ASEAN CHAIRMANSHIP: MALAYSIA SHOULD LEAD IN TRANSFORMING BLOC INTO HUB FOR SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION – ISIS

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 23 (Bernama) -- Malaysia must take the lead in transforming ASEAN into a hub for sustainable innovation, leveraging its robust manufacturing ecosystem and expanding digital economy, said Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) chairman Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Faiz Abdullah.

He emphasised the importance of ASEAN, with Malaysia as the chair, in incorporating Industry 4.0 technologies across regional industries, noting that such advancements could significantly boost productivity while mitigating environmental costs.

“As Malaysia enhances its reputation as a global AI data centre hub, balancing environmental costs with strategic investments is paramount. Our role in the semiconductor sector and its supply chains can also be leveraged to capitalise on global growth,” he said at the Ilmuwan Malaysia MADANI Forum entitled ‘Hala Tuju dan Strategi Kepengerusian ASEAN-Malaysia 2025’ held at Kompleks Seri Perdana on Friday.

Mohd Faiz was one of the panellists during the nearly two-hour session, which was moderated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Other panelists included Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Perak Academy Honorary Fellow Bunn Nagara.

Mohd Faiz further said that Malaysia’s partnerships with emerging economies such as Brazil and China are a testament to its growing appeal as an investment destination. 

He highlighted ASEAN's potential to deepen economic partnerships with the Global South, including South Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Malaysia's participation in BRICS could further diversify trade dependencies and foster South-South collaboration.

“Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call for equitable trade practices underscores the need for partnerships built on fairness and mutual value,” he said, adding that the country’s central role as a dialogue facilitator in technology transfer, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy aligns with ASEAN’s strategic aspirations.

He also pointed to the ASEAN-GCC-China Trilateral Summit, scheduled for 2025, as a critical mechanism to connect growth areas in West, Southeast, and East Asia.

“The magnitude of its impact cannot be overstated. Malaysia’s success as ASEAN Chair in 2025 will depend on a balanced approach that combines ambition with pragmatism. Under the leadership of our dynamic Prime Minister, I am confident we will rise to the occasion,” he said.

On global challenges, Mohd Faiz underscored the importance of addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, warning that such issues threaten regional security and prosperity.

“Malaysia’s MADANI framework, rooted in inclusive and sustainable development, aligns closely with ASEAN’s aspirations to lead globally on these concerns. Prioritising adaptation strategies is crucial to safeguarding the development gains achieved thus far,” he said.

He also stressed the need for ASEAN to amplify its voice in global affairs, particularly in advocating for equitable trade policies, climate change adaptation, and digital transformation.

“Geopolitical tensions, geoeconomics competition, and the aftermath of the pandemic demand a fresh approach. ASEAN must invest in green and digital infrastructure, diversify supply chains, and collectively tackle economic shocks,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025 would be a significant test for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, as it would determine whether the global perception of his leadership proves to be accurate.

“However, deep in my heart, I am confident that Datuk Seri Anwar will successfully lead ASEAN, even though we may face differing foreign policies from the United States, fiscal policies, and other unforeseen challenges, particularly with the appointment of new senior secretaries who are considered controversial figures,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid acknowledged that such circumstances could have negative implications for the region, but he expressed confidence that Malaysia would be able to demonstrate strong leadership within ASEAN.

“In these challenging times, I am confident that Malaysia will continue to stand out and play a vital role in ASEAN leadership,” he added.

-- BERNAMA