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IN a bid to strengthen ASEAN cooperation, Malaysia is committed to developing its border areas, such as the northern Peninsular Malaysia border with Thailand, as well as the Sabah and Sarawak borders with Kalimantan, to encourage economic activities that benefit people on both sides of the borders.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that such investments and collaborations would benefit the ASEAN bloc, which comprises 10 member countries and a population nearing 700 million.
He highlighted the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (Johor-Singapore) as an example of such development.
“Although this is not an immediate solution, it is still an important step,” he said in his speech at the ASEAN Investment Conference 2025, titled “ASEAN 2025: Building a Resilient and Inclusive Future,” held today.
The conference took place on the sidelines of the 12th ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting (AFMGM) and related meetings at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
An SEZ is a designated area within a country that receives special business incentives and tax breaks. SEZs play a key role in driving economic growth, offering various tax incentives, customs benefits, and investment opportunities for potential investors.
Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, emphasised that ASEAN's resilience also requires investment in infrastructure to address both literal and financial challenges.
“Our Southeast Asian neighbours are highly susceptible to natural disasters. Moreover, the effects of climate change have serious implications,” he said.
“Our ability to manage extreme weather, protect vital infrastructure, and safeguard vulnerable communities needs to be significantly enhanced,” he added.
The Prime Minister also stated that green growth is no longer just an environmental sustainability issue but has become a strategic economic necessity. Technologies such as carbon capture, circular production models, and low-carbon innovations are no longer experimental but essential.
He added ASEAN is ready to redefine the industrial landscape for the coming decades.
Anwar also launched the ASEAN Simplified ESG Disclosure Guide for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) today.
He noted that SMEs form the backbone of employment but are often the most vulnerable to economic shocks and the least prepared to face challenges.
“Complying with global sustainability standards is a significant challenge for companies with, say, five employees. For this reason, Malaysia, with the support of our partners, has launched this simplified guide,” he explained.
He believes it is a practical tool to help small businesses take their first steps towards more sustainable and transparent operations. - April 8, 2025