Latest news with #KazanForum2025
Borneo Post
17-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Samenta seals strategic partnerships with Russia at KazanForum 2025
Veecotech chief executive officer Alain Lye (right) exchanges the MoU with VisionLabs director Dmitry Kulakovsky, witnessed by Ng (centre). KUCHING (May 17): The Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia (Samenta) sealed four memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with its Russian counterparts during the 'Russia–Islamic World: KazanForum 2025'. The first MoU was inked with the Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI) to collaborate on small and medium enterprise (SME) innovation policies, talent mobility, and joint technology accelerators, said Samenta in a statement today. 'The second MoU was signed with the Association of Clusters, Technology Parks and Special Economic Zones of Russia, aimed to establish a bilateral innovation corridor connecting SMEs and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in both countries. 'The third MoU was sealed between Samenta member, Veecotech Solutions Sdn Bhd and VisionLabs, to co-develop and commercialise AI-driven computer vision applications in Southeast Asia. 'The last MoU was inked between Veecotech, ICL (Russia) and Kazan IT Park, aimed to incubate cross-border startups and conduct joint research in cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure and enterprise platforms,' it added. According to Samenta national president Datuk William Ng, these agreements represent actionable frameworks to bring Russian and Malaysian SMEs together not just for trade, but for co-creation and innovation. 'Among the memoranda signed were with Russia's Agency for Strategic Initiatives, an innovation agency personally chaired by President Vladimir Putin. 'This shows the importance of Malaysia to Russia, and the honour the country places on Malaysia and our Prime Minister,' he said. Ng pointed out that the successful engagements in Kazan are aligned with Samenta's #samenta2036 vision of building omnipresence for Malaysian SMEs and ensuring they are integral players in the global value chain. He expressed deepest appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for including SMEs in Malaysia's international economic diplomacy and for ensuring that the country's entrepreneurs are given global visibility and opportunities. Additionally, he hailed Anwar's successful mission to Russia as a major milestone for Malaysia-Russia economic ties, with tangible outcomes for the SME sector. 'The Prime Minister's participation in the KazanForum 2025 marked a renewed commitment to multilateral engagement, with SMEs taking centre stage,' he added. Ng led a delegation of 10 Malaysian SMEs participating in the KazanForum 2025 and a series of business and innovation dialogues focused on SME internationalisation, digitalisation, and industrial cooperation. He was a featured speaker at two high-level forums, namely the 'Russian-Malaysian Economic and Industrial Cooperation: Opportunities for Growth through Technology and Innovation' and 'International Association of BRICS SEZ: A Platform for Multilateral Economic Cooperation between Russia and the OIC'. 'Our message was clear: 'Malaysian SMEs are agile, tech-savvy, and ready to engage with global partners'. This forum gave us the ideal platform to initiate direct collaboration with Russian agencies and innovation clusters,' he said.
New Straits Times
17-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Anwar: Malaysia, regional partners target 20pct of trade in local currencies
KAZAN: Malaysia and several regional partners are targeting to conduct up to 20 per cent of their trade in local currencies, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said this signalled a regional push to strengthen monetary autonomy and reduce overdependence on the United States (US) dollar. In an exclusive interview with international broadcaster TV BRICS, Anwar said the shift includes trade with China, Thailand and Indonesia, covering transactions worth "billions of dollars". "This shows that where we can, we should proceed," he told TV BRICS host and international cooperation director Darya Ivankova. The interview took place on the sidelines of the KazanForum 2025, on the final day of Anwar's four-day official visit to Russia, which concluded on May 16. "It's not about replacing the dollar, which remains dominant globally, but about creating buffers to protect our national interests," he said. Anwar added the effort forms part of broader regional cooperation under frameworks like the Chiang Mai Initiative. Under the initiative, Asean+3 economies are deepening collaboration among their central banks and promoting cross-border settlements in domestic currencies. He said discussions have also touched on reviving the concept of an Asian Monetary Fund, not as a competitor to existing institutions, but as a strategic buffer. "This isn't about challenging anyone," he said. "It's about mitigating shocks and building regional resilience. This is especially important for trade-focused economies like Malaysia." Digital transformation and AI leadership Anwar said Malaysia's broader economic strategy is anchored in digital transformation, energy transition and food security, areas where partnerships with BRICS and Global South countries have become increasingly vital. He pointed to Malaysia's emerging role as a regional hub for semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI) and data centres, supported by the government's National Semiconductor Strategy. "We have attracted massive investments from global leaders, Google, Microsoft, Nvidia and Infineon from Germany," he said. "The next phase is about increasing efficiency, scaling up our talent and making the country even more competitive." Energy transition and regional power grid Highlighting Asean-wide energy cooperation, Anwar cited the Asean power grid project as a milestone initiative to support energy sharing across the region. "It's a phenomenal shift, from fossil fuels to hydro, gas and renewable alternatives. It's our collective contribution to sustainability and climate action," he said. Malaysia as Asean chair and BRICS partner Asked about Malaysia's concurrent roles as Asean chair and a new BRICS partner country, Anwar said both platforms provide unique avenues to pursue inclusive, multipolar economic diplomacy. "Malaysia is a trading nation. Asean takes its position of centrality, which means we engage with everyone. BRICS offers a cohesive force within the Global South. We negotiate together and protect our turf together," he said. He noted that Malaysia will host the Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit at the end of May. This will be followed by the East Asia Summit and Heads of Government Meeting at the end of the year, offering critical opportunities to strengthen regional economic fundamentals. Free trade and fair growth Anwar also discussed Malaysia's push for more free trade agreements (FTAs), including with the United Arab Emirates, a BRICS member, and reaffirmed Malaysia's openness to future FTAs with BRICS+ countries. "FTAs remain one of the most practical tools to boost trade flows. We've signed them with the United Kingdom and reengaged with the European Union after past setbacks. We're pragmatic." He said what distinguishes BRICS is its focus on the specific challenges of the Global South. This includes food security, raw materials, petrochemicals and gas, areas that are often sidelined in traditional global market structures. Culture, equity and values Anwar concluded the interview by stressing that economic growth must be paired with human development, governance and justice. "To me, the role of women, culture, education and environmental protection are not side issues, they are central to progress," he said. "We can't keep being lectured by countries that haven't fulfilled their promises to the developing world. We have to move forward on our terms, fairly and sustainably."
The Star
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Empowering our youth
Strengthening ties: Anwar attending the KazanForum 2025 in Tatarstan, marking the highlight of his official visit to Russia. — Bernama KAZAN: Malaysia has affirmed the crucial role of multilateral cooperation in addressing the evolving challenges faced by youth, especially within the Islamic world, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said there is a need for inclusive efforts by all sectors of society to support youth development as the cornerstone for nation-building and economic growth. The younger generation, he said, should also not be exposed to the extreme differences of opinions among Muslim leaders and ulama. 'Our youth cannot witness their leaders and the ulama having continuous rancorous exchanges on their differences. 'Nor can they be left to despair over crises like Gaza. Our youth must be given hope and opportunity. We must present them with a vision rooted in unity, values and integrity,' he said in his keynote address at the Strategic Vision Group Meeting: Russia-Islamic World (KazanForum 2025) yesterday. Anwar highlighted the need for leaders and ulama to rise above differences and instil trust and right values in young people, noting that there is a deficit in these qualities within modern political and geopolitical discourse. He said Malaysia addresses these concerns through its Madani Framework which balances economic advancement with value- based governance, Bernama reported. 'We say to our youth, we have high hopes for you. You must be empowered to participate effectively in shaping our future,' he said. The KazanForum 2025 serves as a key platform for fostering economic cooperation between Russia and Islamic countries. Kazan, located more than 830km from Moscow, is the largest city and capital of the Republic of Tatarstan. It is known as an industrial, commercial and cultural centre for the Tatars.
New Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Anwar wraps up Russia trip, highlights Tatarstan's Islamic-Christian ties
KAZAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today wrapped up his four-day official visit to Russia, describing the Republic of Tatarstan as a model of religious harmony and regional collaboration. Speaking at a press conference here, Anwar praised Tatarstan's strong Islamic heritage and its cooperative relationship with the Orthodox Christian Church, which he said reflected "the spirit of peaceful coexistence". "Tatarstan is a strong Islamic region, but what struck me was its close collaboration with the Orthodox Church, which represents nearly 50 per cent of the population here. This is a powerful example of interfaith harmony," he said. Anwar said he took the opportunity, along with ministers in his delegation, to engage with the Orthodox Church to express Malaysia's admiration for Tatarstan's inclusive approach, ahead of Friday prayers at the historic Mardzhani Mosque. The prime minister also highlighted the outcomes of his meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, describing them as productive and forward-looking, particularly in the areas of trade, agriculture, halal economy and education. He said Putin had reiterated Russia's support for strengthening bilateral ties and facilitating the resumption of direct Aeroflot flights to Malaysia to boost tourism and business travel. Anwar also acknowledged Putin's openness to a new independent investigation into the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, reaffirming Malaysia's call for justice based on truth and impartiality. "Putin expressed his sympathy for the victims' families and said Russia is ready to cooperate, provided the investigative body is truly independent and free from political pressure," he said. "Malaysia's position is firm. We want the truth, but we do not act based on assumptions or accusations without evidence." He added that both sides also discussed enhancing trade in agro-commodities, including palm oil and cocoa, and resolving issues that hinder smoother bilateral cooperation. "We touched on chemical industries, furniture, retail and infrastructure development, as well as digital and artificial intelligence sectors," he said. Anwar's visit to Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, included delivering keynote speeches at the Strategic Vision Group Russia–Islamic World dialogue and the KazanForum 2025 plenary session. He met with Tatarstan's Rais Rustam Minnikhanov, prominent Islamic scholars and muftis, as well as Turkmenistan's national leader and former president Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow. Anwar also held sideline discussions with other regional representatives and ministers. On education ties, Anwar said discussions are underway to reinstate Malay language studies in Russian universities and introduce Russian language courses at Universiti Malaya. He also welcomed a proposal for Malaysian diplomats and young officers to study Arabic, French and Russian to better prepare for global assignments. Anwar is scheduled to return to Kuala Lumpur from Kazan International Airport tonight.
The Star
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Malaysian PM Anwar reaffirms to Asean cohesion, maintains strong ties with Cambodia
KAZAN (Tatarstan), Friday, May 16: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the 16th International Economic Forum 'Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum' (KazanForum 2025), marking the highlight of his official visit to the Russian Federation on its final day. - Photo: Bernama KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to Asean cohesion and constructive engagement with regional partners amid complex geopolitical challenges and growing concerns over cross-border repression. In an interview with Al Jazeera's 101 East, released Thursday on the channel's YouTube platform, Anwar stressed the importance of Asean remaining united as the region faces mounting pressure from major powers and intensifying trade tensions. "We have been quite cohesive. I think we need to strengthen that bond together in this changing geopolitical environment. "The focus is on intra-trade, investment, and taking a common position vis-à-vis the big powers and our neighbours,' he said during the interview with senior journalist Mary Ann Jolley. Anwar also described Malaysia's relations with neighbouring countries as "excellent' and emphasised that many regional issues are best resolved through direct personal engagement. He reiterated that Aseab centrality must remain a core guiding principle as the region faces new global trade dynamics, including tariff policies that could impact member states. While acknowledging that tariff changes, particularly from the United States (US), could adversely affect Malaysia, he said : "If we can secure ASEAN unity and cohesion, we may be able to slightly mitigate the impact.' Malaysia currently holds the Asean chairmanship for 2025. Asean comprises 10 member states: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Malaysia has previously chaired Asean in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015. On the issue of cyber scams operating out of South-East Asia, including Cambodia, Anwar said Asean has stepped up collaboration to tackle transnational crime. He dismissed claims that the Cambodian government was complicit in the scam industry, despite critical reports from international watchdogs. "We now have more proactive engagements within Asean on cybersecurity and transnational crimes... We are working towards establishing common rules,' he added. He also said Malaysia continues to maintain close and effective cooperation with Cambodian authorities, which he described as "unrivalled'. Anwar said he would raise any new concerns directly with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. "I will speak to my colleague, the Prime Minister (Hun Manet),' he said. - Bernama
