Latest news with #AseanCommunityVision2045
Sinar Daily
6 days ago
- Business
- Sinar Daily
100 Asean youth changemakers mobilised to drive social impact in eYAA Cohort 5
As Asean gears up to celebrate Asean Day on Aug 8, 100 youth volunteers representing all 10 Asean Member States gathered in Bangkok, Thailand, to kick off Cohort 5 of the eMpowering Youths Across Asean (eYAA) programme. The programme is a flagship regional initiative by Maybank Foundation and Asean Foundation. Held from July 20 to July 23 at Chulalongkorn University, the Regional Capacity Building Workshop marked the official launch of Cohort 5 and brought together youth volunteers, civil society organisations (CSOs) and social enterprises (SEs) to co-design ten community-based projects tailored to local needs in Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, the newest country to join the programme. Chairman of Maybank Group and Maybank Foundation, Tan Sri Datuk Sri Ir Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa said Maybank remains committed to driving social empowerment through the eYAA programme in partnership with the Asean Foundation. 'The initiative empowers young changemakers to create meaningful impact, promote cultural unity and help build a more inclusive and resilient Asean community. 'We firmly believe that when given the right tools to succeed, our youth can be a constructive force for development. The power of youth lies not only in doing something great but also in uncovering their full potential and courage, enabling them to achieve meaningful things for the future,' he said. Ahead of Asean Day on Aug 8, 100 youth from all 10 member states gathered in Bangkok for Cohort 5 of eYAA, a flagship programme by Maybank Foundation and Asean Foundation. Photo: Edited via Canva Meanwhile, Asean Foundation Executive Director Dr Piti Srisangnam, echoed the sentiment. 'We are incredibly excited to continue this journey with Maybank Foundation. This programme reminds us that youth are not just future leaders—they are leading change today. 'Through eYAA, we are taking real steps toward achieving the Asean Community Vision 2045, a region where youth are at the centre of building a more inclusive, innovative and resilient Southeast Asia,' he mentioned. The 100 selected participants, aged 19 to 35, represented diverse cultural, academic and professional backgrounds. Each team was matched with local CSOs and SEs who offered deep knowledge of local issues and will help facilitate successful project implementation. Each team also received up to USD 25,000 in grant funding to deliver real-world solutions in their assigned communities. Among the notable projects is the Youth EdXchange Programme in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, led by Fly Technology Agriculture Sdn Bhd. This project focused on Environmental Education (EE) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and included idea-thons, waste management workshops, and educational activities aimed at promoting sustainability. It directly benefited 1,563 individuals including 50 youth, 1,500 students, 6 educators and 8 organisational representatives and is expected to reach an additional 1,000 people through extended outreach. Another impactful initiative is the Seri Budaya project by Yayasan Anak-anak Yatim Wardatul Jannah in Kota Damansara, Selangor, which seeks to empower underserved youth and preserve Malaysia's cultural heritage through traditional performing arts. With bi-weekly dance classes, public showcases and mentorship, it targets 500 direct youth beneficiaries and aims to engage over 1,500 others including educators, families and local artists. Following a successful 2024 pilot where 85 per cent of participants gained confidence and 90 per cent expressed strong interest in continuing, Seri Budaya is now scaled up for broader impact. The launch ceremony and workshop were also attended by several dignitaries and leaders from Asean and Maybank. Following the workshop, volunteers departed for their respective project sites, where they will live and work alongside local communities for two weeks. The projects aim to promote sustainable development, deepen cross-border collaboration and foster leadership among Asean youth. Since its inception in 2018, eYAA has empowered 382 youth volunteers, delivered 40 community projects and positively impacted over 89,000 people across Southeast Asia. With the inclusion of Viet Nam as a new host country, the programme continues to grow its regional footprint. An inspiring example of eYAA's impact is Zulfikar Dabby Anwar, a Cohort 4 alumnus, who once contributed to a waste management initiative in Kuching. He returned to Cohort 5 as a CSO representative, illustrating the programme's ability to cultivate youth leaders committed to long-term change. At its heart, eYAA aligns with the Asean Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint 2025, strengthening regional solidarity by placing youth at the forefront of development. The programme is also a key pillar of Maybank's sustainability efforts, in line with its mission to humanise financial services and improve two million households across Asean by 2025. By providing resources, mentorship and a collaborative platform, eYAA continues to nurture a new generation of Asean changemakers—committed to building a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient region.
The Star
28-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Vietnam's rising role in Asean lauded by New Zealand ambassador
HANOI: As Vietnam marks 30 years of membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) on Monday (July 28), New Zealand's Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford praised the country's pivotal contributions to regional unity and global economic integration in a recent interview with Vietnam News Agency. Since joining Asean in 1995, Vietnam has emerged as a key player in uniting the bloc and deepening its ties with external partners, Beresford said. Its brainchild, the Asean Future Forum (AFF), has quickly become a leading strategic dialogue platform for shaping the bloc's outlook, bringing together leaders, scholars, and business and civil society representatives. The forum, she noted, exemplifies Vietnam's commitment and proactive spirit in promoting dialogue and cooperation with partners. Beresford tied Vietnam's efforts to Asean's current priorities under the Asean Community Vision 2045: 'Our Shared Future', which envisions a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific with Asean at its core - a goal New Zealand strongly backs. Speaking on Vietnam's role in strengthening Asean-New Zealand relations and Asean's engagement with other partners, Beresford pointed to Vietnam's considerable contributions. As Asean Chair in 2010, Vietnam hosted the second Asean-New Zealand Summit in Hannoi. A decade later, during its 2020 Asean chairmanship, Vietnam overcame the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic to successfully hold the Asean-New Zealand Leaders' Commemorative Summit virtually marking the 45th anniversary of their dialogue relations, paving the way for the launch of negotiations to upgrade the Asean-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) in early 2021. She also hailed Vietnam's close coordination in the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between New Zealand and Asean, expected by the end of 2025, a milestone in the 50-year Asean-New Zealand relationship. Expressing commitment to deepening engagement with South-East Asia, Beresford wished to continue upholding effective cooperation with Asean in trade, economic integration, maritime security, education-training, peace initiatives and knowledge-sharing with future business leaders. She expressed particular anticipation for the upcoming Asean-New Zealand Young Business Leaders Initiative (YBLI) Summit to be held in Danang and Hue, which will bring together 120 young entrepreneurs from both sides. Congratulating Vietnam on three decades of Asean membership, the ambassador noted the country's remarkable economic progress. Since joining Asean in 1995, its GDP has ballooned 20-fold, placing it among the world's 40 largest economies, she said. With its dynamic development, status as a manufacturing hub, and network of 17 free trade agreements, including those with Asean and New Zealand, Vietnam is emerging as a key driver of global and regional economic integration. Beresford underlined the country's growing influence, particularly as it prepares to assume key regional leadership roles: Chair of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Commission in 2026 and host of the Apec Economic Leaders' Meeting (Apec) in 2027. She expected that Vietnam would continue to play a vital role in shaping Asean's strategic directions and contributing to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. She stressed Vietnam's potential to steer the region toward digital transformation, green growth, and enhanced connectivity, building on its strengths as a young, dynamic, tech-savvy and industrious nation. New Zealand remains committed to partnering with Vietnam and Asean on this shared journey of cooperation and progress, she concluded. — Vietnam News/ANN
The Star
23-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Building a unified Asean region
THE 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, marked a significant chapter in Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship this year, reflecting Asean's rising influence in a fast-evolving global order. Held from July 8 to 11, the summit featured over 20 high-level meetings, including Post-Ministerial Conferences with key dialogue partners such as the United States (US), China, the European Union, India, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom (UK). Over the course of the week, more than 1,500 delegates, including foreign ministers and senior officials, convened to address regional challenges and reaffirm Asean's shared aspirations. The meetings amplified Malaysia's chairmanship theme of 'Inclusivity and Sustainability.' From navigating strategic competition between major powers to shaping the region's digital and energy transformation, the gathering reaffirmed Asean's commitment to principled diplomacy and practical cooperation. It also reinforced Malaysia's role as a pragmatic and forward-looking convener, capable of building consensus and bridging priorities across diverse member states and global partners. Collective strength Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his opening address at the AMM, called for Asean to stand united in confronting today's geopolitical and economic headwinds. 'That is the Asean way – it must remain our guide,' he said, urging continuous dialogue, mutual respect and consensus-building. He noted that global trade is increasingly shaped by power dynamics, warning that tools such as tariffs and export restrictions have become 'sharpened instruments of geopolitical rivalry.' 'This is no passing storm. It is the new weather of our time,' he said, emphasising the need for Asean to face this new reality with clarity, coherence and foresight. He called for stronger institutional alignment, urging: 'Our cohesion must not end at declarations. It must be built into our institutions, our strategies and our economic decisions.' Anwar stressed closer alignment between foreign and economic policy tracks, in line with Asean Community Vision 2045, which calls for greater synergy across pillars and sectors. He advocated for stronger intra-Asean trade and investment as a foundation for long-term resilience. 'Asean will not be spoken for in absentia,' he asserted, reaffirming the region's resolve to chart its own path by focusing on practical collaboration — connectivity, food security, digital transformation, education, public health and climate resilience. Mohamad said Asean has become a trusted platform, with many countries seeking partnership by acceding to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South-East Asia (TAC). Trusted voice Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan emphasised that Asean has earned the trust of global superpowers, being recognised as a 'region of peace and good economic growth.' He stated that Asean has become a trusted platform, with many countries seeking partnership by acceding to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South-East Asia (TAC). Due to overwhelming interest, the government had to impose a moratorium, although exceptions were made for select countries that can bring added value to Asean. 'Some dialogue partners can bring added value to Asean, so we are not too rigid with our moratorium,' he said. On July 9, Algeria and Uruguay formally acceded to the TAC, marking their commitment to principles of peaceful cooperation and regional harmony. Mohamad noted that 57 countries have now become parties to the treaty. He added that 21 meetings with Asean and its external partners were held during the four-day AMM. He also held 15 bilateral meetings with counterparts from countries including Algeria, Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Canada, Japan, China, New Zealand, the UK and the US, where they discussed strengthening bilateral ties, key international issues and Malaysia's commitment to maintaining neutrality as a trading nation. Strategic diplomacy ASEAN member states are committed to deepening regional integration and fostering a prosperous, resilient, innovative, dynamic and people-centred Asean Community. In the joint communique of the AMM, delegates reaffirmed their collective commitment to promoting peace, security and stability in the region, including the peaceful resolution of disputes with full respect for legal and diplomatic processes. During the Asean Post-Ministerial Conferences with dialogue partners, the foreign ministers reiterated their resolve to preserve South-East Asia as a nuclear weapon-free zone — free of all other weapons of mass destruction — as outlined in the Treaty on the South-East Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) and the Asean Charter. Mohamad said Asean is confident of concluding an effective Code of Conduct for the South China Sea soon and welcomed China's readiness to sign and ratify the SEANWFZ Treaty — a milestone in global non-proliferation efforts. The bloc also recognised the important role of the Asean Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime and its subsidiary mechanisms in advancing law enforcement cooperation. They highlighted the need for cross-sectoral and cross-pillar coordination to address multidimensional threats — particularly cybercrime, online scams, human trafficking and migrant smuggling. Among other developments, they welcomed the adoption of the Asean Leaders' Declaration on Enhanced Cooperation Against Illicit Drug Trafficking and Precursor Chemicals and reaffirmed their shared resolve to combat the production, trafficking and abuse of illicit drugs through a comprehensive and balanced approach towards a drug-free Asean. The senior officials also reiterated their commitment to regional energy integration, including the acceleration of the Asean Power Grid and related initiatives such as the Trans-Asean Gas Pipeline, the Asean Petroleum Security Agreement and the deployment of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) technologies. In support of maritime stability, the delegates welcomed India's proposal to celebrate next year as the 'Asean-India Year of Maritime Cooperation,' and recognised the importance of exploring new initiatives in this area. In the spirit of green growth, Asean welcomed the establishment of the Asean Centre of Excellence for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in green transition, which will serve as a regional platform to coordinate capacity-building for MSMEs embracing sustainable practices. Delegates also welcomed the expansion of the Observership Programme in the Asean Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus Experts' Working Groups (ADMM-Plus EWGs), which now includes five observer countries: Canada, France, Germany, Turkiye and the UK. They also looked forward to the adoption of an Asean-Australia Joint Leaders' Statement on conflict prevention and crisis management. Significant progress was also noted in the promotion of cross-border payment connectivity, with 18 live regional and international linkages, including those with Japan, India and Hong Kong. Delegates further supported the development of a multilateral payment platform under Project Nexus. They endorsed the finalisation of the Asean Electric Vehicle (EV) Implementation Roadmap, aimed at guiding the development of a robust and sustainable EV ecosystem across the region. The delegates also welcomed the efforts of the Asean Working Group on AI Governance to institutionalise principles of AI safety, ethics and governance. They also commended the Asean Digital Ministers for their proactive efforts in enhancing regional digital cooperation and driving economic growth through stronger digital competitiveness, inclusive and sustainable development and the advancement of digital talent across Asean. Full membership A landmark achievement during the AMM was the formal reaffirmation of Timor-Leste's path to becoming the 11th member of Asean at the 47th Asean Summit in October this year. The group expressed its commitment to supporting Timor-Leste in expediting its early accession to key Asean economic agreements to facilitate its full integration into the bloc. 'Timor-Leste's accession will further expand the geographical scope of the SEANWFZ Treaty and complement broader regional security architecture in shaping strategic norms and expectations in our part of the world,' Mohamad said in his opening remarks at the SEANWFZ Commission meeting. Social media governance Asean is looking forward to the adoption of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the Safe and Responsible Use of Social Media Platforms as a collective effort to promote a safer and more inclusive online environment in the region. In a joint communique, the delegates acknowledged the commitment of the Asean Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI) in promoting the safe and responsible use of social media platforms. They also recognised AMRI's efforts in enhancing cooperation to combat fake news and disinformation, while transforming the media's role in strengthening Asean's cohesion and mutual understanding. Additionally, AMRI's initiatives in developing a successor Work Plan for Information and Media (2026–2035) and the Asean Communication Master Plan III (2026–2030) were acknowledged, both of which align with the Asean 2045 Vision.
Borneo Post
14-07-2025
- Borneo Post
Asean volunteer programme signifies youths as agents of bloc's transformation
Abdul Karim (seated, fourth left) and Adam Adli, on his right, with other guests in a group photo with the Asean Youth Volunteer 2025 delegates. KUCHING (July 14): Asean's future rests firmly in the hands of its youths, who are the pulse of this region and the living embodiment of its future. This was highlighted by the Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sa-rawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at a ceremony to welcome the delegates of 'Asean Youth Volunteer 2025' programme, in the English Tea House near Dataran Ibu Pertiwi here yesterday. 'With the adoption of the Asean Community Vision 2045, the baton has been passed to the young generation to lead, to inspire, and to act,' said the minister at the event, which also hosted federal Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim. It is informed that the youth delegates represent 10 Asean countries (Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam) and also Timor Leste. They are here for the programme's 'Community Service and Cultural Exchange' segment. Abdul Karim – also the state Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts – described the programme as 'more than just a cross-border youth initiative'. 'It is a catalyst, a signal that Asean's transformation will be forged not behind closed doors, but through the hands, hearts, and hopes of its youths. 'Here in Sarawak, you will do more than just observe because you will participate, con-nect, and get to experience the culture while also taking part in the various planned ac-tivities.' During their time here, the delegates will embark on a unique journey, beginning with a visit to the Borneo Cultures Museum to explore the state's diverse heritage. They will also experience Sarawak's iconic landmarks such as the Darul Hana Bridge and Kuching Waterfront. The programme continues in the coastal village of Kampung Pueh, located near Gunung Gading National Park. There, the delegates will engage in community-led corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, environmental conservation efforts including 'plogging' (jogging while picking up rubbish along the way) and tree-planting, as well as cultural ac-tivities such as weaving, traditional dance, and culinary exchanges. Also scheduled to join the delegates in the Kampung Pueh mission are 14 Sarawakian youths. Adding on, Abdul Karim said with over 220 million youth across the region, Asean held a vast potential for positive change. 'Imagine this young people from every corner of Asean, united not by proximity, but by shared purpose and service. 'Your presence here goes beyond simply fulfilling the theme, 'Asean Youth: Catalysts for Inclusive and Sustainable Communities'. 'It is a powerful testament that volunteerism is Asean's greatest strength, and solidarity is our most effective tool.' The Asean Youth Volunteer 2025 is a flagship youth engagement held in conjunction with Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship 2025. The two-part event, set to empower young changemakers through dialogue and action, will involve youths from across Asean coming together in Kuala Lumpur for a regional fo-rum, followed by community service deployments in Sabah and Sarawak. Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah asean transformation youths
The Star
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Vietnam proposes three priorities to strengthen Asean's centrality
KUALA LUMPUR: Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son has proposed three key priorities to reinforce Asean's central role amid rising regional and global uncertainties at the plenary session of the Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday (July 9). His proposals included driving economic growth to make Asean the world's fourth-largest economy by 2030, building a leading digital community and deepening people-to-people connectivity to advance a more inclusive and action-oriented Asean. The plenary, which followed the official opening of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM-58), focused on implementing decisions made at the 46th Asean Summit and charting the path forward for Asean Community-building efforts. Ministers emphasised the need to sustain Asean's role as a platform for cooperation, dialogue and strategic trust. They also agreed to accelerate the implementation of the Asean Community Vision 2045 and associated strategies, calling on all Asean sectoral bodies to identify priorities and translate high-level directions into concrete actions. Particular emphasis was placed on enhancing intra-regional trade and investment, facilitating trade, expanding connectivity in infrastructure, energy grids, digital networks and diversifying external partnerships. Ministers also stressed the importance of strengthening Asean's resilience to emerging growth drivers and responding to the impacts of climate change, natural disasters and extreme weather events. Sơn reaffirmed the core values that underpin Asean's success, including unity and mutual respect. In today's volatile environment, he noted, Asean's centrality, unity and strong commitment to inclusive and sustainable development must continue to serve as guiding principles. Building on that foundation, he put forward three strategic directions: First, Asean must prioritise robust economic growth to achieve its target of becoming the world's fourth-largest economy by 2030. This involves deepening intra-regional economic integration and effectively implementing the upgraded Asean Trade in Goods Agreement, while leveraging existing FTAs with partners and expanding inter-regional linkages, particularly through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. Asean should also capitalise on e-commerce to unlock internal trade potential and expand into new markets and supply chains. Second, Asean should accelerate negotiations on a Digital Economy Framework Agreement that meets real-world needs, especially for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. New growth drivers like digital transformation and innovation ecosystems should be embedded into Asean's cooperation frameworks with external partners to attract resources and technical support. These efforts must also be reflected in Asean's own programmes and subregional cooperation initiatives. As Chair of the Asean Initiative for Asean Integration (IAI) Task Force, Việt Nam will coordinate the implementation of these initiatives under the next IAI Work Plan. Third, Asean must deepen its engagement with the people. Beyond high-level declarations, Asean's presence must be felt through concrete and meaningful actions. The region's communication strategy should be enhanced to widely promote Asean's achievements and contributions through real stories of individuals and communities. Vietnam will soon develop a national implementation plan for Asean's strategic 2045 documents to bring Asean closer to its citizens, businesses, and localities. Sơn also reaffirmed Vietnam's support for Timor-Leste's accession to Asean and its readiness to assist the country in fulfilling membership criteria, including participation in legal instruments. He called on Asean to develop a clear roadmap to support Timor-Leste's effective integration and full implementation of member obligations. Earlier, in his opening address to AMM-58, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed the need for Asean to remain proactive, strategically autonomous and united in shaping the region's future amid mounting global volatility. He said Asean's true strength lies in its solidarity, cohesion and commitment to overcoming differences through mutual respect, dialogue and consensus. He warned against the weaponisation of economic tools for geopolitical competition and urged Asean to act with clarity and resolve. Asean, he emphasised, must determine its own path with purpose, vision, and ambition. It should promote meaningful integration and stronger coordination across diplomatic and economic pillars to build an inclusive and sustainable economy. Anwar also highlighted key cooperation areas that directly benefit people, including connectivity, food security, digital transformation, education, healthcare and climate resilience. He expressed hope to welcome Timor-Leste as Asean's next official member and called on member states to support its integration not only institutionally but as part of Asean's shared regional vision. - Vietnam News/ANN
