29-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
'Asean 2045: Our Shared Future' is a living promise to region's people
LETTERS: Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) must progress beyond procedural consensus towards courageous and principled decision-making.
The well-being of Asean citizens should be a priority in all the bloc's policies. This isn't merely an abstract concept.
Malaysia's focus on inclusivity and sustainability during its chairmanship of Asean exemplifies this vision.
It's about creating a future where everyone, regardless of background or location, is included. Behind trade agreements and regional strategies are real people whose lives depend on effective leadership.
The implementation of the Asean Integrated QR Code Payment System, for instance, is about empowering small businesses to engage in regional trade and ensuring they are part of the digital economy.
Malaysia's green transition plan, including initiatives like Energy Exchange Malaysia, demonstrates how leadership can prioritise long-term sustainability while generating new economic opportunities.
Asean faces external pressures, internal conflicts and rapid digital transformation. It must bridge the gap between institutions and the people they serve.
'Asean 2045: Our Shared Future' is a living promise to its people, a commitment to a future where peace, prosperity, and human dignity are everyday realities.
Faculty of Economics and Management
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
