Latest news with #AseanChairmanship
Malay Mail
21-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
What brand of Malaysian hospitality will shape Asean and related summits — Phar Kim Beng
MAY 21 — As Malaysia assumes the Asean Chairmanship from May 25-27, 2025, global attention turns to Kuala Lumpur—not only for its event management and diplomatic flair but also for the deeper, distinct leadership it brings. This is a form of civilizational diplomacy rooted in moderation, inclusion, and resilience, transcending ceremonial handshakes and protocol dinners. This leadership stems from Malaysia's political experimentation, aspirations to bridge East and West, and resilience amid global volatility. The Unity Government's stability as a message Few believed Malaysia's Unity Government, led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, would endure when it was formed on November 24, 2022. Seen as a temporary coalition of former rivals, it faced doubts about its longevity. Nearly three years later, the government has not only survived but has become a credible custodian of Malaysia's external diplomacy and regional vision. In Asean, where political instability is common, Malaysia's internal political stability is a significant asset. It demonstrates that compromise, dialogue, and institutional reform can create a durable foundation, enabling Malaysia to chair Asean with confidence. A bold vision for the Asean Chairmanship Malaysia's chairmanship is marked by strategic initiatives, including a trilateral economic summit involving Asean, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and China. This summit, the first of its kind, represents a groundbreaking dialogue among three civilizational zones. It is not just about trade but a geopolitical statement challenging traditional East-West and North-South divides. Malaysia is anchoring the summit within the Asia Zero Emissions Community (AZEC) framework, envisioning a strategic corridor connecting the Gulf's resources, China's technology, and Asean's labor markets. This forward-looking agenda aims for a just transition to a low-carbon economy, redefining Asean regionalism to focus on sustainability and innovation. Leadership through bridge-building Under Anwar's leadership, Malaysia emphasizes bridge-building over bloc alliances. This philosophy is not just diplomatic—it is strategic. In an era of climate crises, food instability, and global fragmentation, hybrid platforms for cooperation are vital. Malaysia's approach to ASEAN's leadership sets a new standard by fostering pathways for dialogue and development. Malaysia's Asean chairmanship is marked by strategic initiatives, including a trilateral economic summit involving Asean, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and China. — Bernama pic Challenges from domestic disengagement Despite these strides, Malaysia's political opposition remains disengaged from international affairs, focusing instead on narrow domestic concerns. This lack of alternative vision for navigating global challenges is a missed opportunity to shape Malaysia's foreign policy. The government, meanwhile, has actively proposed regional financial mechanisms, supported civilizational dialogues, and revitalized Asean cooperation. Its leadership sees Malaysia as an architect of regional order rather than a passive participant. Malaysia's stewardship of Asean The first half of 2025 may mark a turning point for Asean—not by replacing its consensus model but by revitalizing it. Through Malaysia's leadership, Asean has the chance to address pressing questions on sustainability, sovereignty, and shared destiny. If Asean can rise to these challenges, Malaysia's chairmanship will have demonstrated the power of strategic hospitality—a diplomacy rooted in listening, building, and stewardship. This may well prove to be Malaysia's most valuable export, setting a benchmark for Asean's future. * Phar Kim Beng, PhD, is a Professor of Asean Studies at the International Islamic University Malaysia and a Visiting Faculty member at the Asia-Europe Institute, University of Malaya. ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
New Straits Times
19-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Hawana 2025 pre-launch set for June 3
LANGKAWI: The pre-launch ceremony for the National Journalists' Day (Hawana) 2025 celebration will be held on June 3, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. He said the theme and logo for this year's celebration, held to honour media practitioners in the country, will also be unveiled during the ceremony. He added that in line with Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship in 2025, media organisations from across Southeast Asia will be involved in this year's Hawana celebration. "In conjunction with the Asean Chairmanship, Hawana will not only be a national-level event but can also serve as a catalyst for stronger ties and networks between media organisations in Malaysia and those in other countries in the Asean region. "This is important because in our efforts to build an Asean community, we cannot do without information and news from our Asean neighbours," he told reporters after attending the Northern Zone Safe Internet Campaign Tour here today. Also present were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission commission member Gen (Rtd) Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin and Malaysian National News Agency chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin. Fahmi hoped that this year's Hawana celebration will be fully leveraged by local media practitioners to strengthen ties and cooperation among media organisations in the Asean region. The Hawana 2025 celebration will be held in Kuala Lumpur in June. — BERNAMA
Malay Mail
15-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Putin hails growing Russia-Malaysia ties, cites Anwar's visit as sign of deepening cooperation
KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 — Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia-Malaysia relations are strengthening, reaffirming both countries' commitment to deepening meaningful and productive cooperation. He said Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's four-day official visit, from May 13 to 16, clearly demonstrates that bilateral ties are developing successfully and progressively, with both sides expressing strong interest in making their cooperation more substantive and transparent. During their meeting, Putin said he and Anwar discussed a spectrum of relevant issues concerning bilateral interaction, as well as pressing matters on the international agenda. Both leaders, he added, identified specific plans to strengthen Russian-Malaysian cooperation in the future. 'Russia and Malaysia have a long tradition of friendship and mutual understanding. We have always strived to work in partnership, building on the principles of mutual respect and mutual understanding,' he said during a joint press conference with Anwar in Moscow, Russia. He added that both countries have all the necessary prerequisites to further enhance this partnership. Elaborating on his discussion with Prime Minister Anwar, Putin said that, given Malaysia's current Chairmanship of Asean, the talks touched on prospects for further developing substantive dialogue between the international association and Russia. 'We spoke in detail about issues concerning the peaceful and sustainable development of the Asia-Pacific region,' the President said. In the cultural and humanitarian sphere, Putin said both countries regularly hold film festivals, photo exhibitions, and musical concerts. Meanwhile, Putin said there are around 700 Malaysian citizens now studying in Russia at the same time, through the quotas of the government of the Russian Federation between the universities of both countries. Russia and Malaysia have more than 80 agreements on scientific, educational and academic exchange. The diplomas of Russian universities are being recognised by Malaysian employers without any additional accreditation, he said. On Brics, Putin said that under Russia's presidency, a new 'country partner' category was established, and Malaysia was among the nations invited to participate in BRICS activities in this capacity. 'We are glad that our Malaysian friends have accepted this invitation, and we will do everything in our power to ensure Malaysia joins the work of all BRICS partner mechanisms swiftly,' he added. Earlier Wednesday, Anwar was accorded an official welcome at the Kremlin, the official working residence of Putin, underscoring a pivotal moment in strengthening diplomatic ties between Malaysia and Russia. Anwar's official visit to Russia started on May 13 and will last until May 16. In 2024, Russia was Malaysia's ninth-largest trading partner among European countries, with total trade reaching RM11.46 billion (US$2.48 billion). — Bernama
The Sun
13-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Miti appoints CelcomDigi as strategic partner for Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship 2025
PETALING JAYA: CelcomDigi Bhd has been appointed the official strategic partner to the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) for Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship 2025. As a strategic partner and main connectivity provider, CelcomDigi will ensure a seamless network experience throughout the event, showcase deployable technologies through its AI Experience Centre (AiX), and contribute to policy discussions on regional digital frameworks. CelcomDigi CEO Datuk Idham Nawawi said this collaboration extends beyond providing connectivity. 'It reflects CelcomDigi's commitment to national priorities and to ensure Malaysia delivers a world-class experience as host of the chairmanship. 'Realising this vision will require strong synergy and cooperation between public and private sectors to drive the success of Asean events, and to showcase the best of the nation's digital capabilities, innovation, and regional leadership,' he said. Among the key initiatives CelcomDigi will provide to Asean delegates include an exclusive Asean-themed 5G tourist SIM to commemorate the event. The SIM offers unlimited data and free international calls across Asean at all Malaysian entry points, keeping delegates connected throughout their stay in Malaysia. The company will also enable high-speed connectivity at meeting venues, outdoor solutions for large events, and 5G access in official vehicles for delegates and key officials. Asean delegates will also be able to visit CelcomDigi's AiX, an immersive innovation experience developed with over 40 global technology and local ecosystem partners. AiX features 45 ready-to-deploy use cases across eight key industries, including manufacturing, energy, logistics, and smart cities. Numerous pilots are already under way with Malaysian enterprises. The company aims to showcase exportable, scalable, and collaborative local innovation capabilities, opening doors for cross-border initiatives that will contribute meaningfully to Asean's shared digital future. Building on these efforts, CelcomDigi will contribute to policy discussions on advancing innovation in AI, robotics, and digital talent development, strengthening cybersecurity and scam awareness to foster a trusted digital ecosystem across Asean. These efforts align with Malaysia's ambitions for an inclusive, sustainable, and digitally empowered future.
