Latest news with #SuzannahJessep
Barnama
7 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
38th APR: Multilateralism Key to Resilience, Regional Cooperation
KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- Strengthening multilateralism is vital to overcoming geopolitical tensions and ensuring sustained global cooperation, experts said at the 38th Asia-Pacific Roundtable (APR) organised by ISIS Malaysia. Held from June 17 to 19, the forum in Kuala Lumpur saw panellists agree that the global divide lies not between the West and the Global South, but between countries that uphold international norms and those that do not, Xinhua news agency reported. Experts noted that small and middle powers are increasingly turning to multipolar partnerships to manage rising uncertainty. bootstrap slideshow Asia New Zealand Foundation Chief Executive Suzannah Jessep said smaller states are forging partnerships based on trust and shared priorities. 'The world has become more unpredictable, more so for small and middle powers. They have a clear stake in resisting the drift toward a world where 'might is right,' she said. Rather than picking sides, countries like Malaysia are building ties across platforms as a hedge against volatility. Experts said this flexibility enhances resilience. Professor Kuik Cheng-Chwee of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia said ASEAN and newer blocs like BRICS offer smaller nations diversified options and reduce reliance on any single power. 'Malaysia has been a strong proponent of the ASEAN mechanism while also engaging in platforms like BRICS. Geopolitical tensions create uncertainty, and hedging is about reducing risks,' he said. Given the world's interdependence, experts also noted that local disruptions can have wide impacts. Experts called for an adaptive multilateral system to boost regional cooperation and resilience.
Malaysia Sun
8 hours ago
- Business
- Malaysia Sun
Strengthening multilateralism key to global stability, growth: experts
KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Strengthening multilateralism will enable the world to move beyond current geopolitical tensions, paving the way for cooperation and sustained economic growth, experts told a forum organized by the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia here. During the June 17-19 38th Asia-Pacific Roundtable (APR) held in Kuala Lumpur, experts also noted that the real divide in the international community is not between the West and the Global South, but between countries that adhere to common values and norms in global affairs, and those that do not. They noted that small and medium-sized powers are increasingly relying on multipolar partnerships and alternative frameworks to navigate a more volatile world. Chief executive of the Asia New Zealand Foundation Suzannah Jessep observed that smaller countries are finding new ways to protect their interests by forging partnerships built on shared priorities and mutual trust. "The world has become more unpredictable, more so for small and middle powers... Small and middle-sized powers have a clear stake in resisting the drift toward a world where 'might is right' and where we are left to contend with chaos rather than pursue cooperation," she added. Rather than choosing sides, countries like Malaysia are deepening ties across different platforms as a hedge against rising uncertainty. Experts stressed that such flexibility is essential for long-term resilience. Professor Kuik Cheng-Chwee of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia highlighted that regional platforms such as ASEAN and emerging blocs like BRICS provide smaller nations with diversified relationships and reduce dependence on any single power bloc. "Malaysia has been a strong proponent of the ASEAN mechanism while at the same time participating in groupings such as the BRICS. When geopolitical tensions arise, they create uncertainties and there are more reasons to have additional mechanisms. Hedging is about reducing risks," he explained. Given today's global interdependence, local disruptions often have far-reaching consequences. Experts underscored the need to build resilience and strengthen regional cooperation through an adaptive and inclusive multilateral system. Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan stressed the need to strengthen regional resilience and shift away from relying on singular strategic partners. "We must keep multilateralism alive. But we also have to ensure that the way we do it changes... It is time for us to stop pinning the weight of our hopes on any one partner to carry us through instability, but instead, to nurture international cooperation that enables us to all support each other," he said. For his part, Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing highlighted that coexisting peacefully is an intrinsically Asian value. "In face of such adversity, we should be firm in pursuing the Asian vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, and strive for common development based on extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits," he said, adding "We should do everything we can to ensure Asia's continued peace and stability."
Borneo Post
10 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Experts: Strengthening multilateralism key to global stability, growth
Mohamad stresses the need to strengthen regional resilience and shift away from relying on singular strategic partners. – Bernama photo KUALA LUMPUR (June 19): Strengthening multilateralism will enable the world to move beyond current geopolitical tensions, paving the way for cooperation and sustained economic growth, experts told a forum organised by the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia here. During the June 17-19 38th Asia-Pacific Roundtable (APR) held in Kuala Lumpur, the experts also noted that the real divide in the international community is not between the West and the Global South, but between countries that adhere to common values and norms in global affairs, and those that do not. They noted that small and medium-sized powers are increasingly relying on multipolar partnerships and alternative frameworks to navigate a more volatile world. Chief executive of the Asia New Zealand Foundation Suzannah Jessep observed that smaller countries are finding new ways to protect their interests by forging partnerships built on shared priorities and mutual trust. 'The world has become more unpredictable, more so for small and middle powers… Small and middle-sized powers have a clear stake in resisting the drift toward a world where 'might is right' and where we are left to contend with chaos rather than pursue cooperation,' she added. Rather than choosing sides, countries like Malaysia are deepening ties across different platforms as a hedge against rising uncertainty. Experts stressed that such flexibility is essential for long-term resilience. Prof Kuik Cheng-Chwee of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia highlighted that regional platforms such as Asean and emerging blocs like BRICS provide smaller nations with diversified relationships and reduce dependence on any single power bloc. 'Malaysia has been a strong proponent of the Asean mechanism while at the same time participating in groupings such as the BRICS. When geopolitical tensions arise, they create uncertainties and there are more reasons to have additional mechanisms. Hedging is about reducing risks,' he explained. Given today's global interdependence, local disruptions often have far-reaching consequences. Experts underscored the need to build resilience and strengthen regional cooperation through an adaptive and inclusive multilateral system. Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan stressed the need to strengthen regional resilience and shift away from relying on singular strategic partners. 'We must keep multilateralism alive. But we also have to ensure that the way we do it changes… It is time for us to stop pinning the weight of our hopes on any one partner to carry us through instability, but instead, to nurture international cooperation that enables us to all support each other,' he said. For his part, Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing highlighted that coexisting peacefully is an intrinsically Asian value. 'In face of such adversity, we should be firm in pursuing the Asian vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, and strive for common development based on extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits,' he said, adding 'We should do everything we can to ensure Asia's continued peace and stability.' global growth multilateralism stability
Scoop
3 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
New Zealanders' Asia Knowledge Peaks As Regional Relationships Evolve
The Asia New Zealand Foundation's 28th annual Perceptions of Asia and Asian Peoples survey shows that New Zealanders are maintaining their commitment to and engagement in Asia while adapting to changing regional dynamics. 'New Zealanders are becoming more discerning about regional relationships,' says Suzannah Jessep, Chief Executive of the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono. 'Our conversations have shifted from 'Asia' to conversations about the specific countries and sectors that we are engaged with…The report shows that today our ties across the Asia region are broader, deeper and more mutually beneficial than ever.' This year's survey presents changes in views over the past year, as well as longitudinal trends of public attitudes across demographics, regions and sectors, helping to inform both public dialogue and policymaking. Japan continues to be regarded by New Zealanders as the friendliest and most trusted country in Asia, and is the relationship New Zealanders would like to see further investment in. New Zealanders are also feeling increasingly positive towards partners across Southeast Asia as well as South Korea, with these countries all seeing a significant jump in how friendly they are perceived to be. The positive shift toward Southeast Asian countries coincides with New Zealand and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) celebrating 50 years of formal ties, as well as a number of important bilateral anniversaries in the region. 'We're seeing New Zealand's effort and investment translate into genuine warmth in public sentiment toward individual Southeast Asian nations.' says Dr Julia Macdonald, Director Research and Engagement of the Foundation. While China continues to be ranked as the most important country in Asia for New Zealand's future, sentiment towards the country remains mixed and has cooled in recent months following China's live fire drills and partnership deal with the Cook Islands. The same holds true for the United States, with friend perceptions dropping following tariff announcements and changes in US foreign policy toward Russia and Ukraine. 'New Zealanders are responding to real-world events and their implications for us and our region,' adds Macdonald. 'The data shows a public that's engaged with international developments.' In this context, New Zealanders are seeing countries in Asia as increasingly important defence and security partners, with Singapore and South Korea both highly rated. In terms of media, more New Zealanders now think Asia receives too little coverage. Social media continues its upward trend as a key source of Asia news, especially among young New Zealanders. 'The appetite for Asia content is clearly there,' says Jessep. 'New Zealanders want more comprehensive coverage of the region, recognising that developments in Asia directly impact back home." The report demonstrates the depth and breadth of New Zealand's relationship with Asia and shows how far we have come in our understanding of the region. New Zealanders' self-assessed knowledge of Asia has almost doubled in the past decade - increasing from 33 percent in 2013 to 59 percent today. Read the full report Key findings: • Four in five New Zealanders see Asia as important or very important to New Zealand's future, with only Australia ranking higher in significance. • Knowledge of Asia remains at an all-time high, holding steady from the previous survey, even as New Zealanders report lower confidence in their knowledge of other world regions. • Japan remains New Zealand's closest friend in Asia, most trusted regional partner, and the relationship New Zealanders most want strengthened. • All Southeast Asian countries and South Korea saw significant increases in being viewed as friends, coinciding with 50 years of New Zealand-ASEAN relations. • Sentiment towards China remains mixed and fluctuating, reversing from more positive in November 2024 to more negative by March 2025 following foreign policy developments. • New Zealanders' positive sentiment toward and trust in the United States dropped significantly following the 2024 election and tariff announcements. • North Korea remains the biggest perceived threat to New Zealand in Asia, followed by Russia. • New Zealanders have mixed views on defence spending and AUKUS, though more believe AUKUS will enhance rather than diminish regional safety. • For the first time, more New Zealanders think Asia receives too little media coverage than adequate coverage. • Over half of New Zealanders feel connected to Asia in daily life, with social media increasingly important for Asia news, especially among younger people.
