Latest news with #SamanthaTanChiewTieng
Barnama
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
ASEAN 2025: Malaysia Well-Placed To Champion Sustainable Development
GENERAL By Samantha Tan Chiew Tieng PUTRAJAYA, May 22 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is well-positioned to champion a sustainable development model that balances economic growth, social justice and environmental preservation through the consolidation of best practices among ASEAN member states, said an academic. International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Department of Political Science and Madani Studies lecturer Prof Dr Zainal Abidin Sanusi said the country is strategically placed to lead this new development approach in the region, given its consistent commitment to green policies, transition to renewable energy and circular economy initiatives. 'ASEAN comprises 10 countries, each with distinct strengths and expertise. As Chair this year, Malaysia can act as a catalyst for a sustainable development model that is not dependent on the unsustainable frameworks of developed nations,' he told Bernama. He said the climate crisis, for instance, is no longer a future concern but a current reality, requiring ASEAN member states to adopt bold policies and act collectively. Zainal Abidin added that ASEAN must shift from an exploitative growth model to one that prioritises climate resilience, sustainable resource management and social justice. He said indigenous communities in the region have long practised environmentally balanced lifestyles, including sustainable land management and internationally recognised controlled burning techniques. The academic stressed that the ASEAN 2025 theme of 'Inclusivity and Sustainability' must be translated into concrete policy actions and not remain mere rhetoric. 'Without inclusivity, inequality will continue to widen, and progress will not last without sustainability. Therefore, as ASEAN Chair for the fifth time in 2025, Malaysia must lead the collective commitment to ensure today's development does not burden future generations,' he said.
Barnama
21-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Malaysians Hope Issues On Climate Change, Digitalisation Discussed At ASEAN Summit
The logo for Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 is displayed around the capital city today ahead of the 46th ASEAN Summit. With the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability," over 300 meetings and major programs will be held nationwide throughout the year. As the host, Malaysia will focus on implementing initiatives in artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy, tourism, and healthcare. More promotions are underway ahead of the 46th ASEAN Summit, which is expected to gather around 20,000 participants, including heads of state, delegates, and officials from member countries as well as dialogue partners like China and Gulf countries. The event is scheduled to take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) on May 26 and 27. -- fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED By Samantha Tan Chiew Tieng PUTRAJAYA, May 21 (Bernama) -- Ahead of the 46th ASEAN Summit, set to take place in just a few days, many Malaysians are hopeful that key issues, such as climate change, the digitalisation gap and food security, will be prioritised by the regional bloc's leaders. Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Corporate Strategy and Relations Centre Officer, Noor Eszereen Juferi, 44, said this is in line with ASEAN's commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable region. "Climate change and the digital divide, particularly affecting rural communities, remain ongoing challenges. I hope Malaysia will take a wise and proactive role in enhancing regional cooperation on food security, addressing the climate crisis and driving digital empowerment," she told Bernama. She also expressed hope that the ASEAN 2025 summit would further address economic and employment opportunities for the region's younger generation, particularly through initiatives in education, tourism, and talent development. Sharing a similar view, Angel Ng, 42, said ASEAN should fully harness its abundant resources and rich cultural diversity to promote tourism and generate regional economic benefits. She said this could be achieved through the spirit of ASEAN solidarity, where member countries support one another in overcoming challenges. 'Together, we can build a stronger, greener, and more united ASEAN,' said the civil servant. Meanwhile, Roznah Abdul Jabbar, 44, shared that it would be ideal if the disparities between ASEAN member states across various sectors could be narrowed, ensuring that prosperity, development, and security are enjoyed collectively.
Barnama
26-04-2025
- Barnama
Tourist Police Unit To Play Key Role In Enhancing Security Ahead Of ASEAN Summit
By Samantha Tan Chiew Tieng PUTRAJAYA, April 26 (Bernama) -- The Tourist Police Unit (UPP), a special unit under the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), will play a vital role in strengthening security and boosting tourist confidence ahead of the ASEAN Summit 2025 and Visit Malaysia Year 2026, particularly in the capital and federal administrative centre. Kuala Lumpur Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department chief SAC Ravindar Singh Sarban Singh said the visible presence of UPP personnel at hotspots such as Dataran Merdeka, Petaling Street, Little India, Bukit Bintang, Putra Perdana and Masjid Putra contribute to a heightened sense of safety and lowers the risk of crime. 'UPP not only carry out law enforcement duties, crowd, and traffic control, they also act as information and support resource for tourists, including giving directions and offering first-response emergency assistance,' he said in a recent interview with Bernama. He said UPP's role as a bridge between tourists, authorities, and local communities, helps create a positive tourism experience in line with the theme 'The Police and the People are Inseparable'. 'PDRM has also taken early steps by providing in-service training, including English language courses, communication skills, supervision, emergency management, and traffic control, in preparation for ASEAN 2025 and Visit Malaysia Year 2026,' he said. In addition, Ravindar Singh said temporary operations rooms and control centres have also been set up, and inter-agency task coordination has been strengthened to ensure sufficient logistics support and communication equipment. He said although the crime rate in Putrajaya remains low, safety and well-being remain top priorities, as they reflect the image and symbol of national security. 'Any incident in Putrajaya would have a major impact on international perceptions of PDRM's capability as the country's primary enforcement agency.
