26-05-2025
KL Declaration: A call to secure ASEAN's regional sovereignty, economic resilience amid evolving challenges
The Kuala Lumpur Declaration is a milestone ASEAN document that established the ASEAN Community in 2015. – Bernama photo
KUALA LUMPUR (May 26): As the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) navigates an increasingly complex and competitive global landscape, the Kuala Lumpur Declaration (KL Declaration) must stand as more than just a ceremonial statement.
The KL Declaration is a milestone ASEAN document that both established the ASEAN Community in 2015 and set a strategic vision for ASEAN integration and cooperation through 2025.
It is a representation of the commitment of ASEAN member states to forge a sovereign, peaceful, and neutral regional community that rejects all forms of foreign interference and prioritizes regional cooperation to ensure long-term stability and shared prosperity.
The KL Declaration should not only showcase these standards but lay out clear, measurable steps to address emerging challenges such as economic volatility, digital disruption and geopolitical instability.
To do so, ASEAN must move past rhetorical declarations and deliver strategies that are both future-oriented and inclusive.
In today's interconnected world, the push for regional sovereignty must be carefully balanced against economic interdependence.
ASEAN nations are deeply embedded in the global value chain and remain heavily reliant on trade with major global powers such as the United States, China, and the European Union.
Dr. Jerome Kueh
As Universiti Malaysia Sarawak Associate Professor Dr. Jerome Kueh explain:, 'The Kuala Lumpur Declaration will serve as a platform of commitment among ASEAN members in deepening cooperation while safeguarding sovereignty.'
This is especially relevant amid the recent trade tensions, particularly between the U.S. and China, which exposed the ASEAN nations' vulnerabilities of being dependent on single or limited trading partners.
Dr. Kueh argues that a realistic path forward lies in diversifying trade partnerships through regional mechanisms such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
'These mega-regional trade agreements can mitigate overdependence on a few major partners and open access to broader markets,' he notes.
At the same time, strengthening intra-ASEAN trade and deepening regional supply chains are critical steps to building economic resilience.
The KL Declaration should also recognse ASEAN's growing potential as a digital economy powerhouse.
Recent projections estimate that ASEAN's digital economy could exceed USD1 trillion by 2030, underscoring the scale of opportunity ahead.
According to Dr. Kueh, harmonizing digital policies across member states is key to unlocking this potential.
He proposes that ASEAN countries create cohesive data governance frameworks, including policies that enable cross-border data flows, consistent privacy regulations, and standardised electronic payment systems.
These initiatives alongside investment in digital infrastructure and cybersecurity, would foster an inclusive digital ecosystem across the region.
'Capitalizing on digital economic strength is critical to create a more robust regional economy,' Dr. Kueh adds.
'It can also help reduce reliance on Western technology firms and attract international investors looking for unified digital markets.'
A seamless digital environment would also empower local innovators and startups to scale their solutions across borders, making sure no country gets left behind in the digital era.
One of the recurring criticisms of ASEAN is its tendency toward consensus-driven but vague declarations, often lacking in concrete implementation. The KL Declaration must break this cycle by introducing measurable goals and accountability mechanisms.
Dr. Syahruddin Awang Ahmad
Associate Professor Dr. Syahruddin Awang Ahmad, Deputy Dean of Research, Innovation and Commercialisation at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, suggests that ASEAN should adopt the SMART framework – 'Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound' objectives.
He points to ASEAN's previous initiatives, such as the Drug-Free ASEAN Declaration, as examples where general intentions could have been strengthened by measurable targets.
'Instead of broadly committing to drug-free communities, ASEAN could aim for a 20% reduction in drug-related arrests or a 15% increase in rehabilitation admissions by a specific date,' Dr. Syahruddin explains.
To ensure results, ASEAN must also empower its Secretariat with greater executive authority and technical resources to monitor and enforce progress.
He advocates for annual reporting, public scorecards, and peer reviews that allow member states to learn from each other's successes and failures in order to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
For the KL Declaration to succeed, evidence-based policymaking must be the foundation of which academic research and innovation come in.
Universities and think tanks in the region can play a vital role by conducting data-driven studies that help shape more effective strategies.
'Academic research is crucial for understanding the socio-economic roots of complex issues,' says Dr. Syahruddin.
For example, research conducted by Universiti Malaya on drug abuse patterns or youth awareness campaigns can directly inform ASEAN-wide policies on public health and social welfare.
Innovation could bring in practical tools and solutions including advanced border screening technologies to virtual reality therapy tools for rehabilitation.
Moreover, community-led intervention programs pioneered by local NGOs offer localised approaches that are often more effective than top-down policies.
Together, research and innovation create a feedback loop that supports smarter, more adaptive governance in line with the Declaration's goals.
Malaysia is uniquely positioned to take on a leading role in driving ASEAN's strategic transformation as the country possesses both the technological capacity and diplomatic credibility to act as a regional catalyst for innovation, sustainability, and cooperation.
Dr. Syahruddin believes Malaysia can lead by example in smart city development, digital governance, and fintech adoption.
'Malaysia can harness innovation to promote regional cooperation by championing initiatives that leverage technology to solve common ASEAN challenges,' he explains.
Initiatives such as cross-border e-payment systems, fintech for SMEs, and clean energy solutions can uplift the entire region, making shared prosperity a reality rather than a slogan.
By supporting scalable startups and building regional innovation hubs, Malaysia can reduce development gaps and encourage inclusive growth across ASEAN.
As the KL Declaration takes shape, ASEAN must deliver real outcomes that make a difference in the lives of its 670 million people.
This moment calls for bold leadership, regional unity, and visionary policymaking backed by measurable plans and inclusive collaboration.
In the words of Dr. Jerome, 'It will be realistic if all the member countries are coordinated in regional initiatives, institutional readiness, and pragmatic trade diplomacy.'
The stakes are high which without decisive action, ASEAN risks being pulled into the geopolitical crossfire between major powers.
However, with a shared commitment to sovereignty, peace, and neutrality, the KL Declaration has the potential to lay the foundation for a stronger and more resilient ASEAN.
