Latest news with #SamanthaTanChiewTieng
Barnama
6 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
58th ASEAN Day: Malaysia's Proactive Diplomacy Underscored In Regional Celebration
By Samantha Tan Chiew Tieng CYBERJAYA, Aug 8 (Bernama) -- Malaysia today joined fellow ASEAN member states in celebrating the 58th ASEAN Day, with strong emphasis on this year's theme "Towards Inclusivity and Sustainability ASEAN Future." Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to grace the national-level celebration and deliver a keynote address, reaffirming Malaysia's continued commitment to ASEAN's shared aspirations especially as the country holds the Chairmanship of ASEAN 2025. The celebration highlights Malaysia's leadership and achievements during its chairmanship, including efforts to enhance regional integration across ASEAN's three core pillars namely political-security, economic and socio-cultural. One of the standout moments of Malaysia's chairmanship has been the Prime Minister's proactive diplomatic efforts, notably in mediating the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. The move is widely recognised as a testament to Malaysia's steady leadership and deep commitment to regional peace and stability. ASEAN Day also serves as a platform to reaffirm the bloc's dedication to the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, a comprehensive roadmap that envisions a resilient, dynamic, people-oriented and inclusive ASEAN prepared to navigate future challenges. As Malaysia continues to steer ASEAN through the remainder of its 2025 chairmanship, a series of high-level dialogues, ministerial meetings, and cultural exchanges are expected to further advance the goals of Vision 2045. ASEAN Day is celebrated annually on Aug 8 to commemorate the inception of ASEAN in 1967 when Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand signed the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration). More than just a date on the calendar, ASEAN Day symbolises the enduring commitment of Southeast Asian nations to peace, progress and unity. It also reflects the region's collective aspirations for economic and social development, deeper cooperation and a shared identity rooted in mutual respect and solidarity.
Barnama
30-07-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Thailand-Cambodia Border Tensions Eased: A Triumph For ASEAN Diplomacy
By Samantha Tan Chiew Tieng PUTRAJAYA, July 30 (Bernama) -- Tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border have been successfully defused, thanks to the spirit of regional cooperation and swift diplomatic intervention under the ASEAN framework. The immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreed upon by both sides marks a significant diplomatic victory for ASEAN. Malaysia, serving as ASEAN Chair in 2025, played a pivotal role in de-escalating a situation from spiralling into a full-scale military conflict. bootstrap slideshow Prof Dr Muhammad Fuad Othman, an expert in international relations from Universiti Utara Malaysia's School of International Studies (SoIS), hailed the development as a major diplomatic breakthrough for the region. "Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has done brilliantly and, without hesitation, put ASEAN first and influenced other member states to do the same," he told Bernama. He said Malaysia has once again demonstrated its capability to uphold and maintain peace and security - not only regionally but also as a potential player on the global stage. As ASEAN Chair, Muhammad Fuad noted that the Prime Minister acted decisively by 'invoking his good office' to defuse tensions before they could escalate into open conflict. "With the support of major powers, namely the United States and China, it is hoped that both parties will fully and unconditionally honour the ceasefire," he added. He stressed that the outcome reflects ASEAN diplomacy at its best, characterised by quiet strength, regional unity, and an unwavering commitment to peace.
Barnama
29-07-2025
- General
- Barnama
Sejahtera MADANI Initiative A New Holistic Strategy To Eradicate Poverty
By Samantha Tan Chiew Tieng PUTRAJAYA, July 29 (Bernama) -- The Sejahtera MADANI initiative marks a new chapter in Malaysia's social justice landscape as it combines policy strength, data precision, and sincerity of implementers in a holistic effort to eradicate poverty in a dignified and effective manner, based on local values and culture, said academics. According to Prof Dr Zainal Abidin Sanusi, a lecturer at the Department of Political Science and MADANI Studies at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), the initiative reflects more than just financial assistance; it represents a transformational approach that addresses structural, emotional, and human dimensions of poverty. 'Sejahtera MADANI is not merely another welfare policy. It's a systemic shift in how we understand and address poverty, not merely in statistics, but also in realities that require structural reform and strategic unification,' he told Bernama. Zainal, who also heads IIUM's Sejahtera Centre for Sustainability and Humanity, said the strength of Sejahtera MADANI lies in its integration of existing aid programmes such as the Rakyat Sejahtera Housing Programme (PPRS), Amanah Ikhtiar, and Tekun, along with national databases like eKasih and MyKasih, which lacked coordination. 'With Sejahtera MADANI, we now see clearer structural alignment, especially through a household-based approach focusing on Heads of Households (KIR) and Household Members (AIR) and guided by four key areas of focus, namely income, education, housing, and welfare,' he explained. Zainal said this strategy views poverty as a structural issue, not merely a lack of income, which aligns with the principles of inclusivity and social justice that form the backbone of the Malaysia MADANI framework. He also welcomed the emphasis on local-level implementation, noting that many past programmes failed not due to poor policy design, but because of weak micro-governance and outdated data. 'Sejahtera MADANI empowers grassroots implementers as development enablers, not just aid distributors. It also brings together initiatives such as Sekolah Angkat MADANI, Kampung Angkat MADANI, Komuniti@UniMADANI, and Bakti MADANI into a mutually reinforcing ecosystem,' he said.
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.
