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BusinessToday
08-06-2025
- Business
- BusinessToday
Five Key Takeaways That Defined The 46th ASEAN Summit
The 46th ASEAN Summit, hosted in Kuala Lumpur (KL) under Malaysia's chairmanship, marked a critical juncture for the 10-member regional bloc as it confronts rising geopolitical headwinds, economic protectionism and internal instability. Held under the theme 'ASEAN Matters: Inclusivity and Sustainability', the summit brought together Southeast Asian leaders for high-level deliberations aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and preparing ASEAN for an increasingly complex global environment. Here are five key takeaways that defined the summit: Vision 2045: KL Declaration Sets Long-Term Strategic Roadmap A highlight of the summit was the adoption of the KL Declaration on ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, which lays out a long-term strategic vision for the bloc through the next two decades. The roadmap reaffirms ASEAN's foundational principles of non-interference and consensus while outlining enhanced ambitions in areas such as digital transformation, green development, economic resilience and security cooperation. The declaration aims to ensure ASEAN remains relevant and united in the face of shifting global power dynamics and disruptive technologies. It envisions a more adaptive and agile ASEAN that can act decisively on transboundary issues like climate change, cybersecurity and public health. ASEAN Responds to US Tariff Hikes with Unified Economic Front Recent tariff hikes by the US targeting exports from six ASEAN countries cast a shadow over the summit. In response, ASEAN leaders agreed to adopt a coordinated approach to trade negotiations with Washington, aiming to mitigate the impact on regional supply chains and economic recovery. Malaysian Prime Minister (PM) and ASEAN Chair Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the formation of a regional task force to study and negotiate on the matter, emphasising that ASEAN would not allow external economic pressure to divide the bloc. The move signals a maturing ASEAN that seeks to collectively defend its economic interests amid growing global trade tensions. Deepening Strategic Ties with China and the GCC The summit also served as a platform to enhance ASEAN's external partnerships. Notably, it hosted the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, reflecting ASEAN's intent to diversify economic partnerships beyond traditional Western allies. Anwar mentioned in his opening remarks during the ASEAN-GCC Summit that, in 2023, the GCC was ASEAN's seventh largest trading partner, with total trade reaching US$130.7 billion and foreign direct investment inflows were US$390.2 million. Anwar then stressed a stronger ASEAN-GCC relationship will be key to enhancing interregional collaboration, building resilience and securing sustainable prosperity for the peoples. The same sentiment was echoed by Chinese Premier Li Qiang who urged for closer collaboration, citing the untapped potential between ASEAN, the GCC and China as the trade value is expected to experience an average growth of 30%, reaching a total of US$18 billion by 2032. Despite accounting for nearly a quarter of the world's population and economic output, the three regions only account for 5% of global trade. Hence, the leaders agreed to boost infrastructure investment, trade liberalisation and cross-border connectivity, including in areas like digital finance and green energy. ASEAN Reaffirms Commitment to Peace in Myanmar The summit reiterated ASEAN's central role in resolving the protracted crisis in Myanmar. The ASEAN leaders supported expanding the fragile ceasefire and called for inclusive political dialogue among all stakeholders in Myanmar. The Five-Point Consensus, first introduced in 2021, was reaffirmed as the framework for peace. ASEAN continues to walk a delicate diplomatic tightrope, balancing engagement with the Myanmar military junta while maintaining credibility with the international community and pro-democracy groups. The summit also called for sustained humanitarian aid and endorsed greater involvement from ASEAN's special envoy in facilitating conflict resolution. Toward a Larger ASEAN: Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea in Focus The summit reaffirmed ASEAN's commitment to expand its membership, recognising the progress made by Timor-Leste toward full accession. Malaysian PM Anwar suggested that Timor-Leste could officially join as early as the next ASEAN Summit in October 2025. Meanwhile, Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto proposed opening membership talks with Papua New Guinea. The proposal sparked interest but also debate, as some member states raised concerns about readiness and institutional capacity. Nonetheless, the conversation signalled ASEAN's growing ambition to broaden its geopolitical footprint and enhance its global relevance. Overall, the 46th ASEAN Summit concluded with a strong message of unity and forward-looking resolve. As global uncertainties mount, from geopolitical rivalries to economic nationalism, ASEAN's leaders demonstrated a renewed commitment to regional solidarity, strategic foresight and external diversification. While challenges such as the Myanmar crisis and trade friction with the US persist, the summit's outcomes suggest a bloc that is increasingly confident in shaping its own path on the global stage. As Malaysian PM Anwar aptly summarised, 'ASEAN must not just react to global events, it must help shape them'. Now all eyes will be on the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit in October 2025 to find out what will be unfold. Related
Barnama
04-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
ASEAN Socio-cultural Plan To Uplift 680 Million People Through Inclusive, Resilient Community-building
KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Bernama) -- ASEAN has charted a bold socio-cultural agenda to uplift the lives of over 680 million people across the region by 2045, aiming to forge a resilient, inclusive and people-centred community in the face of growing global uncertainties. The plan builds on the foundation laid by the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Blueprint 2025 and responds to emerging challenges such as ageing populations, digital exclusion, public health threats, climate change and widening social inequality. 'It also recognises the opportunities arising form emerging megatrends such as digital technology advancement and green and blue economies,' according to the ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future document. Among the key goals of the ASCC plan is to build a people-centred and interconnected community through equitable digital access, greater regional mobility, and enhanced cooperation in education, lifelong learning and social protection. The strategy also envisions a caring and inclusive ASEAN that promotes shared prosperity by investing in gender equality, women's empowerment, and stronger protections for migrant workers, persons with disabilities, and the elderly. Human security and resilience feature prominently, with ASEAN pledging to address mental health, ageing, and natural disasters through partnerships between governments, civil society and the private sector. 'Youth engagement is a high priority. The plan outlines measures to equip young people to lead in innovation, climate action and entrepreneurship, while promoting active participation in ASEAN's socio-economic development. 'Women's empowerment is another central focus. ASEAN seeks to increase female representation in decision-making, develop gender-responsive policies, and invest in care infrastructure to reduce unpaid work and improve well-being,' the document read. The ASCC Plan also highlights the importance of preserving ASEAN's rich cultural heritage. It seeks to strengthen regional identity through arts, education, digital platforms and community-based initiatives, particularly in underserved areas.
Barnama
29-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
ASEAN Summit Underscores Malaysia's Strategic Leadership Role, Say Analysts
GENERAL By Muhammad Faiz Baharin KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's successful hosting of the 46th ASEAN Summit has enhanced its diplomatic stature, demonstrating strong regional leadership and strategic neutrality while uniting member states to address pressing global and regional challenges, analysts say. Political Science Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Seremban campus, Shahidah Abdul Razak said Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair 2025, had effectively led the regional bloc in addressing both global and regional issues collectively. Among the matters tackled, she said, were the ongoing trade tensions, including tariffs imposed by the United States, which have impacted several ASEAN member states, and the Myanmar crisis, which was brought to the negotiating table in pursuit of a long-term resolution. 'As ASEAN Chair, Malaysia also succeeded in producing the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future – a comprehensive and holistic document in navigating today's uncertain and complex geopolitical landscape. 'We also maintained a neutral image, positioning Malaysia — and ASEAN more broadly — as a regional organisation that does not align with any global power bloc,' she told Bernama. Shahidah said Malaysia also played a key role as a mediator between major powers such as China in discussions related to security, economic and social issues, including tensions in the South China Sea. She said Malaysia's engagement with Arab nations during the summit also reflected the country's respected leadership in tackling global issues, notably the Palestinian cause. 'Malaysia has also elevated ASEAN's influence as a bloc representing small and medium-sized economies, pushing forward trilateral economic agreements with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China,' she said.
Barnama
27-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship Praised As 46th ASEAN Summit Ends On High Note
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (front, fifth left) poses for a group photo after the signing ceremony of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future at the 46th ASEAN Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today. In the front, from left are Myanmar Permanent Secretary Ministry Foreign Affairs Aung Kyaw Moe, Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. In the front, from right are Timor-Leste's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão as an observer, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet, Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Philippine President, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. -- fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED By V. Sankara KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Bernama) -- The 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits drew to a close today with leaders engaging in strategic deliberations to advance regional integration and pursue high-level diplomacy to address problems faced in the region, including the protracted crisis in Myanmar. In discussions covering a wide range of issues, ASEAN leaders commended Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his astute leadership as ASEAN Chair for 2025. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, was praised not only by fellow ASEAN leaders, but also by his counterparts from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China, in leading summit talks when chairing the 46th ASEAN Summit, the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit. The summits also served as a platform for ASEAN to extend its engagement beyond internal matters as leaders took the opportunity to discuss the adverse impact of sweeping American tariffs on 168 countries, including on ASEAN members. To counter the adverse effects of the import levies by the United States, they agreed to boost regional resilience by leveraging each other's strengths and reinforcing their economies through greater trade and investment and forming commercial linkages with other groupings. 'In 2023, the GCC was ASEAN's seventh largest trading partner with total trade reaching USD130.7 billion, while investment is also growing, reflecting confidence in our long-term prospects,' Anwar said in his opening remarks during the ASEAN-GCC Summit. Another defining achievement at the ASEAN Summit was the adoption of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, which outlines the bloc's long-term vision for a resilient, inclusive and people-centred ASEAN. 'This declaration is a defining chapter in ASEAN's journey. Regional integration must be genuinely people-centred – that means closing development gaps, raising standards of living, and investing in the human potential of all our citizens,' Anwar said.
Malaysian Reserve
27-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
ASEAN adopts KL Declaration, reaffirms centrality and long-term goals
By HIDAYATH HISHAM ASEAN member states have adopted the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the 10th Anniversary of the Establishment of the ASEAN Community, renewing their collective commitment to deepen integration and advance the region's shared future. The Foreign Affairs Ministry (Wisma Putra) said the declaration was endorsed during the 46th ASEAN Summit on May 26, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur. 'We pledge to continue working together in the maintenance and promotion of peace, security, and stability, as well as further development and growth in the region, to ensure that the ASEAN Community continues to thrive and remains adaptive and responsive to the impacts and inherent opportunities of existing and future megatrends,' it said in a statement. The declaration outlines nine key commitments, including the strengthening of ASEAN centrality, enhanced cooperation with external partners, deeper economic integration, and improved coordination across sectors and pillars. Wisma Putra also highlighted the need for a forward-looking agenda to respond to rapid change, including challenges related to climate, technology, and evolving power dynamics. 'We reaffirm our commitment to the ASEAN Community's next phase through ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, which is people-centred, sustainable, dynamic, and resilient, with an inclusive, rules-based, and economically vibrant framework,' it said. Member states agreed to integrate the experiences of ASEAN 2025 into future plans, and to build a more cohesive regional identity with inclusive and equitable development.
