Latest news with #KishoKumariSucedaram
Barnama
27-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
ASEAN, GCC And China - A New Power Bloc Of The Global South
From Kisho Kumari Sucedaram BEIJING, May 27 (Bernama) -- As the global economic uncertainty rages on following the United States' (US) sweeping tariffs, China sees the inaugural ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur today not merely as a diplomatic gathering but a pivotal moment in the rise of the Global South. For China, this tripartite meeting is far more than a symbolic gesture. It represents the emergence of a new economic and strategic axis, one that challenges traditional Western-dominated trade frameworks and offers an alternative vision of cooperative development. This was made evident when China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Mao Ning, remarked last week that China looks to expand practical cooperation with ASEAN and the oil-rich GCC member states in various fields to leverage their respective strengths, pursue win-win results and defend common interests of the Global South. It would be a coming together of ASEAN's quest to foster integration within Southeast Asia, GCC's aim to reduce dependence on oil and diversify the economy, and China's Belt and Road Initiative focusing on global infrastructure development strategies. Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair this year, is hosting the maiden ASEAN-GCC-China Summit which is set to unlock immense potential for multilateral cooperation. The combined weight of ASEAN, GCC and China is certainly reshaping the global economic dynamics. ASEAN, now the world's fifth-largest economy with a collective gross domestic product (GDP) of over US$3.6 trillion (US$1=RM4.22), is not just a manufacturing hub but also a burgeoning consumer market of 700 million people. On Sunday, Malaysia's Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz told a press conference that the collective ASEAN GDP is projected to grow at 4.7 per cent in 2025 from 4.2 per cent last year.
Barnama
26-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
MayCham Steps Up Efforts To Attract GCC-China Investment Ahead Of ASEAN Summit
GENERAL From Kisho Kumari Sucedaram BEIJING, May 26 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China (MayCham) is stepping up efforts to strengthen ties with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations and China, viewing the upcoming ASEAN-GCC-China Summit as a timely platform to position Malaysia as a key investment destination in Southeast Asia. MayCham chairman Loh Wee Keng said the summit, scheduled for May 27, comes at a critical time for Malaysia to boost its global economic presence by aligning more closely with regional, Gulf and Chinese partners. 'Malaysia is a small country. If we work alone, our voice will not be heard. But through ASEAN and GCC cooperation, as well as alignment with China, this summit offers a unique opportunity for Malaysia to step into a more strategic role on the global stage,' he told Bernama recently. He said the current global economic slowdown, particularly in Europe and the United States, underscores the need to tap capital from the Middle East, which remains a strong source of investment. 'ASEAN-GCC-China collaboration is becoming increasingly relevant. The summit is a timely forum for Malaysia to showcase its growth-ready industries — from green energy to high technology, halal manufacturing and infrastructure. 'With MayCham's established presence in both China and Malaysia, we are in a good position to bridge investor interest from the GCC region,' said Loh. He noted that MayCham has actively cultivated relationships with Middle Eastern government agencies and corporates operating in China, and continues to advocate for Malaysia as a competitive, stable and strategically located investment hub.
Barnama
23-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
DBP Support Vital To Boost Malay Materials For ASEAN, China
GENERAL From Kisho Kumari Sucedaram BEIJING, May 23 (Bernama) -- Continued support from Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) is vital in efforts to increase, diversify and provide Malay-language reading materials for international students, particularly in ASEAN countries and China. Malaysia's ambassador to China, Datuk Norman Muhamad, said the government remains committed to promoting the Malay language at the global level and stands ready to assist in its development. 'In conjunction with Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship this year, I hope to see the wider use of the Malay language across the region as a means to strengthen ties in friendship, education, trade and cultural exchange,' he said at the opening ceremony and gala dinner of the 5th International Seminar on Translation, Language and Malay-Chinese Culture (SATBBMC V) here last night. The biennial seminar is jointly organised by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), Education Malaysia Beijing, and DBP. Addressing the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI), Norman said language learning institutions must seize the opportunity to integrate AI in teaching to make the process more interactive, efficient and widely accessible. 'This will spark greater interest among students to learn and master languages more effectively,' he added. To date, 17 higher learning institutions in China offer Malay language programmes. Norman said the growing presence of Malay studies reflects not only encouraging progress, but also symbolises the strong academic and educational ties between Malaysia and China over the past six decades.
