Latest news with #ASEANSummit
BusinessToday
2 days ago
- Politics
- BusinessToday
World Leaders From Asia, US, Africa, Canada, Europe, And S America To Attend ASEAN Summit
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced an impressive roster of world leaders confirmed to attend the ASEAN Summit this October with dignitaries from across Asia, the United States, Africa, Canada, Europe, and South Africa are expected to converge in Kuala Lumpur. Prime Minister Anwar has personally extended invitations during his numerous international trips, emphasising the significance of this gathering for regional and global cooperation. Adding to the anticipation, United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio made a surprise appearance at the recent ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur. During his visit, Secretary Rubio confirmed that US President Donald Trump intends to attend the October summit. This announcement signals a strong commitment from Washington to engage with Southeast Asia, particularly at a time of evolving geopolitical dynamics. The October summit, which follows the 46th ASEAN Summit held in May 2025, will specifically bring together ASEAN nations with their Dialogue Partners. This format facilitates high-level discussions on critical issues ranging from economic cooperation and security challenges to sustainable development and regional stability. Malaysia's chairmanship theme for 2025, 'Inclusivity and Sustainability,' will guide these important deliberations. Related
Barnama
2 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Several World Leaders State Commitment To Attend 47th ASEAN Summit- PM Anwar
GENERAL PUTRAJAYA, July 21 (Bernama) -- Several world leaders including those from Asia, Europe, Canada, the United States, Africa and Latin America are expected to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur this October, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Speaking at the Prime Minister's Meeting with the Prime Minister's Department staff here today, Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said that so far, among those who have expressed their commitment to attend are leaders from Italy, the European Union, Canada and the United States. "It (the ASEAN Summit) will be a major international conference for Malaysia," he said. On July 8, Anwar said several heads of government from outside ASEAN had confirmed their attendance at the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits scheduled to be held from Oct 26 to 28. Among the leaders who have confirmed their attendance are Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whom Anwar met in Rome on July 3, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who currently holds the position of President of the G20 Group. Anwar also stressed that his visit abroad was not just for tourism, but rather in Malaysia's capacity as ASEAN Chairman this year, apart from fulfilling invitations from several world leaders. "I am among the Prime Ministers who have travelled abroad the most. Coincidentally, Malaysia is ASEAN Chairman this year," he said Expressing confidence in the services of civil servants including the national security forces based on the excellent performance shown during the recent ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and ASEAN-China Summits, Anwar is confident that the ASEAN Summit in October will be held successfully. 'If you look at the performance (of the services) of civil servants, police, Immigration Department and airports at ASEAN-GCC and ASEAN-China, I am confident in our ability to provide the best for our country,' he said.
GMA Network
3 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
Meet Bran Reluao, the 'digital diplomat' and PH's youngest special envoy to Thailand
The world of diplomacy is a highly respected field in which seasoned diplomats represent their countries to foster communication and build relationships with other nations. Traditionally, members of the diplomatic corps rise through the ranks as career diplomats, but the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is welcoming a new wave of younger individuals into the fold. Meet Bran Reluao. At just 28, the communications graduate from Far Eastern University — who also has an MBA in Business Administration from Philippine Christian University — holds the distinction of being the Philippines' youngest Special Envoy to the Kingdom of Thailand. He was appointed in May and assumed office a month later. Unlike career diplomats, his Special Envoy designation is not the result of climbing the traditional ranks, but a Presidential appointment, a role given to individuals tasked with specific roles abroad. Speaking to GMA News Online, Reluao admitted to initially feeling hesitant about the appointment. Engaging with seasoned individuals in the diplomatic world is its own kind of intimidating, after all. But he eventually warmed up to the idea, stepped up for the role, and was even dubbed the "digital diplomat guy." Talking about being the youngest in the nation's diplomatic world, Reluao said he was surprised at how welcoming his colleagues were at the Department of Foreign Affairs to his appointment, washing away his hesitation. "It was a fun conversation that they told me, 'We are so thrilled that there's now a digital diplomat,'" he recalled. "I'm very passionate about digital innovation, so they're very excited and welcoming about it," he added. Tasks as a special envoy While special envoys are typically sent to handle trade and investment partnerships in other countries, Reluao's assignment is unlike most others. His mission in Thailand revolves around technology innovation to promote digital transformation in the Philippines. "My very diplomatic mission is to build a Philippine-Thailand tech corridor. Because there's already a Thailand-Malaysian tech corridor or a Malaysian-Indonesian tech corridor, but there's no existing tech corridor between the Philippines and Thailand," he said. Tech corridors mean the exchange of ideas between two countries through learning and cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, technology, digital innovation, among others. Reluao's diplomatic mission is part of the country's preparation to host the ASEAN Summit in 2026, where digital diplomacy will be a key theme. Through his Special Envoy role, Reluao aims to draw lessons from Thailand's impressive technological progress, particularly from Thailand's Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), which he described as "an agency dedicated only to the digital economy." One of his goals is to spark a similar movement like DEPA in the country by advocating for a more dedicated agency focused on digital innovation, beyond what current institutions like the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) can offer. Reluao also seeks to support the President's aim to lower the internet costs in the Philippines by learning from Thailand's impressive internet infrastructure. "Here in the Philippines, our internet per month, for example, P999 is already equivalent to a whole year in Thailand. So the President wants to slash the internet cost," he said. Aside from digital connectivity, Reluao is also looking into Thailand's financial literacy in terms of the widespread usage of digital banking, as well as its rising startup culture. The Special Envoy has already made early strides in his newly minted role. On his latest trip to Thailand, Reluao visited Chulalongkorn University and was impressed by the Integrated Innovation program designed to create startup-ready graduates. "Their goal is that by the end of their four-year term, they would have a business, a licensed business," he said, adding that the idea is something he can push for in terms of education in the Philippines. Meanwhile, in June, he attended the Japan-ASEAN Startup Business Matching Fair 2025, where the representatives of participating countries engaged in meaningful dialogue about trade, investment, innovation, and industrial cooperation. In July, Reluao hosted an appreciation dinner for Thai Embassy officials to culminate their latest cultural visit to Intramuros, the walled City of Manila. With just less than two months in, his visit to Thailand and attendance at the business matching fair in Japan are among the significant things he has done and participated in as a Special Envoy. The pulse of the youth Beyond his diplomatic duties, Reluao is also the chief executive officer of RepublicAsia, a data-driven advertising and media company he founded in 2022, that taps into the youth's sentiments, behavior, and values. "At RepublicAsia, we have data scientists who understand the behavior of the young generation, and then they start creating publication materials based on that," he said. Sharing his insights on today's youth and based on RepublicAsia's latest data, Reluao said Gen Zs place importance on three major things as of the moment: mental health and advocacy, respecting one's gender identity and pronouns, and embracing flexible setups in the workplace. Regarding mental health, Reluao said that in RepublicAsia specifically, he lets his staff take their time with work so as to avoid unnecessary pressure. "Most of the big corporations don't understand that being creative, being a good writer, needs a certain amount of time to [hone your work]," he said. "But some people are pressured to do things because they have certain numbers to [catch]." Reluao champions a culture where young writers and creatives are free to express themselves without pressure by allowing them "to write freely." "We still have an editor-in-chief so it should still be aligned with journalistic ethics and code. But I give them freedom to write in their own way," he said. Meanwhile, Reluao is all for respecting gender identity and knowing one's pronouns. "I have noticed that people in the younger generation are very particular with their pronouns, with their identifications," he said, adding "I think we need to be mindful and be respectful of that, on how they identify themselves." Another trend among the youth, according to Reluao, is the shift toward flexible and remote work environments. "[My staff] keeps telling me that in the office, they are pressured compared to when they are working, say, in coffee shops or wherever they want," he said. Reluao said he has no problem with flexible setups, as long as "they can perform and submit their outputs." The young CEO sees this evolving culture not as resistance, but as a new standard, especially with Gen Zs slowly dominating the workforce. "Big corporations need to understand that we are now becoming more diversified and more outspoken," he said. "Gen Zs are not afraid to talk." Reluao makes his own appointment as a Special Envoy as an example of Gen Zs undeniable presence in the workforce, reflecting Marcos' belief that young voices should be included in shaping the future. "I think the President believes that we need new, young blood in the government," he said. "We need more [of the] younger generation to think, to be outspoken, and not to be afraid," he said. "That's how the country should move forward." Personal advocacy on digital inclusion Staying true to his commitment to digital inclusion and innovation, Reluao launched the Pay IT Forward initiative in April, which aims to provide digital tools and training to underserved students and educators nationwide. This initiative is in partnership with the Department of Education, the Department of Budget and Management, the DICT, and iACADEMY. The Pay It Forward initiative has also partnered with Sparkle GMA Artist Center to give Sparkle artists and Status by Sparkle content creators workshops and scholarships. Earlier in July, Camp Bagong Amai Pakpak Elementary School in Marawi City, a learning institution that previously benefited from classrooms built by the GMA Kapuso Foundation, received a donation of 150 tablets and three 50-inch smart TVs through the Pay IT Forward initiative. According to Reluao, it was his first time visiting Marawi with Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, GMA Network senior vice president, for the turnover of the educational tablets and smart TVs. "There's nothing more powerful than the smile of a child filled with hope," he wrote on Instagram. "Seeing the kids light up as they received their tablets was a reminder of the endless possibilities that come with access to education and opportunity," he added. If there is one thing about Reluao, it's that when it comes to making a difference, it's not about the age; it's about your purpose. He may be the youngest Special Envoy in the Philippines, but his vision is far-reaching: a digitally empowered generation and a country that embraces innovation without leaving anyone behind. —MGP, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
3 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
Marcos flies to meet Trump in Washington visit
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday departed for Washington. D.C. for an official visit which includes a meeting with US President Donald Trump. During his departure speech at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, Marcos said his visit aims to push for 'greater economic engagement.' 'I intend to convey to President Trump and his cabinet officials that the Philippines is ready to negotiate a bilateral trade deal that will ensure strong, mutually beneficial, and future-oriented collaborations that only the United States and the Philippines will be able to take advantage of,' Marcos said. 'I expect our discussions to focus on security and defense of course, but also on trade. And we will see how much progress we can make when it comes to the negotiations with the United States,' he added. The Philippine President also said his visit will reaffirm the Philippine's 'commitment to fostering our long-standing alliances as an instrument of peace and a catalyst of development in the Asia-Pacific region and around the world.' Among the topics Marcos and Trump will discuss is the steep 20% tariff rate on Filipino goods entering the US, as Manila hopes to strike a mutually acceptable and beneficial tariff deal with the US. Marcos' visit will be from July 20 to 22. The visit is the first by an ASEAN head of state to the United States under Trump's current administration. Aside from Trump, Marcos will have a meeting with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on July 21. Several businesses in the US also expressed their intention to meet with the Philippine leader, Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Raquel Solano said. Marcos will also invite Trump to attend the East-Asia Summit as the Philippines will host the ASEAN Summit in 2026. — RF, GMA Integrated News
Focus Malaysia
14-07-2025
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
Has PMX's diplomatic miscalculations trigger Donald Trump's tariff hike?
IT wasn't supposed to go up. After months of diplomatic back-and-forth, the Madani government had hoped the US would roll back its steep 24% tariff on Malaysian exports that was first announced in April. Instead, Washington did the opposite by raising the tariff to 25%. For a country that lives and breathes exports – from semiconductors to palm oil – that extra blow is more than just numbers on a spreadsheet. It could mean billions in losses, potential layoffs and vanishing investor confidence. And this time, it feels personal. The tariff hike reads less like a routine trade measure but more like a geopolitical message: Malaysia is being punished. So what triggered this tariff spanking? Could it be that in Washington's eyes, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim misread the room? Cosying up to the wrong crowd Malaysia, once proud of its non-aligned posture, now looks like it's picking sides. And not the side the US is on. Anwar has been eager to position Malaysia within the BRICS orbit – a bloc made up of America's chief adversaries: China, Russia, Iran and others. He has visited Russia not once but twice. He even invited Russian president Vladimir Putin to the ASEAN Summit despite the international arrest warrant hanging over the Russian leader for war crimes in Ukraine. Anwar has also been warming up to Chinese President Xi Jinping. Bilateral visits, public praise and talk of deeper integration have raised eyebrows in Washington. Add to that of Anwar's vocal push for de-dollarisation and his hardline pro-Palestine stance, one gets a foreign policy that looks increasingly anti-West. Whether Anwar sees it that way or not does not matter. Trump's team possibly does. Malaysia isn't 'neutral' anymore We used to walk a careful line. As a small nation and founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and part of the Third World Network, Malaysia knew how to stay friendly with everyone without provoking anyone. Now, under Anwar, we're shifting into risky territory. And the US has taken notice. The tariff hike is possibly a clear sign that Washington is re-calibrating its view of Malaysia – from trusted partner to potential strategic irritant. That's why countries like Vietnam were spared but Malaysia wasn't. And here's the kicker: regional leaders like Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto, Singapore's Lawrence Wong, the Philippines' Ferdinand Marcos Jr and even suspemded Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra have all had phone calls with Donald Trump. Anwar hasn't even managed a single call. High cost of power politics indulgence This isn't about ideology. It's about consequences. Every time Anwar plays geopolitical chess, it's everyday Malaysians who absorb the fallout. The fact is, exporters get squeezed by tariffs, factory workers risk retrenchment, prices rise as importers scramble to stay competitive and foreign investors hold back, unsure where we stand. This is the quiet damage of a foreign policy that wants to punch above its weight. At the end of the day, Malaysians are left to become pawns and collateral. Anwar may be trying to carve a reputation as a global leader coming in with guns blazing. But the bill is arriving at our doorstep. Even at the 24% tariff rate level, it's ordinary Malaysians who will be hit hard, let alone 25% or more. Because when a small country tries to act like a big power, it needs to remember one thing: the schoolyard bully punches back. And now, with that tariff gut-punch, the bully has just getting warmed up with everyday Malaysians bracing themselves to getting hit for the slightest of mis-step. – July 14, 2025 Main image credit: Bernama
