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The Sun
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Frontier technologies key to ASEAN Plus Three growth, says FM Mohamad
KUALA LUMPUR: Embracing frontier technologies is crucial for the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) bloc to maintain agility and relevance, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He noted that digital transformation, supported by China, Japan, and South Korea, could contribute US$2 trillion to regional GDP. Speaking at the 26th ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers' Meeting, Mohamad emphasised Malaysia's goal as ASEAN Chair to bridge development gaps and promote sustainable growth. 'Such initiatives support equitable development, foster peace through cooperation, and improve living standards,' he said. The APT bloc, with a combined population of 2.28 billion and a GDP of US$29.33 trillion, holds significant global influence. Mohamad stressed the partnership's responsibility in ensuring regional stability and inclusive growth. 'Amid complex global challenges, platforms advocating dialogue and cooperation remain vital,' he added. The minister also welcomed recent developments, including the Rapid Financing Facility under the Chiang Mai Initiative and progress in electric vehicle ecosystems. 'These achievements reflect APT's ability to create value and lead with foresight,' he said. – Bernama
The Star
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Asean facing a perfect storm of global challenges, says Mat Hasan
KUALA LUMPUR: Rising unilateralism and nationalism are increasingly sidelining multilateral cooperation – a core pillar of global stability now under strain, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. "Today, we are once again being tested. The region is facing what might be called the perfect storm," he said in remarks at an Asean Plus Three (APT) gathering here on Thursday (July 10). "The challenges are multi-fold, ranging from intensifying great power rivalry, economic fragmentation, technological disruptions and trans-boundary threats." Despite the difficulties, Mohamad expressed confidence in the region's ability to overcome them through "collective steadfastness and strong commitment to dialogue and cooperation." He pointed to recent developments that signal progress within the APT framework, including the endorsement of the Rapid Financing Facility (RFF) under the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralisation (CMIM) and the momentum generated from leaders' statements on the Electric Vehicle Ecosystem (2023) and Regional Supply Chain Connectivity (2024). "These are not isolated achievements. They illustrate the APT's capacity to generate value, respond with agility and lead with foresight," he said. Looking ahead, Mohamad emphasised the need for APT to remain "agile, well-coordinated, and forward-looking," particularly in embracing frontier technologies. He said Asean's digital transformation is projected to contribute approximately US$2 trillion to regional gross domestic product (GDP), with China, Japan and South Korea playing a key role in technological expertise. "These initiatives align with Malaysia's objectives as Asean Chair to narrow development gaps, promote sustainable growth and foster peace through mutual trust and cooperation," he said. Mohamad also highlighted the strategic weight of the APT bloc, which collectively represents a population of 2.28 billion and a combined nominal GDP of around US$29.33 trillion, or 25.77% of global GDP. "This scale underscores the global relevance of our partnership and the responsibility we bear in ensuring regional stability and inclusive development," he said. Established in 1997 to address the Asian financial crisis, the APT framework has since evolved into one of the region's most resilient models of cooperation. "It is a hallmark of teamwork that is dependable and dynamic. "It enables us to consult, coordinate and cooperate not only in times of crisis, but also in our collective pursuit of sustained peace, inclusive growth and shared resilience in East Asia," he said.
