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ASEAN’s connectivity with China must extend beyond enhancing trade efficiency; it must drive shared prosperity.
In his keynote address at the ‘China Conference: Southeast Asia 2025 Innovating For Tomorrow: Strengthening Asean-China Economic Ties’ event today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said: “This is not just another conference – it is a crucial platform for dialogue, cooperation and leadership at a time of significant global uncertainties and transformation.”
“Malaysia stands at the heart of this transformation. We are not mere bystanders in the shifting tides of geopolitics and economics. We are active participants, working with our partners to build a future that is resilient, innovative and just.”
Malaysia stands ready to lead ASEAN with clarity and conviction. But leadership is not the responsibility of governments alone. Businesses, academics, entrepreneurs and civil societies must all play a role in shaping a future that is inclusive, sustainable and resilient, he stated.
Anwar was clear in stating that ASEAN must move beyond reacting to global shifts. “We must lead. Our success depends on how well we integrate new technologies, develop robust economic frameworks, and secure a more equitable and sustainable future for all.”
China has been ASEAN’s most significant economic partner for years, and this relationship will continue to be a cornerstone of regional stability.
However, as global economic dynamics evolve, “our engagement must also adapt to new challenges and opportunities. This means that we must move beyond traditional trade and investment figures and focus on a partnership that is transformational and future-oriented,” he said at the event held in Kuala Lumpur today.
He explained, the next phase of ASEAN-China economic cooperation must be driven by strategic technological collaboration, sustainable growth and human capital development.
“We must embrace and support the integration of artificial intelligence into regional supply chains, ensuring that ASEAN remains at the forefront of digital economy,” adding, at the same time, expanding cooperation in renewable energy, green industries and sustainable infrastructure is vital to fostering long-term resilience and environmental responsibility.
Equally important, he said, is the empowerment of ASEAN’s workforce, equipping our people with the necessary skills to navigate and thrive in an evolving digital landscape.
Anwar said Malaysia’s position is clear: “We remain non-aligned and will not be drawn into great power rivalries. We reject economic coercion and unilateral actions that undermine regional stability. We support a rules-based multilateral system that ensures fairness, transparency and representation for all, particularly for the Global South.”
ASEAN must also expand its global engagement beyond traditional partners.
Strengthening ties with China, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), BRICS and other emerging economies is not about choosing sides; rather, it is about ensuring ASEAN’s strategic relevance in a multipolar world.
By diversifying its partnerships, ASEAN can enhance its economic resilience, tap into new investment opportunities and play a more proactive role in shaping global governance frameworks, he added.
Anwar said: “ASEAN’s economic resilience will depend on how effectively member nations navigate three critical challenges.
These include, supply chain disruptions and diversification where ASEAN must become a reliable hub for global trade and investment by reducing vulnerabilities to external shocks. Strengthening its industrial base through investments in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors and green technologies will be essential.
The ASEAN Energy Grid and renewable energy investments will be central to ensuring that economic growth is climate conscious and long-term oriented. Malaysia’s target of 70% renewable energy by 2050 will serve as a benchmark for ASEAN’s broader sustainability efforts.
And, the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement must serve as a catalyst for regional transformation by prioritising AI governance, cybersecurity and digital inclusivity.
“This is to ensure all ASEAN member states can fully harness the benefits of technological advancements, we must establish common standards for data protection, facilitate seamless cross-border digital trade and invest in capacity-building initiatives that bridge the digital divide,” he added.
By fostering a secure, innovative and inclusive digital ecosystem, ASEAN can position itself at the forefront of the global digital economy, driving sustainable growth and shared prosperity for the region.
“We must act with urgency, unity and ambition to secure a prosperous future for all. This is not a time for incrementalism or short-term thinking. It is a time for bold decisions, transformative partnerships and a shared commitment to long-term prosperity,” Anwar said. - February 17, 2025
