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DEPUTY Prime Minister II Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof invoked the words of Nelson Mandela; saying: “It always seems impossible until it is done,” highlighting ASEAN’s capacity to transform challenges into opportunities and diversity into strength.
Fadillah said this while officially inaugurating the ASEAN Technology Cooperation & Development Summit 2025 on Monday, which aims to position the region at the forefront of innovation and regional integration.
The event, held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in conjunction with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, welcomed delegates from across ASEAN and international partners including China, Japan, Canada, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Middle East.
Fadillah also acknowledged key contributors to the summit, including the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad, UNESCO representatives, summit advisors, and private-sector partners such as NCT Group and Intrinsic SEA.
“Your collective partnership has strengthened not only Malaysia’s innovation landscape, but also ASEAN’s shared technological aspirations,” he said.
Fadillah described the current period as ASEAN’s “Defining Decade,” a time of shifting global dynamics, rapid technological change, and economic transformation.
“In this environment, unity, resilience and shared innovation are no longer optional—they are essential,” he stressed. With over 680 million people, a vibrant digital economy, and a young forward-looking generation, ASEAN holds tremendous potential to emerge as a global centre for innovation, technology, and sustainable progress.
The summit, themed “Uniting Innovation, Connecting the Future,” underscores the strategic role of technology in driving economic growth, cybersecurity, future mobility, smart cities, advanced healthcare, green innovation, the Halal digital economy, and frontier industries such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and bioeconomy.
“Technology is no longer just an enabler. It has become the very foundation of regional resilience, prosperity and security,” Fadillah said.
Highlighting Malaysia’s role as a regional innovation hub, he urged MOSTI and relevant agencies to enhance research funding, accelerate commercialisation of frontier technologies, and attract global talent.
“Malaysia stands ready to serve as a gateway—a testbed, a launchpad, and a thriving hub for global innovators to scale transformative solutions for the region,” he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister described the summit as a platform to strengthen cross-border scientific collaboration, policy harmonisation, investment networks, technology transfer, and regional innovation ecosystems.
He expressed appreciation to all organising partners, including UNESCO, Diplomatic Council, SIEF, MRANTI, NCT Group, and Intrinsic SEA, for their dedication to advancing ASEAN’s technological agenda.
Looking ahead, Fadillah announced that the summit will become an annual event, inviting partners to reconvene each year to deepen cooperation, expand investments, and accelerate the region’s technological progress.
Quoting former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, he said: “We can shape the future only if we work together. We cannot do it in isolation.”
With optimism and confidence in ASEAN’s collective potential, he solemnly declared the ASEAN Technology Cooperation & Development Summit 2025 officially open. - November 25, 2025