Latest news with #AseanCommunity
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.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Championing digital innovation in Southeast Asia part of Asean 2045 master plan
Strengthening connectivity – including digital innovation – among Southeast Asian nations is embedded in the Asean Connectivity Strategic Plan. The plan is one of six key documents that form the Asean 2045: Our Shared Future roadmap. The other documents are the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean 2045: Our Shared Future, the Asean Community Vision 2045, the Asean Political-Security Community Strategic Plan, the Asean Economic Community Strategic Plan 2026-2030, and the Asean Socio-Cultural Community Strategic Plan. According to the Asean Connectivity Strategic Plan, the strategic goal for digital innovation is to achieve 'a community with continuous digital innovation and enhanced cybersecurity, advancing payments and financial markets' connectivity and efficient cross-border flow of information.' As stated in the plan: 'Asean's digital economy is growing rapidly and to unlock the region's digital economic potential and promote digital inclusion, adopting and integrating frontier technologies – such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and big data – is essential.' 'While technologies and solutions offer significant benefits, their implementation poses challenges including the widening digital divide and increasing online safety and cybersecurity concerns, which will need to be addressed through advancing digital innovation, cross-border data flows, and promoting safe, inclusive access to and adoption of digital technologies and services.' To achieve these goals, several strategic measures have been identified. They include: Promoting digital data governance to support inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development across Asean. Promoting the development and accessibility of open data. Supporting the adoption of existing and emerging technologies by all people and businesses, with a focus on micro, small and medium enterprises, women, youth, and persons with disabilities to enhance competitiveness and productivity. Advancing seamless regional payments connectivity. Enhancing collaborative research and development of digital technology, including nurturing innovation and addressing digital divides. Strengthening cooperation on cybersecurity to protect digital ecosystems, enhance online safety, and combat online scams. Enhancing information inclusiveness and accessibility, and strengthening collaboration in digital media and information literacy to foster digital literacy among Asean citizens and address fake news, disinformation and misinformation. Strengthening and nurturing digital talent mobility within Asean. Prior to the ongoing Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia – as Asean Chair this year – would continue supporting the development of digitalisation and AI across Southeast Asia. He added that Malaysia's digital push was not only for domestic growth, but also aimed at building a strong, integrated regional ecosystem that benefits all Asean member states.
The Star
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Asean summits today to reinforce Malaysia's role in steering strategic cooperation
KUALA LUMPUR: The 46th Asean Summit, which enters its final day Tuesday (May 27), builds on the positive momentum achieved on Monday (May 26) and is expected to further strengthen Malaysia's role in spearheading Asean's strategic cooperation agenda with regional and global partners. The Prime Minister's senior press secretary, Tunku Nashrul Abaidah, said Malaysia remains committed to ensuring that its Asean chairmanship in 2025 delivers meaningful, principled, and impactful outcomes for the people of Asean, especially through the key sessions taking place. "Looking at the success of hosting the 46th Asean Summit, we should take pride in having a dedicated team committed to elevating the nation's reputation and delivering the best possible outcomes for all Malaysians," he said. ASLO READ: Asean–GCC–China summit reflects cooperation in a multipolar world, says Anwar He made the statement during the Prime Minister's Office Daily Briefing, broadcast live via Anwar Ibrahim's official Facebook page and the official PMO Malaysia Facebook account on Tuesday. Tunku Nashrul said today's focus would be on enhancing Asean's cooperation with strategic partners, particularly through the convening of the 2nd Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, both aimed at strengthening regional and inter-regional cooperation. He added that both summits would deliberate on concrete steps to expand cooperation in trade, investment, and sustainable development, in line with Asean's aspiration to play a more prominent role within the Indo-Pacific geoeconomic landscape. ALSO READ: PM Anwar, Premier Li agree to enhance strategic cooperation through Asean-GCC-China Summit Also taking place Tuesday are the 16th East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit - comprising Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines - and the 16th Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Summit, which aim to fine-tune subregional development agendas and strengthen cross-border connectivity among participating countries. On the "Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean 2045: Our Shared Future", Tunku Nashrul described it as a major achievement from Monday's summit, laying out a long-term strategic vision to guide the Asean Community over the next two decades. He said the document is a continuation of "Asean 2025: Forging Ahead Together", signed during Malaysia's chairmanship in 2015, and now serves as a new roadmap to build a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centred Asean Community, positioning Asean as a key growth centre in the Indo-Pacific region by 2045. ALSO READ: Asean-GCC-China model will help forge inclusive, sustainable future, says Anwar "This vision is outlined through six key documents, including strategic plans for the three Asean Community pillars and a regional connectivity plan." "It comprises more than 500 strategic measures that will be translated into concrete work programmes by Asean's sectoral bodies." He added that a core component of Asean 2045 is to enhance Asean's position in the global economy as a sustainable, smart, and interconnected single market; and to build an inclusive community focusing on education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and social well-being. It also aims to position Asean as an active international player through principles of peace, multilateralism, and good governance. ALSO READ: Asean looks ahead with 20-year roadmap Tunku Nashrul said Asean 2045 also underscores the role of youth, women, and vulnerable groups in the process of building a regional community. The document was signed by Prime Minister Anwar as Asean chair, Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. (the incoming Asean chair), Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and Myanmar Foreign Ministry's Permanent Secretary Aung Kyaw Moe. Also present on stage to witness the signing was Timor-Leste's Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao. Timor-Leste was granted observer status in Asean in 2022. - Bernama
New Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Key meetings today will strengthen Asean ties with Gulf states, China
KUALA LUMPUR: Two key meetings today will focus on strengthening Asean's cooperation with strategic partners. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah said the second Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China would discuss concrete steps to expand trade, investment, and sustainable development cooperation. "Today will focus on strengthening Asean's cooperation with strategic partners through the hosting of the second Asean-GCC Summit and the inaugural trilateral Asean-GCC-China Summit. "These summits will discuss concrete steps to expand cooperation in trade, investment, and sustainable development, in line with Asean's aspirations to play a larger role in the Indo-Pacific geo-economic landscape," he said. Tunku Nashrul said this during the Prime Minister's Office daily briefing today. Also taking place today are the 16th Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit and the 16th Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Summit. Tunku Nashrul said these summits aim to streamline sub-regional development agendas and strengthen cross-border connectivity among participating countries. "Today's sessions are a continuation of the positive momentum achieved yesterday and are expected to further enhance Malaysia's leadership role in advancing Asean's strategic cooperation agenda with regional and global partners. "With a focus on key summits such as Asean-GCC and Asean-GCC-China, and sub-regional collaborations through BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT, Malaysia is committed to ensuring that the 2025 Asean chairmanship yields meaningful, principled, and people-centric outcomes," he said. Elaborating on the first day of the Asean Summit, Tunku Nashrul said one of the major achievements of yesterday's summit was the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean 2045: Our Shared Future. He said the long-term strategic vision will drive the Asean Community for the next two decades. This document serves as a new roadmap to make Asean a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centred community, and a leading growth hub in the Indo-Pacific region by 2045. He said the vision is laid out through six key documents, including strategic plans for the three pillars of the Asean Community and a regional connectivity plan. It also encompasses over 500 strategic actions to be translated into concrete work programmes by Asean sectoral bodies. Tunku Nashrul said key elements of Asean 2045 include strengthening Asean's position in the global economy as a sustainable, smart, and interconnected single market. It also aims to build an inclusive community with a focus on education, health, employment opportunities, and social well-being, he said. He added that it also focuses on elevating Asean as an active global player through principles of peace, multilateralism, and good governance. "Asean 2045 also places emphasis on the role of youth, women, and vulnerable groups in the process of regional community building," he said. Tunku Nashrul said Anwar, in his opening address at the plenary session yesterday, said a decade of achievements since the establishment of the Asean Community has given new spirit and confidence to the region. This was demonstrated through its extraordinary resilience despite an increasingly complex and challenging global landscape. "Taking into account the shifts in geopolitical order and the global trade system, the prime minister stressed that the values of Asean Centrality and the brotherhood among member states were crucial to ensuring the bloc remains united in facing current challenges collectively," said Tunku Nashrul. Several bilateral meetings also took place yesterday, including with leaders from Cambodia, Singapore, China and Kuwait. Tunku Nashrul said notable outcomes include the signing of the Renewables and Interconnected Sustainable Energy (RISE) agreement among companies from Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam and further discussions on the Asean-GCC Free Trade Agreement.
Malay Mail
26-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Kuala Lumpur Declaration explained: What does Asean's 20-year ‘2045 Vision' promise?
KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 — All 10 Asean leaders, including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, yesterday signed a regional long-term vision document titled Asean 2045: Our Shared Future. Dubbed the 'Kuala Lumpur Declaration', the document marks a significant milestone in the bloc's ongoing journey towards deeper regional integration. This long-term framework replaces Asean 2025: Forging Ahead Together, adopted in 2015 under Malaysia's chairmanship. It comprises six core documents: The Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean 2045: Our Shared Future Asean Community Vision (ACV) 2045 — Resilient, Innovative, Dynamic and People-Centred Asean Asean Political-Security Community Strategic Plan Asean Economic Community Strategic Plan 2026–2030 Asean Socio-Cultural Community Strategic Plan Asean Connectivity Strategic Plan Here's what you need to know about Asean's long-term direction: What is the Kuala Lumpur Declaration? The Kuala Lumpur Declaration is a foundational diplomatic document signed during the 46th Asean Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. It formally adopts the Asean Community Vision 2045, setting the strategic direction for the region over the next two decades. The declaration emphasises the need for effective implementation, enhanced institutional capacity and deeper regional cooperation. It also calls on external partners to support Asean's long-term goals. Above all, it reaffirms Asean's commitment to unity, stability and sustainable development — positioning the region as a future global leader. What is Asean 2045? Asean 2045: Our Shared Future is a comprehensive strategic blueprint guiding the region's growth and integration through to 2045. Building on the Asean 2025 vision, the new framework envisions a resilient, innovative, dynamic and people-centred Asean community, aiming to cement the region's role as a key growth hub in the Indo-Pacific. The vision also seeks to elevate Asean's global standing by addressing megatrends and promoting sustainable development. Why is Asean adopting a 20-year vision? The two-decade outlook provides a clear and adaptive roadmap for member states to achieve common goals amid a fast-evolving global landscape. It supports long-term strategic planning, prioritises resource allocation and enables consistent monitoring of progress. Such a long-term framework also ensures sustainability, alignment with future developments, and a proactive response to emerging opportunities and challenges. Key pillars of Asean Community Vision 2045 The vision is structured around four main pillars, each promoting inclusivity, resilience and regional strength: 1. Political security Promoting peace, stability, and adherence to international law; enhancing Asean's regional role; and safeguarding neutrality and security. 2. Economic Positioning Asean as the world's fourth-largest economy by advancing innovation, digital transformation, stronger supply chains and sustainable growth. 3. Socio-cultural Fostering a cohesive and inclusive community grounded in shared identity, while championing health, social justice, gender equality, youth empowerment and cultural preservation. 4. Connectivity and institutional capacity Boosting infrastructure and digital connectivity, strengthening urban resilience and enhancing Asean institutions for more effective governance. What's new in ACV 2045? While building on past efforts, ACV 2045 introduces several forward-looking priorities: 1. Regional leadership in global affairs Reinforcing Asean's role in shaping regional and global discourse, upholding a rules-based international order, and strengthening Asean-led mechanisms such as the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. 2. Focus on digital and green economies Accelerating the development of digital ecosystems, cybersecurity, advanced technologies, green growth and the blue economy. 3. Greater inclusivity Ensuring stronger representation of women, youth and marginalised communities in policymaking and connectivity initiatives. 4. Sustainability and resilience Placing climate action, environmental protection, pandemic preparedness and supply chain resilience at the heart of the agenda.
