.png)
THE inaugural ASEAN–GCC–China Summit, set to convene in Kuala Lumpur on 27 May, is emerging as a pivotal diplomatic platform, offering ASEAN a rare chance to reinforce its centrality in global affairs and act as a strategic bridge between the Gulf and China, regional experts say.
Danial Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (ASLI), said the summit comes amid heightened geopolitical rivalries and growing US engagement in the Gulf, positioning ASEAN to “reaffirm its role as a neutral and inclusive convenor in a contested multipolar world”.
“Firstly, it’s a chance for ASEAN to assert its relevance and centrality. Secondly, to serve as a practical bridge between the Gulf and China to facilitate real cooperation; and thirdly, to champion tangible, multi-country initiatives in trade, energy, and digital sectors,” Danial told Bernama.
Dr Nadia Helmy, a political scientist at Egypt’s Beni Suef University and an expert on Chinese and Asian affairs, said ASEAN’s growing attractiveness to Gulf investors underscores the summit’s potential for long-term impact.
She cited Kuwait Petroleum Corporation’s joint refinery venture in Vietnam and Saudi Aramco’s US\$7 billion investment in Malaysia’s Petronas as evidence of expanding Gulf-ASEAN economic ties.
“Collaboration between the GCC and ASEAN is vital for sustainable development. Greater foreign investment, coupled with technology transfer and localisation, can help build diversified economies that are not solely reliant on energy,” she said.
Founded in 1981, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) comprises six states: Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.
Universiti Malaya analyst Datuk Professor Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi called on the summit to harness soft power, including cultural diplomacy and Islamic civilisational linkages.
“Centuries of trade, scholarship and religious exchange unite ASEAN and the Gulf. Reviving these through cultural festivals, Islamic arts and shared heritage initiatives like recognising Hadhrami influence in Southeast Asia would deepen ties,” he said.
Awang added that Malaysia’s Islam MADANI framework could serve as a model for promoting moderation and ethical governance within the Muslim world.
“Both ASEAN and GCC states face growing demand for reforms and accountability. ASEAN, under Malaysia’s leadership, can position itself as a platform to exchange governance models that integrate modernity with ethical values – a key counter to extremism,” he said.
Connecting ASEAN’s Workforce Through Skills and Mobility
Meanwhile, running parallel to the summit, the ASEAN Year of Skills (AYOS) 2025 has been launched under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship with the goal of closing talent gaps and preparing the region’s workforce for a fast-changing global economy.
With the theme “Bridging Talent, Building ASEAN”, AYOS 2025 is spearheaded by the Ministry of Human Resources through HRD Corp, in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation and the ASEAN Secretariat.
“This year-long initiative aims to unlock the full potential of the ASEAN workforce and propel regional talent development to new heights,” HRD Corp said in a statement.
The programme focuses on five strategic goals: bridging skills gaps, promoting talent mobility, ensuring inclusive growth, enhancing regional collaboration, and strengthening public-private partnerships.
The first of seven flagship events, the ASEAN Human Capital Development Investment Symposium (AHCDIS), will take place on 27–28 May at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), highlighting innovative financing models for skills development and mobility.
AYOS 2025 also relies on national coordinators and ambassadors within each member state to ensure smooth implementation, engagement with stakeholders and alignment of regional and domestic objectives.
More information is available at [www.aseanyearofskills.org](http://www.aseanyearofskills.org). - May 22, 2025
