Asean, GCC and China leaders. We have proven that it can be done. "I look forward to this Asean-GCC-China Economic Summit because we want to see results, and it is now your (business community's) duty to act and ensure that our countries benefit from one another. "There is so much synergy, so much collaboration needed, and so much hope to fulfil the aspirations of our countries." The high-level summit, hosted by Malaysia as Asean Chair, brought together leaders from both regional blocs to strengthen cooperation across political, economic and security domains. The 46th Asean Summit, held under Malaysia's 2025 Chairmanship theme, "Inclusivity and Sustainability", marks the country's fifth term as Asean Chair, following previous chairmanships in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015.
The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Asean, GCC, and China shape a connected future, says Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR: Asean, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and China can leverage their unique attributes to create a more connected, resilient, and prosperous future, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said that Asean, GCC, and China collectively represent a combined GDP of USD 24.87tril and a population of 2.15 billion. "This scale offers vast opportunities to synergise our markets, deepen innovation, and promote cross-regional investment," he said on Tuesday (May 27). Anwar said this during his opening remarks at the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Economic Summit. He added that Asean has long demonstrated that regionalism, anchored in consensus, respect, and openness, can succeed. "We have thrived in our long-standing partnership with the GCC and China. Today, we can enhance these ties," he said. Anwar highlighted the deep and enduring connections between Asean, GCC, and China. "From the ancient Silk Road to Southeast Asia's vibrant maritime networks to modern trade corridors, our peoples have connected through commerce, culture, and ideas," he said. He mentioned Mecca and Madinah as centres for millions of pilgrims and Oman as a major trading route. "Historically, centres like Melaka exemplified this tradition, serving as vital crossroads linking East and West," he said. Anwar said Asean today carries forward that legacy on a broader scale, emerging as a dynamic crossroads of global commerce, innovation, and opportunity. Welcoming leaders and delegates to the summit, Anwar remarked on the regions' achievements. "For the first time, Asean, GCC, and China have united in this unique configuration," he said. He noted that the three partners are rich in history, civilisation, culture, and shared aspirations. "GCC has become a centre for financial strength, AI, digital sectors, and energy. China has transformed the regional economy and the international scene, driving change and reform," he said. At the Asean level, Anwar praised the unmatched friendliness, trust, and collaboration between countries. "We work and think together, focusing on core issues, achieving understanding, and registering peace," he said. Anwar highlighted that Asean is one of the most peaceful and fastest-growing regions globally.
Malay Mail
20-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Roads in KL are closed, but Confucian Islamic civilizational pathways are opening: Asean, GCC and China step into new era — Osman Bakar and Phar Kim Beng
MAY 20 — As Kuala Lumpur grinds to a temporary halt with road closures and security cordons in place for the 46th Asean Summit, the 2nd Asean-GCC Summit, and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Economic Summit from May 26–27, 2025, something more profound is in motion. Beyond traffic disruptions and diplomatic choreographies, a historic confluence is taking place—one that seeks to recast the global order through the prism of civilizational dialogue, economic complementarity, and strategic recalibration. This summit is more than just another high-level meeting. It marks the formal entrance of a trilateral axis—Asean, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and China—into the global imagination as a collective actor of consequence. At stake is the articulation of an Asia-centric world order rooted in mutual respect, non-interference, and shared prosperity. When roads close, bridges between civilizations open The irony could not be more poetic. While the arteries of Kuala Lumpur are sealed off to accommodate convoys of state leaders, the deeper arteries of civilizational understanding are being opened—linking the Islamic world, East Asia, and the broader Global South. The Malaysian chairmanship of Asean in 2025 has placed civilizational diplomacy at the heart of its agenda, culminating in this landmark summit. This is not mere symbolism. Civilizations, unlike modern political alliances, are time-tested reservoirs of ethics, worldview, and societal values. The Asean-GCC-China configuration recognizes that it is in these civilizational foundations—Confucian, Islamic, and Southeast Asian cosmopolitanism—that the seeds of a more inclusive, resilient world order can be found. From transactional geopolitics to transformational cooperation In a world increasingly divided by tariff wars, technological decoupling, and strategic mistrust, the significance of this summit lies in its effort to shift global momentum from zero-sum posturing to mutual accommodation. In contrast to the transactional ethos typified by Washington's increasingly unilateral economic policies, this trilateral convergence focuses on deep integration of value chains, sustainable development, and shared innovation. From China's Belt and Road Initiative to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, and Asean's ongoing blueprint for connectivity, the strategic synergies are evident. This summit aims to align them—not through hegemonic coercion but through voluntary coordination. China brings formidable capital, technology, and infrastructure experience. The GCC brings energy resources, sovereign wealth, and a readiness to pivot eastward in a post-oil global economy. Asean offers demographic strength, cultural diversity, and an institutional framework grounded in non-interference and consensus-building. This tripartite interaction promises a powerful synthesis: an economic and cultural corridor that stretches from Morocco to Manila, anchored in the values of peaceful co-existence and respect for sovereignty. Civilizational diplomacy is Malaysia's calling Malaysia, under the leadership of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, is uniquely suited to convene such a summit. Since his early political career, Anwar has championed the confluence of civilizations—not only as a conceptual discourse but as a diplomatic practice. His articulation of 'Asian Renaissance' in the 1990s, influenced by both Islamic and Confucian traditions, now finds tangible expression in this summit. In hosting both Islamic and Confucian powers, Malaysia is reviving its historic role as a civilizational bridge. In the past, Malacca was the key node of maritime Asia, where Arab, Indian, Chinese, and Southeast Asian traders met—not only to exchange goods but to blend cultures, faiths, and political philosophies. Kuala Lumpur is recapturing that spirit, this time with institutional maturity and geopolitical foresight. It is also worth noting that both Islamophobia and Sinophobia are on the rise globally, often perpetuated by media, policy discourses, and populist politics in the West. This summit is, in part, a civilizational response—reaffirming the dignity, contributions, and agency of the Islamic and Chinese civilizations in crafting global public goods, such as sustainable development, peaceful dispute settlement, and knowledge cooperation. With this awareness, IIUM seeks to institutionalize this civilizational response by establishing the Centre for Peace, Dialogue, and Xenophobia Studies, which has received approval from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Peace and dialogue are civilizational ideals that should serve as the framework for enlightened responses to xenophobia of all forms. Malaysia will host the 46th Asean Summit this month and the Asean Summit with Dialogue Partners at the end of October, as part of the country's role as Asean Chair in 2025. — Bernama pic Asean centrality strengthened, not undermined Some have voiced concerns that greater involvement from GCC and China could undermine Asean's centrality. But that reading misinterprets Asean's very foundation. Asean centrality has always been about positioning—not dominance. By being the convener of this triangle, Asean is reaffirming its place as the epicentre of Asia's diplomatic geometry. Indeed, the presence of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, alongside leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and other GCC nations, signals a shift in how regional diplomacy is conducted. It no longer relies on a hub-and-spoke model dictated by Washington or Brussels but evolves into a concentric framework where cooperation radiates outward from Asean. Malaysia's foreign policy doctrine of 'constructive engagement' is being renewed, with strategic clarity and institutional confidence. The world is watching—and should learn As the G7 and NATO alliances double down on old deterrence models and rearmament, the Asean-GCC-China summit presents a rare alternative: diplomacy grounded in civilizational values that produces tangible economic outcomes without coercion. Trade, energy, education, climate cooperation, and even joint disaster relief protocols are on the table—not as giveaways, but as expressions of shared interest. The Jakarta Post, situated at the heart of the largest Muslim-majority democracy and a founding member of Asean, should celebrate this moment. Indonesia has always viewed itself as a civilizational balancer—where Islam, democracy, and Asian values coexist. This summit opens the door for Indonesia to shape the narrative going forward, perhaps even co-convening future iterations of the summit in Jakarta, Riyadh, or Beijing. Conclusion: The roads ahead When the last barricade in Kuala Lumpur is lifted, what will remain is not the memory of motorcades, but the momentum of a new strategic paradigm. Asean, GCC, and China are not just rebalancing the world—they are reviving it. Not with threats, but with trust. Not with missiles, but with markets. Not through exclusion, but through encounter. The roads in KL may be closed, but the pathways between civilizations have just been paved. It is time the world takes notice—and perhaps, joins the journey.
The Star
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
46th Asean summit: Sales, exhibition fair at KLCC kicks off May 23
KUALA LUMPUR: A sales and exhibition fair showcasing various local products, government services, and activities will open at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) in conjunction with the 46th Asean Summit. The Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Sunday (May 18) that the event, featuring 36 booths with 25 exhibitors, would be open to the public from May 23 to 25 and to Asean delegates from May 26 to 27. It said the event, themed 'The Heritech Malaysia' – a wordplay combining heritage and technology – lets visitors witness demonstrations of local craft-making, including gold-thread embroidery, weaving, and batik canting, as well as interact with digital displays and video presentations. Other activities include games, lucky draws, souvenir giveaways, sampling of local food and beverages, and drone simulations. "Visitors will also be treated to performances by the Orang Asli community organised by the Department of Orang Asli Development, cultural shows by artistes with disabilities and new local product launches," read the statement. It said that the event also involves the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, Performance Acceleration and Coordination Unit, Local R&D Products and Services Utilisation Programme and Radio Televisyen Malaysia. The 46th Asean Summit, set for May 26-27 at KLCC, would gather leaders from the bloc's 10 member states to discuss regional issues, foster economic cooperation, and advance the principles of inclusivity and sustainability. Kuala Lumpur would also concurrently host the second Asean-GCC Summit and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Economic Summit. – Bernama
The Star
16-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Road closure list for Asean Summit to be announced on May 20, says Saifuddin
PUTRAJAYA: The list of road closures for the upcoming Asean Summit 2025 will be announced on May 20, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. 'During our last Cabinet meeting, the Communication Ministry has already been tasked with informing the public on the roads used to avoid congestion. 'We (Home Ministry) will also do our dry run on the 20th as well. For the police side we are in our final phase,' he said after an appreciation ceremony for the Immigration Department (JIM) here. Saifuddin said that a total of 7,200 police will be deployed for security purposes. On the Immigration Department level, he said that more than 2,000 personnel were currently undergoing training to ensure smooth processing when the delegations arrive. 'It must be seamless from the side of people and goods mobility. We have identified all main entry points including the Subang airport where several will land there,' he added. Kuala Lumpur will host the 46th Asean Summit, the second Asean-GCC Summit and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Economic Summit concurrently at the end of this month.
