Latest news with #AseanDigitalEconomyFrameworkAgreement
Malay Mail
30-07-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Malaysia leads Asean push for regional peace, economic integration and digital transformation, says PM
KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 — Malaysia will ensure that Asean will be stronger and move in step or in tandem for global stability, prosperity and peace, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said Malaysia is committed to driving the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), accelerating the Asean Power Grid and finalising the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement to ensure an open, fair and sustainable economic future for the 660 million people in the region. 'Therefore, Asean will continue to speak out, ensure harmony and lead with determination, and not just follow the global order,' he said in a Facebook post yesterday. The Prime Minister said the world is currently beset by great power tensions, a gruelling geo-economic race and the collapse of multilateralism. Anwar said in this regard, Asean must not weaken, divide and lag behind but must unite to strengthen Asean's role and ensure that the region's voice continues to be respected. For example, he said Malaysia as the 2025 Asean Chairman has led efforts to reconcile Cambodia and Thailand, two neighbouring countries that were almost dragged into a more serious conflict. 'With the active involvement of China and the United States, we have succeeded in reaching an agreement on an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. 'This is proof that diplomacy must underpin our efforts to embody peace and firm leadership,' he said. Anwar, who is currently on a working visit to Indonesia, also announced that he was appearing for the first time at the Asean Secretariat Building based in Jakarta in conjunction with Malaysia's important role as Asean Chairman this year. 'It (Anwar's arrival at the Asean Secretariat Building) among other things underlines and highlights the symbol of our unwavering commitment to the strong and noble ideals and spirit of Asean,' he said. — Bernama
The Star
29-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Asean must focus on building a more integrated and resilient economy, says Anwar
JAKARTA: It is imperative that Asean focus its energies inward, towards building a more integrated and resilient economy in facing today's global economic headwinds, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. In his policy speech delivered at the Asean secretariat here on Tuesday (July 29), the Prime Minister, who is also the current chair of the grouping, said the region is home to a vast and vibrant market of 660 million people. "The potential is undeniable but to realise it fully, we must narrow the existing development gaps and forge stronger, more equitable economic linkages across member states,' he said. According to Anwar, at the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Asean will once again demonstrate its collective commitment towards improving the unimpeded flow of goods within the region. "Through renewed efforts to reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers, we are taking meaningful steps towards creating a more seamless and dynamic Asean economic community that works for all," he said. The Prime Minister said the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is central to this vision. "As the world's largest trade agreement, it reinforces Asean's role as the linchpin of regional economic architecture. "We expect the 5th RCEP leaders' meeting to also take place on the sidelines of the 47th Asean Summit, thus presenting an opportunity for us to ensure that RCEP delivers tangible benefits for our businesses, workers and communities,' he said. Anwar also said the grouping looks forward to strengthening its position in an increasingly competitive global economy. "We must also do more to ensure that businesses can operate with confidence and clarity across our borders,' he added. The Prime Minister said the success of the Asean-GCC-China Summit is a clear signal that Asean is ready to build new bridges and unlock new partnerships. "It also reaffirms our shared determination to shape a future based on mutual respect, shared growth and strategic cooperation." Anwar said the digital economy will be a key driver of Asean's next phase of growth. "That is why the region is increasing efforts to conclude the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement while modernising existing trade agreements with strategic partners, including China, India and South Korea," he said. These efforts reflect Asean's readiness to embrace change and position the grouping at the forefront of digital transformation, he added. According to Anwar, Asean must be an agent of change - one that has the capacity to shape the global rules and norms to remain open, inclusive and firmly rooted in the principle of justice. He said Asean's commitment to regionalism and multilateralism remains the anchor of the region's collective stability and progress. "As an outward-looking organisation in a multipolar world, Asean must continue to punch above its weight by broadening its global partnerships. "Deepening ties and strategic links with diverse partners is not a choice - it is a strategic imperative. But we should engage as equals. And above all, we must be the speakers and not the spoken for,' he added. Anwar is currently in Indonesia for a two-day working visit for the 13th Malaysia-Indonesia Annual Consultation. Earlier, he was welcomed by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at Istana Merdeka in Central Jakarta. Both leaders then proceeded to a one-on-one meeting to discuss a range of bilateral issues. - Bernama
The Star
23-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Singapore, Vietnam agree to step up defence ties, dialogue between leaders
Vietnam's Minister of National Defence, General Phan Van Giang (on the red carpet, left), welcoming Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing in Hanoi on July 22. - MINDEF SINGAPORE: Singapore and Vietnam will strengthen their defence relationship and seek more regular dialogue between their leaders, Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing said on July 22. This is as both countries aim to achieve concrete outcomes from the upgrade of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) earlier in 2025, Chan said at the conclusion of a visit to Hanoi. During his visit, Chan had called on Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. The two leaders reaffirmed the warm and friendly bilateral relationship between Singapore and Vietnam, and discussed various initiatives under the CSP, said Mindef in a statement. Chan, who is also Coordinating Minister for Public Services, said he and Chinh discussed several areas of potential cooperation, such as in renewable energy, data and finance, and leadership development. At the strategic level, more dialogue between leaders of both sides is important, given the turbulent global economic and security situation, he added. 'We talked about setting up more regular dialogues between the public services of both sides, and how we can use such occasions to talk about the emerging challenges that both of us face,' Chan said. In March 2025, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Communist Party of Vietnam general secretary To Lam announced that Singapore and Vietnam had elevated bilateral ties to a wide-ranging CSP, with both sides committing to deepen cooperation in areas such as security, sustainability and the digital economy. The CSP with Vietnam is Singapore's first with an Asean member state, reflecting both countries' shared commitment to expanding cooperation in areas of mutual benefit and which can create growth opportunities, said Mindef. Singapore's cooperation with Vietnam also supports regional initiatives like the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement and the Asean Power Grid, which will strengthen the economy and resilience of Singapore, Vietnam and Asean, the ministry added. On his trip, Chan also met his counterpart, Minister of National Defence Phan Van Giang, and they exchanged views on geopolitical developments. Given that security challenges will increasingly be networked, Chan said he and General Giang discussed ways for the two armed forces to work together to counter such threats. The two defence ministers also agreed to step up military-to-military interactions through high-level visits, bilateral dialogues, cross-attendance of courses, and professional exchanges. 'We will also continue to work together at the Asean Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus to uphold an open and inclusive regional security architecture,' said Chan. Chan was joined at the meetings by Minister of State for Defence Desmond Choo. The two defence ministers also agreed to step up military-to-military interactions through high-level visits, bilateral dialogues, cross-attendance of courses, and professional exchanges. - The Straits Times/ANN
New Straits Times
04-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Snowflake can play important role in Asean's DEFA
SAN FRANCISCO: US-based cloud company Snowflake said it could play an important part in the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) as the bloc's member countries aim to conclude negotiations by the end of this year. Its Asean managing director, Satchit Joglekar, said Snowflake has always focused on building ecosystems, especially with the connectedness inherent in its artificial intelligence (AI) data cloud that ensures companies across Asean — not just within a single country like Singapore or Indonesia — have a connected ecosystem that also extends from their supply chains to how they serve their customers. "These ecosystems can cut across multiple Asean countries, encompassing both customers and suppliers. Our core mission has been to enable this connectedness securely and in a governed fashion. "This allows data to be leveraged through our connected, secure data cloud to unlock value within that ecosystem, whether through data-sharing relationships or by building and distributing applications on our marketplaces. "This approach is aligned with the company's vision to build a connected ecosystem that is not specific to each country or a particular conglomerate but extends it across the entire digital ecosystem in Asean," he told Bernama on the sidelines of the Snowflake Summit 2025 held at Moscone Centre here. Satchit added that Snowflake can also play a significant role in enabling the community. Pointing out that a key strength of Asean is its large and growing young population emerging from educational institutions, he said the company is actively pursuing partnerships with institutions of higher learning in the major economies where it invests and has a presence. He said by introducing concepts like the AI Data Cloud, connectedness and data ecosystems, for example, at the earliest levels, students can leverage them in their careers whilst at the same time, consistently engaging with communities of data engineers, data scientists and data professionals, ensuring they are up to speed with the latest advancements in the ecosystem. Satchit said this could lead the communities in the data ecosystem to unlock value for their companies, country and the future of the Asean digital economy. "The DEFA continues to be a pivotal step for the grouping, not just in embracing the digital economy but helping to define its future. With negotiations set to conclude by 2025, the time for businesses to act is now. Those who prepare early will be best positioned to lead," he said. The DEFA, which aims to provide a comprehensive roadmap to empower businesses and stakeholders across Asean, is expected to create its own history by becoming the world's first region-wide digital economy and legally binding agreement. The agreement is expected to focus on key areas such as cross-border e-commerce, cyber security, digital trade, digital ID and digital payments and new emerging areas like AI. According to Boston Consulting Group, Asean's digital economy is projected to triple by the end of the decade through the natural adoption of digital technologies, growing to almost US$1 trillion (US$1 = RM4.24) by 2030 from about US$300 billion to date, and with DEFA, it could double the value contribution, unlocking US$2 trillion to Asean's digital economy. -- BERNAMA
![[UPDATED] Asean commits to deepen economic ties with GCC, external partners](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2FHQ270525HR025_1748354594.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
New Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] Asean commits to deepen economic ties with GCC, external partners
KUALA LUMPUR: Asean is committed to intensifying its economic engagements by deepening cooperation with external partners and expanding ties with new and emerging partners. In a joint statement following the 46th Asean Summit, Asean leaders said this includes region-to-region linkages such as those with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). "Asean is also committed to intensifying its economic engagements by deepening cooperation with external partners and expanding engagement with new and emerging partners, including region-to-region linkages such as with the GCC. "Together, these efforts will reinforce Asean's resilience, expand and enhance economic opportunities, and secure its position as a dynamic and forward-looking hub of global trade and investment," they said. Amid global challenges, the regional bloc said Asean remains committed to being a reliable economic partner to all, and will continue to advance regional economic integration by strengthening and expanding existing economic partnerships, as well as seeking new opportunities for economic cooperation. These efforts will be anchored in mutual respect, shared values, and a common goal of peace and prosperity. "We stand ready to work constructively with all partners to advance and support a resilient, inclusive, and rules-based multilateral trading system for the benefit of our peoples and economies." It also reaffirmed strengthening Asean's resilience by further deepening internal trade and investment. This includes accelerating priority initiatives, including the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement and the upgrade of the Asean Trade in Goods Agreement. "We are confident that these efforts will reinforce regional integration, boost business certainty and competitiveness, and ensure Asean remains cohesive, agile and responsive to emerging challenges." The regional bloc added that it would also leverage, modernise, and upgrade Asean Plus One Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) in mitigating the risk of global trade uncertainties and supply chain disruptions. This would be done while ensuring they remain modern, comprehensive, and inclusive, whilst, in parallel, strengthening and boosting intra-Asean trade and investment, and responsive to 21st-century economic realities. They would also enhance Asean's internal coordination, making full use of existing cross-sectoral mechanisms and the newly established Asean Geoeconomic Task Force. "To this end, we task relevant ministers to monitor the current global economic challenges and to coordinate as appropriate for a strategic and coherent Asean response," they said. They added that the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) is a vital instrument and primary framework that guides Asean's engagement of all its partners, anchored in the principles of Asean-centred, openness, inclusivity, transparency, resilience, and rules-based order regional architecture that upholds international law.
