Latest news with #BruneiDarussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-PhilippinesEastAseanGrowthArea
The Star
9 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Sarawak to lead sustainable transport dialogue at regional summit
Sarawak Skills executive director Hallman Sabri (seated centre) and committee members showing posters of the Green Mobility Innovation Summit. KUCHING: Sarawak is set to lead the conversation on sustainable transportation in Southeast Asia at the upcoming Green Mobility Innovation Summit. The event that is set to take place on September 8-9 will gather policymakers, industry leaders, educators, and innovators from across the region. It aims to share expertise, foster collaboration, and promote sustainable transportation solutions. It is jointly organised by the state Education, Innovation and Talent Development Ministry, Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), and Sarawak Skills Development Centre. The theme is "Driving the Future: Talent, Innovation and Sustainability in Green Mobility". In a statement on Tuesday (June 10), Sarawak Skills stated that the summit is a vital component of the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025 initiative to enhance regional connectivity and sustainable development. The vision's key measures include eco-friendly practices in infrastructure development, improving climate resilience, and implementing smart city initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and support environmental sustainability. "The importance of gathering experts and delegates in green mobility lies in its potential to nurture talent for sustainable transportation," Sarawak Skills executive director Hallman Sabri said. He emphasised that this objective is not just a local priority but a shared regional goal under the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025. "The summit serves as an essential platform for aligning strategies, building competencies, and fostering regional cooperation in the transition towards a green economy." The summit will feature over 30 speakers from ASEAN, Britain, China, and Australia, discussing themes such as talent development, innovative technologies, governance, and global collaboration. Sarawak Skills also noted that the summit aligns with Sarawak's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development. It highlighted Sarawak's progress in clean energy and sustainable mobility, including the introduction of hydrogen-powered buses, expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and smart city initiatives in urban centres like Kuching. "Additionally, Sarawak is investing heavily in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) to equip its workforce with skills for the green and digital economy. "These state-level initiatives position Sarawak as an ideal host for the summit and underscore its leadership in driving innovation and sustainability in the region," Sarawak Skills said.
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Sub-regional initiatives complement AEC goals
KUALA LUMPUR: Sub-regional initiatives such as the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) and the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) have not only borne fruit significantly, but also proven to be vital complements to the Asean Economic Community (AEC) in boosting trade, investment and regional connectivity. UOB Kay Hian Wealth Advisors Sdn Bhd head of investment research Mohd Sedek Jantan said while the AEC sets a broad macroeconomic framework, prioritising sub-regional areas have also addressed developmental disparities by targeting marginalised and less-developed areas while operationalising Asean's inclusive growth agenda. 'The IMT-GT hugs the Straits of Malacca, one of the world's busiest trade routes, while the BIMP-EAGA sits along the Sulu and Sulawesi Seas, a gateway for maritime connectivity, making them natural nodes for boosting trade, investment and connectivity across Asean and beyond. 'Their strength lies in their focus on what economists call 'spatial economics' –targeting lagging regions with tailored interventions,' he told Bernama. These sub-regions were not just random patches of land, but are strategically positioned along critical maritime corridors, he added. Elaborating, Mohd Sedek said IMT-GT leans into agro-processing and tourism, capitalising on the complementarities between southern Thailand, northern Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra, while BIMP-EAGA plays to its strengths in fisheries, renewable energy and ecotourism. 'This is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it is about leveraging local advantages to plug into regional and global value chains,' he said. Both sub-regional initiatives will develop special economic zones (SEZs), which act as economic rocket fuels by attracting foreign investments, sparking industrial growth and creating jobs through incentives and streamlined regulations. In the IMT-GT, zones such as Medan and Bukit Kayu Hitam in Malaysia, or Sei Mangkei in Indonesia, are already humming with activity, while BIMP-EAGA boasts over 60 SEZs from Bitung in Indonesia to Zamboanga in the Philippines. 'These zones are not just factories – they are engines of structural transformation, fostering 'agglomeration economies' – clusters where businesses, workers, and infrastructure feed off each other to drive growth. 'By linking these SEZs to cross-border trade and investment, IMT-GT and BIMP-EAGA are building bridges to Asean's broader economic cohesion,' he said. Mohd Sedek said Asean could leverage IMT-GT and BIMP-EAGA in sectors such as tourism, agrobusiness, renewable energy and manufacturing. Tourism remains a high-impact sector with strong growth in eco and halal tourism. For example, IMT-GT is promoting cross-border tourism under its Vision 2036. BIMP-EAGA focuses on community-based ecotourism and multi-country tourism circuits aligned with Asean standards, with strategic sites such as the Heart of Borneo and the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion, further enhancing the value of regional tourism offerings. Mohd Sedek said both sub-regions aim to build integrated value chains in the agrobusiness sector, with IMT-GT leading in agro-processing like palm oil and rubber, while BIMP-EAGA serves as Asean's food basket (shrimp, rice and seaweed), adding that halal food industries also benefit from this regional complementarity. He highlighted the potential of geothermal energy in Kalimantan as well as ocean energy and biodiesel, saying that the clean energy transition is important due to rising energy costs, which could benefit other Asean countries. The same applies to the manufacturing sector, where export-oriented industries in SEZs such as Medan, Sei Mangkei and Lhokseumawe are driving structural transformation and deeper integration into regional value chains. Mohd Sedek said both sub-regions have become critical platforms for advancing Asean's inclusive development agenda by targeting economically lagging and geographically marginalised regions. He said their interventions have helped narrow intra-national development gaps and improve spatial equity as well as challenges not fully addressed by the AEC. 'For instance, IMT-GT's economic corridors such as the Penang-Medan corridor has facilitated US$4.2bil (RM17.8bil) in trade in 2024, while the Malaysia-Thailand cross-border infrastructure projects have significantly enhanced connectivity. 'Similarly, BIMP-EAGA's Vision 2025 has catalysed US$2.8bil (RM11.87bil) in infrastructure investments, including major upgrades to the Davao and Bitung ports, reinforcing regional resilience and supporting Asean's broader connectivity goals under the Master Plan on Asean Connectivity 2025,' he said. Beyond infrastructure, Mohd Sedek said both sub-regional initiatives have boosted local economies by developing SEZs and strengthening regional value chains. He cited Thailand's Southern Economic Corridor – supported under IMT-GT – which generated over 15,000 jobs in 2023, with projects that not only attract foreign investment and integrate entrepreneurs into regional supply chains but also promote sectoral complementarity in agriculture, energy and tourism. Their bottom-up, project-driven approach complements Asean's top-down mechanisms, acting as decentralised building blocks of integration. 'By reinforcing trade linkages, fostering human capital development and enhancing cross-border governance, IMT-GT and BIMP-EAGA help Asean hedge against global supply chain risks and advance a more resilient, balanced and people-centric regional growth trajectory,' he further added.
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Reinstate direct Kuching-Pontianak flight to revive tourism, trade, S'wak activist tells govt
Peter (front) in a group photo with the Sarawak delegation in West Kalimantan. MIRI (June 6): Social activist Peter John Jaban has called on the government to urgently reinstate the direct flight between Kuching and Pontianak, emphasising that improved air connectivity is crucial to facilitate cross-border travel and strengthen ties between Sarawak and West Kalimantan. He raised the issue following a recent overland trip to West Kalimantan, which he led alongside a delegation of 50 Sarawakian business leaders. While the mission was successful, the group faced nearly four hours of delays at Immigration, Customs and Quarantine (ICQ) checkpoints due to long queues and complicated paperwork. 'This journey underscored the urgent need for a direct flight. The land route simply cannot substitute for air travel in terms of speed, comfort, and efficiency. 'A direct connection is vital, not only for convenience but for maintaining bilateral ties,' he said in a statement. Peter expressed hope that both Indonesian and Malaysian authorities would prioritise and expedite the reinstatement of the Kuching-Pontianak air service, which has been suspended since March 2024. He pointed out that communities on both sides of the border have been adversely affected, as the suspension impacts livelihoods directly. 'This is not just a flight route, it is a lifeline. Its suspension has disrupted cross-border tourism, hindered medical and educational travel, and slowed down vital cultural and economic exchanges that have long flourished between our people,' he said. Before the flight suspension, thousands of travellers relied on the direct connection each month. Peter said without it, passengers are forced to transit through Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur, resulting in longer, more costly, and physically exhausting journeys, especially for those seeking medical care in Sarawak. 'Quick access via air is not a luxury; it is a necessity,' he stressed, citing Sarawak's rising status as a medical tourism hub, particularly for Indonesian patients seeking affordable, quality treatment. He also argued that reinstating the flight is critical for small businesses, local tour operators, and the hospitality sector as the region strives to recover from economic challenges. Furthermore, Peter highlighted that restoring this air link would support broader regional integration under the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) framework, serving as a vital bridge for cross-border development. In this regard, he also urged AirAsia and other airlines to demonstrate their commitment to regional growth and connectivity. 'This is not merely a logistical issue, it is a matter of fairness, development, and cooperation. 'The people of Kalimantan and Sarawak deserve better connectivity and the opportunity to thrive together,' said Peter. direct flight kalimantan Kuching Peter John Jaban
New Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Philippines seeks stronger ties with Malaysia ahead of Asean 2026
KUALA LUMPUR: The Philippines is seeking to strengthen its longstanding ties with Malaysia by identifying new areas of cooperation — not only in trade, but also in investment and tourism. Its signing minister for the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Leo Tereso A. Magno said the country had been actively working to enhance trade relations since the formation of BIMP-EAGA in 1994. "Our President, Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., will assume the Asean chair, and the Philippines will host the Asean Summit in 2026. With regard to improving trade, we have been continuously working on that. "We hope the strong and friendly relations between Malaysia and the Philippines will not only persist but deepen. This includes identifying specific areas for cooperation between our two nations," he said when met on the sidelines of the summit today. Magno, who is also chairperson of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), said that each Asean Summit carried considerable significance — particularly given current global trade tensions, including tariff issues involving the United States. "In my view, it is crucial to discuss matters that affect the global community. I believe Asean provides a platform for member countries to engage in meaningful dialogue on issues impacting all 11 nations," he said. When asked about Malaysia's hosting of this year's Asean Summit, Magno commended the Malaysian government and expressed gratitude for its effective organisation of the event. The 16th BIMP-EAGA Summit, held this morning, aims to enhance collaboration, foster innovative strategies, and reinforce political commitment to initiatives that directly benefit the people of the region. Chaired by President Marcos, this year's summit holds added significance as it marks tangible progress made since the introduction of Vision 2025.
The Star
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Economy Minister Rafizi seen at 46th Asean Summit
Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: Amid talk that he would resign from Cabinet after the PKR polls, Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli continues to carry out his official duties at the 46th Asean Summit and Related Summits. The Economy Minister was seen attending the 16th Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) summit at the KL Convention Centre that began at 8am Tuesday (May 27). Rafizi was seen at the summit, which was also attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. Rafizi was also seen shaking hands with Anwar and other Asean delegates. Mohamad was seen sitting next to Rafizi while Anwar was sitting just in front of them. Other leaders present there were Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, and Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto. The leaders then proceeded to take a group picture before the summit began and Anwar was seen standing next to Marcos and Prabowo, while Rafizi stood next to Asean secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn. Marcos then delivered his opening remarks at the summit before a closed-door session began. The second day of the Asean Summit will see the second Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit taking place. Anwar is also expected to deliver an exit press conference after the 46th Asean Summit and Related Summits concludes on Tuesday (May 27) evening. On May 7, Rafizi said he would be ready to step down from his party and Cabinet posts if he lost the deputy president post in the PKR polls. Rafizi said he would return to be a grassroots level leader and campaign intensively for the party. Rafizi was defeated by Nurul Izzah Anwar for the PKR deputy president's post in the party polls.
