Latest news with #Asean2045:OurSharedFuture
The Star
4 days ago
- Health
- The Star
We must move beyond silos for the planet's health
AT the 46th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur in May 2025, regional leaders adopted 'Asean 2045: Our Shared Future' – a comprehensive vision for the region's development over the next two decades. It is a carefully crafted document that reflects a welcome sense of ambition and confidence. But even as it aspires to build a more 'resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centred Asean', it leaves important questions unanswered about the foundations upon which such aspirations rest. Having spent much of my career working on regional and global challenges, and as a firm believer in the importance of international and regional cooperation, I recognise the value of vision-setting. It galvanises collective effort. It signals priorities. It invites us to imagine a future worth striving for. But the real measure of such a vision lies not in its length or elegance, but in its capacity to reckon with complexity, to centre people meaningfully, and to commit to structural change. On these fronts, 'Our Shared Future' offers both promise – and pause. The document's most visible structural feature is its division into four strategic pillars: political-security, economic, sociocultural, and connectivity. While this reflects Asean's established architecture, it is increasingly out of step with the interlinked challenges we face today. Issues such as climate change, pandemic preparedness, digital governance, and rising inequality do not respect institutional boundaries. Yet 'Our Shared Future' gestures only briefly towards integrated, cross-pillar responses – confined to a single, isolated bullet point on 'a green Asean' straddling the economic and sociocultural pillars. Entirely absent is the need for a unified approach that places health and wellbeing at the core of regional prosperity, peace, and the structural transformations essential for long-term security. Planetary health determines the wellbeing of all life in this region, yet this essential relationship is not acknowledged in the document. It outlines aspirations for coordination but offers no mechanisms to deliver it. If Asean is serious about addressing the systems-level threats it identifies, including climate, conflict, and displacement, it must move beyond working in silos. The economic ambitions are clear: to become the world's fourth-largest economy by 2045. There is pride in this trajectory, and rightly so. The region's dynamism is a global success story. But the blueprint's economic narrative leans heavily on traditional growth indicators – productivity, integration, scale – without enough interrogation of their sustainability or inclusiveness. Environmental concerns are addressed, but often as secondary considerations. One paragraph on the 'green economy' does not compensate for the lack of clear commitments to decarbonisation, circular economy models, or phasing out fossil fuels. Nor is there an explicit recognition of planetary boundaries. In a region already bearing the brunt of climate impacts, from sea-level rise to extreme heat and biodiversity loss, this is not just a technical omission. It is a strategic gap. Economic planning for 2045 must be built on ecological realism, not market optimism. The document rightly reaffirms Asean's commitment to democracy, good governance, and human rights. These are essential values for any future that seeks to be genuinely people-centred. But as the region continues to navigate complex political dynamics, including the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, it is striking that the vision does not address how Asean will respond when these values are under threat within its own community. Avoiding difficult issues may (arguably) keep the peace, but it erodes Asean's credibility, both at home and abroad. A resilient Asean must live its charter, not just cite it, and must stand for something more than branding in calm times and silence in crises. 'People-centred' is one of the most repeated phrases in the vision – welcome, and long overdue! But the document would be stronger if it showed how people's voices shaped its development or how they will be included in its implementation. There is little indication that Asean's citizens were consulted in any structured way in preparing this vision. Meanwhile, across South-East Asia, people are already building the future – through climate activism, informal care networks, and digital innovation. The 4th Asean Youth Statement reflects this energy, explicitly calling for planetary health to bridge existing divides. But it raises a question: is this vision only the youth's, and why is it missing from the 'Asean 2045 Vision'? Asean's political class must see people not as passive recipients of policy, but as co-creators of regional identity and progress. Without that, 'people-centred' risks becoming a slogan, not a principle. The call to strengthen the Asean Secretariat is, by now, a familiar one. It features in almost every major regional declaration. Yet little progress has been made in translating that sentiment into real investment or reform. If Asean is to deliver on the commitments laid out in this document, it needs an institutional engine that is fit for purpose – analytically robust, politically empowered, and properly resourced by its 10 member states. This is not about bureaucracy. It is about credibility. 'Asean 2045: Our Shared Future' is an important and timely document. It articulates a vision of prosperity and cohesion and reflects a maturing regionalism that many of us who have worked across Asean for years welcome. But it also reflects the challenges of a multilateral system that remains cautious – sometimes excessively so – in confronting hard truths. A shared future cannot be built through declarations alone. It requires difficult conversations, courageous leadership, and deeper engagement with the people whose lives these plans will shape. It demands a willingness to shift power, not merely reassert process. If Asean can rise to this challenge – by investing in institutional reform, embracing ecological stewardship, and engaging its people more directly – it will not only chart a path for itself but could also offer the world a compelling model of regional cooperation fit for our turbulent times. That is a future worth striving for. And one Asean still has time to realise. Prof Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood, a physician and experienced crisis leader, is the executive director of the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health at Sunway University. She is the founder of Mercy Malaysia and has served in leadership roles internationally with the United Nations and Red Cross for the last decade. She writes on Planetary Health Matters once a month in Ecowatch . The views expressed here are entirely the writer's own.
Business Times
30-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Malaysia leads Asean summit as region faces tough choices
[KUALA LUMPUR] Malaysia stepped into the spotlight this week as it hosted a flurry of high-stakes diplomatic engagements, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim leading regional efforts to future-proof Asean amid rising global headwinds. The 46th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur came at a tense moment, amid rising global rivalries, growing protectionism, and mounting pressure on the bloc to finally act on long-stalled integration plans, all while trying to stay neutral between global superpowers. Held alongside the Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China summits, the two-day gathering was a bid to put Asean back on the global map – this time with a long-term game plan rooted in pragmatism. Anwar set the tone at the summit's opening: 'The very foundations of Asean are being tested… From the Myanmar crisis to growing protectionism, we must act together, on our own terms.' Observers say Malaysia's chairmanship has re-energised Asean's often-fragmented diplomacy, offering a rare show of unity and purpose. 'This marks a shift for Asean, which is often perceived as a loose organisation where consensus is hard to achieve,' Dr Liew Wui Chern, a policy analyst and lecturer at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman told The Business Times. 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 'It demonstrates a growing realisation among members of the need for unity amid external uncertainties and a stronger global voice,' he added. All 10 member states jointly called for a ceasefire in Myanmar and made progress in long-stalled negotiations for a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. That level of agreement, Dr Liew noted, is typically years in the making. Unity on paper – action to come The signing ceremony of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on 'Asean 2045: Our Shared Future' during the 46th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur, on May 26. PHOTO: EPA-EFE At the heart of the summit was the adoption of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration, a foundational blueprint that launches Asean's Community Vision 2045 – a 20-year plan to make the bloc a more assertive global player and one of the world's top four economies by mid-century. The roadmap focuses on political stability, greener growth, better infrastructure, and tighter digital ties – plus a long-overdue push to turn big-picture plans into action. Asean Business Advisory Council chairman Nazir Razak said Malaysia has demonstrated tremendous leadership this year – a time when Asean truly needs it. During a panel discussion at the Asean Business Forum 2025, he highlighted the strong sense of camaraderie among leaders. 'The Prime Minister has cultivated robust bilateral relationships with fellow leaders, and this has been reflected in his chairmanship,' he said. Nazir said the momentum showed up even at the economic ministers' level and stressed that turning plans into action will be the real test for Asean, which hasn't always nailed execution. Business leaders and policymakers have been eager to reaffirm key priorities, especially with recent US tensions in play, he remarked. Laying the groundwork Speaking at the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said: 'By fully connecting our markets, we will unleash powerful development potential.' PHOTO: AFP The summit also saw the endorsement of a five-year action plan aimed at removing regulatory bottlenecks to cross-border trade, improving the mobility of goods, services and talent, and attracting more foreign investment, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, mining and manufacturing. Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam advanced this ambition further with a tripartite agreement to explore cross-border renewable energy trade. The proposed project involves transmitting offshore wind power from Vietnam to Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore via subsea and overland grids, marking an early win for the Asean Power Grid vision. 'These efforts are part of our broader goal to create a more resilient and sustainable energy supply for the region,' said Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in his social media posting. Beyond internal goals, Malaysia also used the summit to position Asean as an attractive partner to external players. At the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for stronger trilateral ties, noting that China, the GCC and Asean collectively represent a quarter of global gross domestic product (GDP). 'By fully connecting our markets, we will unleash powerful development potential,' he said. Talks are also set to begin on a potential Asean-GCC free trade agreement – a move likely to attract investment into logistics, petrochemicals and halal supply chains. Still, some observers tempered expectations. 'I don't expect the summit to result in any significant near-term economic impact for member countries, as most of the discussions were focused on political strategy rather than direct policy outcomes,' said Nazmi Idrus, head of economics (equity research) at CGS International. But the summits held this week have sent a clear signal to the US 'that Asean has a choice to work with other economic blocs and to negotiate with other countries', he remarked. One bloc, many deals That signal comes amid growing unease over recent US tariff threats, which have disrupted regional supply chains and forced Asean states into difficult balancing acts. While Asean has reached internal consensus on collective negotiation with the US, an Asean-wide deal is unlikely, said Dr Oh Ei Sun, a senior fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs. 'In reality, individual Asean countries are separately – and not so discreetly – racing to secure bilateral trade deals with the US, some even offering to reduce their tariffs on American goods to zero in hopes of securing better terms,' he said. Oh argued that Malaysia's chairmanship, while symbolically important, is unlikely to reverse entrenched dynamics within a single year. 'Expecting Kuala Lumpur to unify Asean on trade is like fishing in a tree – it's just not realistic,' he said. Road to October As Asean looks ahead to its next 47th Asean Summit in October, some issues remain outstanding. Questions remain over the full membership of Timor-Leste despite Malaysia and Indonesia's offer to assist in meeting accession requirements. While the country holds observer status, its full integration may still be years away, said observers. Some speculate that Kuala Lumpur may host a historic Asean-US-China trilateral dialogue, though the prospects of US President Donald Trump attending remain slim. Balancing acts Asean faces a tricky balancing act ahead – strengthening ties with China without pushing the US, a key export market, too far away. Speaking at the Asean Business Forum 2025, OCBC chief economist Selena Ling said while the US remains an important market, the region is fundamentally part of the same economic sphere as China. 'There is no decoupling between China and Asean; if anything, multinational corporations are increasingly adopting a strategy of producing in the US for the US market, in China for the Chinese market, and in Asean for the rest of the world,' she added. Still, Ling noted, Asean must tread carefully. 'While deepening ties with China is important, Asean cannot afford to antagonise the US. This highlights the need for a balanced approach in navigating these complex economic relationships,' she said. For Malaysia, it was a test of whether quiet diplomacy still works in a region facing louder challenges – an answer that may only emerge in the months ahead.
New Straits Times
29-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
'Asean 2045: Our Shared Future' is a living promise to region's people
LETTERS: Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) must progress beyond procedural consensus towards courageous and principled decision-making. The well-being of Asean citizens should be a priority in all the bloc's policies. This isn't merely an abstract concept. Malaysia's focus on inclusivity and sustainability during its chairmanship of Asean exemplifies this vision. It's about creating a future where everyone, regardless of background or location, is included. Behind trade agreements and regional strategies are real people whose lives depend on effective leadership. The implementation of the Asean Integrated QR Code Payment System, for instance, is about empowering small businesses to engage in regional trade and ensuring they are part of the digital economy. Malaysia's green transition plan, including initiatives like Energy Exchange Malaysia, demonstrates how leadership can prioritise long-term sustainability while generating new economic opportunities. Asean faces external pressures, internal conflicts and rapid digital transformation. It must bridge the gap between institutions and the people they serve. 'Asean 2045: Our Shared Future' is a living promise to its people, a commitment to a future where peace, prosperity, and human dignity are everyday realities. Faculty of Economics and Management Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
New Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Kuala Lumpur Declaration charts Asean's future path
Iylia Marsya Iskandar, Qistina Sallehuddin KUALA LUMPUR: Asean leaders aim to adopt nine commitments under the Kuala Lumpur Declaration, including the continued pursuit of peace, security, and development in the region. According to Wisma Putra, other commitments in the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean 2045: Our Shared Future include ensuring that the Asean Community continues to thrive and remains adaptive and responsive to the impacts and inherent opportunities of existing and future megatrends. The leaders also agreed to strengthen efforts to uphold Asean Centrality and to maintain an Asean-centred, open, inclusive, transparent, resilient, and rules-based regional architecture that upholds international law, including through Asean-led mechanisms. They reaffirmed their commitment to deepening and broadening cooperation with Asean's external partners, and to exploring cooperation with other interested parties through substantive, practical, and tangible collaboration on the four priority areas of the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), via Asean-led mechanisms. The leaders also pledged to ensure Asean's continued progress by reinforcing adherence to shared principles and commitments, strengthening institutional mechanisms, enhancing cross-pillar and cross-sectoral coordination, and proactively responding to challenges and opportunities. They reaffirmed their commitment to deepening economic integration, with the goal of becoming a single and future-ready economy that is nimble and resilient, anchored in sustainable growth and good governance. The vision includes building a globally competitive and seamlessly integrated single market by leveraging opportunities in the digital, green, and blue economies. Efforts will also be redoubled to enhance Asean connectivity, including advancing the Asean Power Grid, energy interconnection and multilateral power trade, and narrowing development gaps through inclusive, participatory, and equitable access to economic and socio-cultural opportunities. The leaders agreed to foster a stronger Asean identity and promote greater people-to-people connectivity through education, cultural exchanges, and social cooperation. They also committed to improving the quality of life and well-being of Asean peoples, ensuring no one is left behind. This includes strengthening social protection, enhancing health and nutrition, promoting inclusive and sustainable development, and advancing quality education and skills development for a future-ready Asean workforce. Finally, they agreed to continue integrating lessons learned from the implementation of Asean 2025: Forging Ahead Together as the region embarks on the next phase—realising Asean 2045: Our Shared Future—to effectively advance Asean Community-building over the next 20 years.
The Star
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Asean looks ahead with 20-year roadmap
KUALA LUMPUR: A new long-term strategic plan, Asean 2045: Our Shared Future, will chart the growth of the grouping over the next two decades, with measures to strengthen regional cooperation as well as a community-building agenda. The document, which serves as a roadmap, has outlined broad strategic outlooks that will guide Asean in addressing the impact of existing and future megatrends, inherent opportunities, while maintaining Asean centrality. The roadmap is a collection of six key documents, namely the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean 2045: Our Shared Future, Asean Community Vision 2045, Asean Political-Security Community Strategic Plan, Asean Economic Community Strategic Plan 2026-2030, Asean Socio-Cultural Community Strategic Plan and the Asean Connectivity Strategic Plan. Another key component is the Asean Community Vision (ACV) 2045, which aims to provide Asean member states with ample time and adaptability to align themselves with the goals as outlined in the Vision and challenges. The ACV 2045 focuses on several areas of cooperation including political security, economic, socio-cultural, connectivity and strengthening Asean institutions. It also identifies various existing and future megatrends which present both challenges and opportunities for Asean including the maintenance of peace, security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, including the South China Sea, and major power rivalries. It also highlighted the issue of digitalisation and its impact on the future of work; artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The signing of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean 2045: Our Shared Future signifies the adoption by the Asean leaders of the ACV 2045 along with all the strategic plans. The leaders also resolved that Asean member states should implement the ACV 2045 and its plans in a timely and effective manner. It also tasked Asean ministers and respective Asean organs and bodies, supported by the grouping's secretary-general and secretariat, to mobilise resources from member states and external sources. The ACV 2045 aims to provide a more peaceful, stable and secure region. It also plans to improve human rights, fundamental freedoms, dignity and social justice.
